Latest news with #Carnival
The Sun
6 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
Public backs ‘Jom Beli Lokal' campaign at KPDN carnival in Iskandar Puteri
ISKANDAR PUTERI: The Buy Malaysian Goods Campaign (KBBM) 2025, themed 'Jom Beli Lokal,' has drawn enthusiastic participation from traders and visitors at the Southern Zone Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) Carnival. A Bernama survey revealed widespread approval for the initiative, with many seeing it as a crucial step to bolster demand for local products and uplift micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Café owner Roslinda Basir, 51, shared that the campaign has provided small-scale entrepreneurs like her a direct platform to showcase their products. 'At this carnival, I'm selling nasi ambang with homemade side dishes and sambal. The response has been very encouraging over the past two days,' she said. 'With continued government support, more Malaysians will recognise and trust locally made products.' Kuih keria seller Mohamad Riduan Sukiman, 41, echoed the sentiment, calling the campaign a vital effort to empower local industries. 'I hope such initiatives reach rural areas too, as our products are high-quality. Consistency is key to expanding our market,' he said. Visitor Noraini Md Yusof, 32, praised the campaign for stimulating post-pandemic economic recovery. 'Local products are affordable and high-quality. If we don't support them, who will?' she said after purchasing snacks. Business student S. Harvindran, 21, highlighted the campaign's role in fostering patriotism. 'Buying local supports small traders and national growth. Many local products rival international brands—we must back our own,' he said. KPDN Business Development Division director Adiratno Che Ani noted that 63 booths under the KBBM pavilion featured diverse local businesses, including food, household items, and lifestyle goods. He encouraged the public to visit the carnival, running until tomorrow, to support local entrepreneurs. Launched by Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, KBBM 2025 aims to expand market access for local products and reduce import reliance.
Yahoo
14 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
CCL vs. RCL: Which Cruise Line Stock is the Smarter Buy Right Now?
As consumer appetite for experiential travel continues to rebound, cruise operators like Carnival Corporation & plc CCL and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. RCL are vying for investor attention with strong brand portfolios and improving fundamentals. Both companies are capitalizing on elevated demand and pricing power, setting them up for differences in strategy, innovation, and operational discipline raise the question: which cruise stock stands out more favorably in the current climate?Let's see how these two cruise giants stack up. Carnival is leveraging its global scale and multi-brand strategy to deliver robust yield growth and operational momentum. Carnival recently exceeded its 2026 targets — 50% growth in EBITDA per berth and a 12% return on invested capital — 18 months ahead of schedule. It achieved its highest EBITDA margin in nearly two decades, supported by strong close-in ticket demand, onboard spending, and cost fiscal 2025, Carnival will debut Celebration Key, a flagship private Caribbean destination featuring the world's largest swim-up bar, expansive lagoons, and curated beach experiences. Additional upgrades to Half Moon Cay and Mahogany Bay (to be rebranded Isla Tropicale) further strengthen its 'Paradise Collection' strategy to attract and retain guests. Additionally, Carnival is revamping its fleet through the AIDA Evolution upgrade and moderate newbuild pipeline. It is also launching a new loyalty program — Carnival Rewards — in mid-2026, which ties benefits to overall spend and credit card use. This initiative, modeled after successful airline programs, is expected to boost guest engagement in the upcoming the financial side, Carnival refinanced $7 billion of debt so far in fiscal 2025 and improved its net debt-to-EBITDA ratio sequentially from 4.1x to 3.7x in the fiscal second quarter 2025. With limited new ship deliveries through 2029 and growing free cash flow, Carnival is focused on regaining investment-grade status while delivering long-term shareholder value. Royal Caribbean is executing on its 'Perfecta Performance' strategy by combining premium guest experiences, moderate capacity expansion, and disciplined cost management to drive strong financial growth. In the first quarter of 2025, the company reported yield growth of 5.6% and a 35% EBITDA margin — up 360 basis points year over year — fueled by exceptional close-in demand, pricing power, and elevated onboard spending. The company continues to expand its exclusive destination portfolio with the upcoming Royal Beach Club in Nassau, designed to complement its popular Perfect Day at CocoCay. The club will feature curated beach experiences, elevated dining, and expanded guest capacity, intended to deepen guest engagement and boost ancillary Caribbean's growing digital footprint is another key differentiator. Its mobile app, now widely adopted across the fleet, is driving higher levels of direct booking and pre-cruise purchases. Loyalty program integration and frictionless trip planning are central to the company's efforts to improve revenue capture and increase repeat the company may face near-term pressure related to ship deployment timing and elevated expenses tied to destination rollouts and dry dock activity. Cost growth is expected to vary across quarters, primarily influenced by the scheduling of dry docks, ship deliveries, and the ramp-up of expenses tied to the Costa Maya port acquisition and other destination investments. The second and third quarters are expected to have higher costs, with the third quarter particularly affected, facing a 280-basis-point impact from these timing-related factors. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Carnival's fiscal 2025 sales and earnings per share (EPS) suggests year-over-year increases of 5.4% and 38%, respectively. In the past 60 days, earnings estimates for fiscal 2025 have risen 3.8%. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Royal Caribbean's 2025 sales and EPS suggests year-over-year increases of 9.4% and 30.7%, respectively. In the past 60 days, earnings estimates for 2025 have increased 6%. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Carnival stock has rallied 31.7% in the past three months, significantly outpacing its industry and the S&P 500's rise of 15.8% and 10.1%, respectively. Meanwhile, Royal Caribbean shares have risen 42.6% in the same time. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Carnival is trading at a forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 12.92X, below the industry average of 18.59X over the last year. RCL's forward 12-month P/E multiple sits at 17.92X over the same time frame. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Based on short-term price targets offered by 23 analysts, Carnival's average price target represents an increase of 10.7% from the last closing price of $26.17. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Based on short-term price targets offered by 24 analysts, RCL's average price target represents a decline of 7.1% from the last closing price of $295.89. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Given their contrasting strategies, Carnival presents a more attractive near-term buying opportunity than Royal Caribbean. While RCL continues to deliver premium experiences and superior margins, it faces near-term cost pressures related to destination rollouts and dry dock activity. Carnival, on the other hand, is delivering operational efficiency and financial gains through disciplined execution, fleet upgrades, and destination-led brand differentiation. Its early achievement of long-term margin and sustainability targets, coupled with attractive valuation and rising earnings estimates, highlights a clear edge. With a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) and momentum on its side, Carnival offers a compelling entry point for investors seeking near-term gains and long-term value. Meanwhile, RCL, carrying a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), may warrant a wait-and-see approach. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Carnival Corporation (CCL) : Free Stock Analysis Report Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCL) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
18 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Carnival Corporation & plc (CCL): 'We Should Be More Positive,' Says Jim Cramer
Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE:CCL) is one of the . Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE:CCL) is one of the largest cruise ship operators in America. The firm's shares have gained a modest 1.8% year-to-date after having lost 33% by early April. Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE:CCL) experienced some bullishness early in the year when strong consumer spending for its cruises led to strong bookings. However, in what Cramer would later dub as the 'end of the travel bull market,' the stock lost steam and dropped. In his previous comments about Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE:CCL), Cramer also pointed out at news reports of tax exemptions for the cruise segment being removed as a potential contributor to the lackluster share price performance. Here are his latest thoughts about Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE:CCL): 'Carnival's up, uh, ten percent almost. No I guess what I'm saying is that the gloom does not match the stock prices. There's the gloom that we feel, the worry that is the economy is falling apart, if you look at these stocks, you're making so much money. We're making so much money. Like we should be more positive. A luxurious cruise ship sailing the deep blue sea, sun glistening off its decks. Cramer discussed Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE:CCL) and the tax exemptions earlier this year. Here is what he said: 'Kind of shocking to say, one of the greatest groups in this market has been the cruise lines. It has just become, remarkable comeback, and this is the long on money, short on time. Meaning, let's find the bar again and travel. . . These all got clocked. Why? Because Howard Lutnick, the new Commerce Secretary said that President Trump might wanna be able to get rid of the, their inability to pay tax. They don't pay tax. Again, what I keep referring to is, Congress passed an actual codified section . . . saying that their income is not taxable! So you know, you need to get Congress to check off. Now, Citi in its note does say to make these changes we believe President Trump would need to focus on the cruise industry. But I'm implying that if the President does focus, then it gets rid of Congress. Now, look, maybe I'm outmoded. I have been focused on Congress cause that's the way our country has, since, I don't know, like Jefferson. But everything's new! This needs Congressional approval. I don't know how else he can do it!' While we acknowledge the potential of CCL as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an extremely cheap AI stock that is also a major beneficiary of Trump tariffs and onshoring, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 20 Best AI Stocks To Buy Now and 30 Best Stocks to Buy Now According to Billionaires. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
20 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Royal Caribbean cruisers react to Carnival cruise loyalty shakeup
Royal Caribbean cruisers react to Carnival cruise loyalty shakeup originally appeared on Come Cruise With Me. As Carnival Cruise Line revealed details of its overhauled cruise loyalty program on June 18, it wasn't just Carnival cruisers who recoiled. Carnival Rewards, a spend-based rewards program set to roll out in June 2026, has many cruisers reeling, even some who don't sail with the cruise new program appears to require passengers at the highest tiers to spend tens of thousands of dollars each year to maintain their elite status, and it could open the door for other cruise lines to do the same. Carnival's new spend-based loyalty program isn't a completely new concept — most airlines and hotels already follow this type of model, but the cruise industry has been slow to evolve. What do Royal Caribbean cruisers think about the new program and what it could mean for the cruise industry? Many "loyal to Royal" cruisers made their opinions clear in a discussion in the Royal Caribbean community on Reddit.'The new program Carnival announced yesterday rewards money over loyalty. Do you think this is something Royal and the other lines will try to adopt?' Redditor oOoOsarahOoOo asked fellow Royal Caribbean cruisers. 'If so, would cruisers stay loyal to Royal, or would this be a reason to try other brands?' A number of cruisers reasoned that Royal Caribbean and other cruise lines will likely follow suit in a few years, if Carnival reports that the change increases revenue. 'I think the other cruise lines are going to wait to see how this affects Carnival's business. If there's not too much of a difference, or somehow Carnival's earnings go up with this reward program? You will 100% see other cruise lines adopt this model,' CricketCapital4095 other travel loyalty programs increasingly reward travelers based on their spending, it's not surprising that cruise lines would follow. 'This is an extremely logical move for [Carnival] to make, despite how many people are deep in their feels about it, and I'd bet the cost of my next cruise that other lines will follow suit within a couple of years of Carnival's first earnings call after this goes into effect,' baltinerdist added. Commenters also pointed out that if the industry moved in this direction, cruisers may be more inclined to sail with multiple cruise lines rather than stay loyal to one in order to gain status.'If there is no loyalty program, then why be loyal,' Routine_Day_1276 questioned. 'That's the entire reason for it. Granted, you don't get a lot for being loyal, but anything that isn't an insult is better than nothing. In my opinion, what Carnival did is an insult to everyone who has been loyal. So no, if Royal went that route, I would not be loyal to them anymore.' Royal Caribbean cruisers don't want the cruise line to change its popular Crown & Anchor loyalty program. Like Carnival's current VIFP Club, Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor program rewards cruisers based on nights sailed.'I very much hope Royal realizes that by having the best loyalty program in the industry, they would have the most to lose by making drastic changes to Crown & Anchor,' xAdray commented. Still, if the Carnival Rewards program proves successful, Royal Caribbean and other cruise lines would likely begin to incorporate spending-based rewards into their loyalty programs in some way. 'Even if other cruise lines don't adopt the Carnival-specific model, I wouldn't be surprised if an 'onboard spending' category was added as a way to retain top-tier status. It's all about capturing dollars on board for the cruise lines,' CricketCapital4095 pointed out. 'If you're top-tier status but don't spend much on board, why would a cruise line much care about your loyalty status? More than likely those customers cost cruise lines money in some capacity,' CricketCapital4095 added. (The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.) , or email Amy Post at or call or text her at 386-383-2472. This story was originally reported by Come Cruise With Me on Jun 21, 2025, where it first appeared.
Miami Herald
a day ago
- Miami Herald
Carnival Cruise Line passengers vote against US ports
With economic concerns and increasing political tensions on the mind of many U.S. travelers, it's no surprise that more people are choosing domestic vacations this summer. As the U.S. continues to issue heightened travel warnings for U.S. citizens visiting certain countries, it wouldn't be shocking if more cruisers decided to stay closer to home for their next cruise vacations. Related: US shares troubling 'violent crime' warning for more cruise ports Some cruise lines like Norwegian Cruise Line have reported experiencing a softening in bookings for Europe cruise itineraries this summer, although demand remains strong from Caribbean cruises departing from U.S. ports. Americans are increasingly choosing to forego long-haul international trips, but they aren't ditching travel altogether. States across the U.S. like Florida and Texas are reporting sharp increases in the numbers of domestic tourists visiting this year. With domestic destinations trending, you might expect Carnival Cruise Line - which prides itself on offering more accessible U.S. home ports than any other cruise line - to feature more cruise options that sail to close-to-home destinations. That's not the case, however, and it doesn't seem to be what Carnival passengers want, either. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter to save money on your next (or your first) cruise. Although Key West, Florida, has long been a staple of Caribbean cruise itineraries, other U.S. cruise ports (outside of Alaska and Hawaii) have traditionally served much more often as departure ports for cruises than as cruise ports of call. This is changing, however, as popular U.S. cities like New Orleans, San Francisco, Boston, and Portland, Maine are increasingly being featured as stops on cruises departing from other destinations. Related: Carnival Cruise Line raises red flag over new cruise 'hack' Cruise lines like Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, and Virgin Voyages are leading this trend, and although Carnival does offer some U.S. port stops, they're not a big focus. Carnival's cruise itineraries lean heavily into The Bahamas, Caribbean islands, and Mexico. Despite current travel trends, Carnival Cruise Line passengers are continuing to show strong interest in sailing to these popular destinations outside of U.S. waters as they plan for their next cruises. It turns out that most Carnival cruise passengers don't actually want more cruises that visit U.S. ports of call, at least according to a June 16 poll conducted by Carnival Cruise Line Brand Ambassador John Heald on his popular Facebook page that's followed by more than 600,000 people. Be the first to see the best deals on cruises, special sailings, and more. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter. Poll results showed that thousands of Carnival cruisers don't want the cruise line to lean into the growing cruise trend that's seeing more U.S. ports of call featured on cruise itineraries. The poll was driven by a recent message Heald received from an unidentified Carnival passenger who said: "Please include more American ports as places we visit during the cruise. Why does Carnival Cruise Line not include New Orleans, San Francisco, and Boston? These are just as good and fun places to visit as most of your selections in the Caribbean." More Carnival cruise news: Carnival Cruise Line fixes massive passenger pain pointCarnival cruisers get free drinks with this lesser-known dealGoogle scam targets Carnival, Royal Caribbean cruisers Through votes in the poll, about 5,700 Carnival cruisers indicated that they agreed and would like to visit those U.S. cities during their cruises. Many more passengers rejected the idea, however. About 15,000 Carnival cruisers voted for the poll option, "I really do not have interest in having places like New Orleans, San Francisco, and Boston as part of my cruise itinerary." In the comments on the poll post, some Carnival cruisers explained that the Caribbean is far more interesting to them than U.S. cities. "If I'm taking a Caribbean cruise, get me there as fast as possible, without stopping at additional U.S. ports," Bob Riedle commented. (The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.) Make a free appointment with Come Cruise With Me's Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel, or email Amy Post at amypost@ or call or text her at 386-383-2472. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
