In this article, we will discuss 10 Best Cruise Stocks to Buy Right Now.Cruise stocks are regaining investor attention as the industry enters 2026 with record-breaking demand, firm pricing, and rising onboard spending. North American passenger volumes are projected to reach 21.7 million, reflecting a decisive shift from pandemic-era survival to sustained expansion. Prominent cruise operators are reporting occupancy levels above 100%, meaning cabins frequently accommodate more than two guests. This high load ...

Core Viewpoint - Carnival Corporation is a leading cruise operator with a positive financial outlook, supported by improved balance sheet metrics and strategic initiatives aimed at growth [1][2][6] Financial Performance - Carnival's financial guidance for fiscal year 2026 includes a net yield growth of 2.5% year-over-year, an adjusted EBITDA of $7.63 billion, and an adjusted EPS of $2.48, driven by strong booking trends at higher prices [3][6] - The company has achieved significant improvement in revenue flow-through, with operating income per berth day reaching its highest level in nearly two decades, bolstered by higher occupancy rates and increased pricing [4] Stock Performance - Carnival's stock is currently trading at $31.69, reflecting a decrease of 1.39% or $0.45, with a 52-week range of $15.07 to $32.89 and a market capitalization of approximately $41.56 billion [5] - UBS has maintained a "Buy" rating for Carnival, raising the price target from $37 to $38, while the stock trades at a forward 12-month P/E ratio of 12.94x, lower than the industry average of 17.18x [1][3][6] Strategic Initiatives - The company aims for a deleveraging target of below three times and has reinstated dividends, indicating a strong financial position [2][6] - Carnival is engaging in opportunistic share repurchases and has implemented cost controls to protect its margins despite challenges like cost inflation and regulatory costs [2][5]

Core Insights - Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH) is valued at a market cap of $9.8 billion and operates three major brands, making it one of the largest cruise operators globally [1] - The company is classified as a mid-cap stock and is experiencing a gradual return to profitability with expanding fleet capacity and resilient consumer demand [2] Stock Performance - NCLH is currently trading 26.5% below its 52-week high of $29.29, with a 15.1% decline in shares over the past three months, underperforming the Dow Jones Industrial Average's 4.1% rise [3] - Over the past 52 weeks, NCLH shares have dropped 18.4%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average has increased by 10.2% [4] - Year-to-date, NCLH shares are down 16.3%, compared to a 12.6% rise in the financial sector (XLF) [4] Recent Developments - On December 11, NCLH shares rose 4.9% following the announcement of Marc Kazlauskas as the new President, effective January 19, 2026, indicating positive market sentiment regarding his leadership [5] - NCLH has significantly underperformed compared to its rival, Carnival Corporation & plc (CCL), which has seen a 9% increase over the past 52 weeks and a 12.5% rise year-to-date [6]

Core Insights - Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCL) is a significant player in the global cruise industry, competing with Carnival Corporation and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings [1] - Jefferies has maintained a "Hold" rating for RCL and adjusted its price target from $286 to $275, with the current stock price around $278.71 [1][6] - Castleark Management LLC increased its investment in RCL by 80.4%, now holding 35,570 shares valued at $11.14 million, indicating a positive outlook despite the lowered price target [2][6] - Other institutional investors, including Norges Bank and Vanguard Group Inc., have made substantial adjustments to their positions, reflecting strong confidence in RCL's future performance [3][6] Stock Performance - RCL's stock price is currently approximately $278.71, showing a slight decrease of about 0.36% or $0.995 [4] - The stock has experienced fluctuations during the trading day, with a low of $276.62 and a high of $282.50 [4] - Over the past year, RCL's stock has seen a high of $366.50 and a low of $164.01, indicating significant volatility [4] Market Position - The company's market capitalization is approximately $76 billion, with a trading volume of 1,603,881 shares on the NYSE, highlighting its prominence in the cruise industry [5]

Core Insights - Viking Holdings has been recognized as the leader in the cruise industry by topping the U.S. News & World Report's 2026 Best Cruise Line Rankings, highlighting its excellence and competitive edge [1][5] - Goldman Sachs maintains a Neutral rating on Viking Holdings but has raised the price target from $64 to $66, indicating a positive outlook for the company's future performance [2][5] - The current stock price of Viking Holdings is $61.61, reflecting a slight increase of 0.65% or $0.40, with a market capitalization of approximately $27.3 billion [3][4][5] Market Performance - The stock has experienced fluctuations today, with a low of $61.32 and a high of $63.90, indicating volatility in the market [3] - Over the past year, Viking Holdings has seen a high of $65.37 and a low of $31.79, further reflecting its market volatility [3] - The trading volume for Viking Holdings today is 2,081,966 shares, indicating active investor interest [4]