Cruise Line Stocks Surge on Positive Wave Season Sentiment
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Feb 02 2026
0mins
Source: seekingalpha
- Strong Booking Performance: The cruise industry kicked off Wave Season with robust performance, as Royal Caribbean reported the highest seven booking weeks in history during Cyber sales, indicating a strong rebound in customer demand that is expected to drive revenue growth in the coming years.
- Rising Pricing Trends: Both bookings and pricing during Wave Season are higher than last year, with investors increasingly confident that the cruise industry can sustain higher prices while filling ships further in advance, suggesting a shift towards a sustainable profitability model.
- Increased Newbuild Orders: Management highlighted a sizable newbuild pipeline for 2026 and plans for geographic expansion in regions like Latin America, which not only enhances long-term growth expectations for the cruise industry but may also attract more investor interest.
- Strong Stock Market Performance: Carnival shares rose 4.4%, Viking Holdings increased by 4.2%, Royal Caribbean gained 3.9%, and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings led the pack with a 7.4% surge, reflecting the market's optimistic sentiment towards the cruise sector.
Trade with 70% Backtested Accuracy
Stop guessing "Should I Buy CCL?" and start using high-conviction signals backed by rigorous historical data.
Sign up today to access powerful investing tools and make smarter, data-driven decisions.
Analyst Views on CCL
Wall Street analysts forecast CCL stock price to rise
19 Analyst Rating
15 Buy
4 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 32.600
Low
33.00
Averages
37.59
High
45.00
Current: 32.600
Low
33.00
Averages
37.59
High
45.00
About CCL
Carnival Corporation is a global cruise and leisure travel company. The Company has a portfolio of cruise lines, including AIDA Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Costa Cruises, Cunard, Holland America Line, P&O Cruises (Australia), P&O Cruises (UK), Princess Cruises, and Seabourn. The Company's segment includes NAA cruise operations, Europe cruise operations (Europe), Cruise Support and Tour and Other. Its Cruise Support segment includes its portfolio of port destinations and exclusive islands as well as other services, all of which are operated for the benefit of its cruise brands. In addition to its cruise operations, it owns Holland America Princess Alaska Tours, a tour company in Alaska and the Canadian Yukon, which complements its Alaska cruise operations. Its Tour and Other segment represents the hotel and transportation operations of Holland America Princess Alaska Tours and other operations. Its tour company owns and operates hotels, lodges, glass-domed railcars and motorcoaches.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Norwegian Cruise Line Shares Decline Following CEO Transition: Reasons for the Downgrade.
- Stock Performance: Norwegian Cruise Line's stock dropped 6% following the announcement of a new CEO.
- Analyst Downgrade: The decline in stock value was also influenced by a downgrade from analysts.
See More
Carnival Cruises Achieves Successful Corporate Turnaround
- Financial Improvement: After focusing on debt repayment for the past three years, Carnival Cruises has entered a new phase centered on expanding profit margins and shareholder returns, reinstating dividends and accelerating free cash flow, shifting market perception from recovery to compounding growth.
- Stock Breakout: The stock has broken above a multi-month resistance level at $32.50, demonstrating strong relative strength and consistently outperforming the S&P 500, indicating potential institutional accumulation; if the breakout holds, the next target price could approach the $40 range.
- Valuation Attractiveness: Despite growth and profitability metrics aligning with industry rivals, Carnival trades at a forward P/E of approximately 13x, significantly lower than the industry average of 17x, with expected EPS growth of about 12.6%, surpassing the industry’s 12.1%.
- Cash Flow Shift: With no major ship deliveries in 2026, operating cash flow is being redirected toward dividends and further debt reduction, while limited industry capacity growth supports sustained yield expansion, and expected refinancing savings of $700 million annually will directly enhance earnings per share.
See More
Royal Caribbean Shares Surge 16.4% in January
- Earnings Performance: Royal Caribbean reported a 13.2% revenue increase to $4.26 billion in Q4, slightly missing expectations, while adjusted EPS surged 71.8% to $2.80, meeting analyst forecasts, indicating strong recovery in profitability.
- 2026 Guidance: The company expects adjusted EPS for 2026 to be between $17.70 and $18.10, representing a midpoint growth of 14.5%, surpassing analysts' estimate of $17.66, reflecting management's optimistic outlook on future earnings.
- Debt Management: Royal Caribbean's debt-to-EBITDA ratio is below 3.0, back within management's target range, showcasing strong post-pandemic recovery and initiating stock buybacks, indicating robust financial health.
- Market Competitive Advantage: With a 37% adjusted EBITDA margin, Royal Caribbean outperforms peers by about 10 percentage points, benefiting from a streamlined brand portfolio and high-margin mega-ships, making it an attractive option for long-term investors despite its higher valuation.
See More
Princess Cruises Earns Ospitalità Italiana Certification
- Certification Honor: Princess Cruises' Alfredo's Pizzeria aboard Sun Princess and Star Princess has received the prestigious Ospitalità Italiana Certification, affirming its commitment to authentic Italian cuisine, enhancing brand image and attracting more food enthusiasts.
- Traditional Craftsmanship: This certification ensures the use of fresh ingredients and traditional cooking techniques, with hand-stretched pizzas baked in a stone oven, showcasing Italy's rich culinary heritage and solidifying Princess Cruises as a true Italian dining destination.
- Chef Collaboration: The cruise line partners with 13-time World Pizza Champion Tony Gemignani to create five unique pizzas that blend premium ingredients and innovative flavors, enhancing the dining experience and strengthening the brand's competitive position in the market.
- Market Recognition: Princess Cruises has been recognized by USA Today for offering the
See More
Carnival's Impressive Recovery and Growth Story
- Financial Recovery: Carnival achieved record full-year revenue exceeding $26 billion and adjusted net income of $3.1 billion in 2023, demonstrating strong post-pandemic recovery and improved profitability.
- Effective Debt Management: The company has aggressively paid down debt and successfully returned to an investment-grade credit rating, reducing vulnerability to interest rate increases and enhancing financial stability and growth potential.
- Operational Efficiency: By replacing older ships with more fuel-efficient vessels, Carnival has not only improved operational efficiency but also boosted profitability through increased onboard spending by travelers.
- Reasonable Market Valuation: Currently trading at 12x forward earnings estimates, down from over 16x a year ago, this reasonable valuation provides investors with ample room for further gains, potentially attracting more buyers into the stock.
See More
Carnival's Remarkable Recovery and Profitability Improvement
- Debt Management Success: Carnival has effectively managed its debt during the pandemic by aggressively paying it down, resulting in an upgrade to investment-grade credit status, which enhances financial stability and investor confidence.
- Record Financial Performance: The company reported full-year revenue exceeding $26 billion and adjusted net income of $3.1 billion in 2023, surpassing financial goals by 18 months, indicating strong market demand and improving profitability.
- Sustainability Strategy: Carnival's SEA Change plan aims to enhance sustainability and return on invested capital, further driving the company's dual goals of environmental responsibility and profitability, thereby strengthening its competitive position in the market.
- Attractive Valuation for Investors: With a current P/E ratio of 12, down from over 16 a year ago, combined with its impressive recovery narrative, Carnival may attract more investors, potentially leading to further stock price gains.
See More
Norwegian Cruise Line Shares Decline Following CEO Transition: Reasons for the Downgrade.
- Stock Performance: Norwegian Cruise Line's stock dropped 6% following the announcement of a new CEO.
- Analyst Downgrade: The decline in stock value was also influenced by a downgrade from analysts.
See More
Carnival Cruises Achieves Successful Corporate Turnaround
- Financial Improvement: After focusing on debt repayment for the past three years, Carnival Cruises has entered a new phase centered on expanding profit margins and shareholder returns, reinstating dividends and accelerating free cash flow, shifting market perception from recovery to compounding growth.
- Stock Breakout: The stock has broken above a multi-month resistance level at $32.50, demonstrating strong relative strength and consistently outperforming the S&P 500, indicating potential institutional accumulation; if the breakout holds, the next target price could approach the $40 range.
- Valuation Attractiveness: Despite growth and profitability metrics aligning with industry rivals, Carnival trades at a forward P/E of approximately 13x, significantly lower than the industry average of 17x, with expected EPS growth of about 12.6%, surpassing the industry’s 12.1%.
- Cash Flow Shift: With no major ship deliveries in 2026, operating cash flow is being redirected toward dividends and further debt reduction, while limited industry capacity growth supports sustained yield expansion, and expected refinancing savings of $700 million annually will directly enhance earnings per share.
See More
Royal Caribbean Shares Surge 16.4% in January
- Earnings Performance: Royal Caribbean reported a 13.2% revenue increase to $4.26 billion in Q4, slightly missing expectations, while adjusted EPS surged 71.8% to $2.80, meeting analyst forecasts, indicating strong recovery in profitability.
- 2026 Guidance: The company expects adjusted EPS for 2026 to be between $17.70 and $18.10, representing a midpoint growth of 14.5%, surpassing analysts' estimate of $17.66, reflecting management's optimistic outlook on future earnings.
- Debt Management: Royal Caribbean's debt-to-EBITDA ratio is below 3.0, back within management's target range, showcasing strong post-pandemic recovery and initiating stock buybacks, indicating robust financial health.
- Market Competitive Advantage: With a 37% adjusted EBITDA margin, Royal Caribbean outperforms peers by about 10 percentage points, benefiting from a streamlined brand portfolio and high-margin mega-ships, making it an attractive option for long-term investors despite its higher valuation.
See More
Princess Cruises Earns Ospitalità Italiana Certification
- Certification Honor: Princess Cruises' Alfredo's Pizzeria aboard Sun Princess and Star Princess has received the prestigious Ospitalità Italiana Certification, affirming its commitment to authentic Italian cuisine, enhancing brand image and attracting more food enthusiasts.
- Traditional Craftsmanship: This certification ensures the use of fresh ingredients and traditional cooking techniques, with hand-stretched pizzas baked in a stone oven, showcasing Italy's rich culinary heritage and solidifying Princess Cruises as a true Italian dining destination.
- Chef Collaboration: The cruise line partners with 13-time World Pizza Champion Tony Gemignani to create five unique pizzas that blend premium ingredients and innovative flavors, enhancing the dining experience and strengthening the brand's competitive position in the market.
- Market Recognition: Princess Cruises has been recognized by USA Today for offering the
See More
Carnival's Impressive Recovery and Growth Story
- Financial Recovery: Carnival achieved record full-year revenue exceeding $26 billion and adjusted net income of $3.1 billion in 2023, demonstrating strong post-pandemic recovery and improved profitability.
- Effective Debt Management: The company has aggressively paid down debt and successfully returned to an investment-grade credit rating, reducing vulnerability to interest rate increases and enhancing financial stability and growth potential.
- Operational Efficiency: By replacing older ships with more fuel-efficient vessels, Carnival has not only improved operational efficiency but also boosted profitability through increased onboard spending by travelers.
- Reasonable Market Valuation: Currently trading at 12x forward earnings estimates, down from over 16x a year ago, this reasonable valuation provides investors with ample room for further gains, potentially attracting more buyers into the stock.
See More
Carnival's Remarkable Recovery and Profitability Improvement
- Debt Management Success: Carnival has effectively managed its debt during the pandemic by aggressively paying it down, resulting in an upgrade to investment-grade credit status, which enhances financial stability and investor confidence.
- Record Financial Performance: The company reported full-year revenue exceeding $26 billion and adjusted net income of $3.1 billion in 2023, surpassing financial goals by 18 months, indicating strong market demand and improving profitability.
- Sustainability Strategy: Carnival's SEA Change plan aims to enhance sustainability and return on invested capital, further driving the company's dual goals of environmental responsibility and profitability, thereby strengthening its competitive position in the market.
- Attractive Valuation for Investors: With a current P/E ratio of 12, down from over 16 a year ago, combined with its impressive recovery narrative, Carnival may attract more investors, potentially leading to further stock price gains.
See More
