Latest news with #NorwegianCruise
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
How Realistic is Royal Caribbean's 20% EPS CAGR Goal Through 2027?
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCL) has set an ambitious goal to grow adjusted earnings per share (EPS) at a 20% compound annual rate through 2027. The company is relying on a balanced approach that includes moderate capacity growth, yield improvement and cost control. Its Perfecta Performance Program is structured around these priorities and also targets a return on invested capital in the high teens. In the first quarter of 2025, Royal Caribbean's adjusted earnings and revenues increased 53.1% and 7.3%, respectively, year over year. The performance was supported by high close-in demand and higher pricing, with strong onboard spending also contributing. For 2025, the company expects adjusted EPS to grow approximately 28%, with guidance now in the range of $14.55 to $15.55. Management attributes this outlook to better-than-expected first-quarter results, as well as favorable foreign exchange and fuel rates. A solid booking position and steady cost execution also support the company's confidence in meeting its full-year targets. The company continues to follow its proven formula of moderate capacity growth, moderate yield growth and strong cost control. Upcoming ship launches like Star of the Seas and Celebrity Xcel, combined with new destination offerings such as Royal Beach Club Nassau, are expected to enhance pricing power and guest volumes during the second half of the year. These efforts are further supported by improved booking tools, rising digital engagement and operational flexibility across key markets. With consistent demand trends, a stable balance sheet and a focused long-term strategy, RCL appears well positioned to achieve its multi-year EPS growth goal through 2027. Carnival Corporation & plc (CCL) is seeing broad-based strength across its business, driven by sustained demand, higher booking volumes and disciplined cost management. Backed by solid performance, the company raised its fiscal 2025 adjusted EPS guidance to approximately $1.97, indicating a 39% increase from $1.42 in fiscal 2024. Strategic focus on fleet optimization, new ship additions and global marketing efforts continues to support growth as Carnival looks to capture rising international demand. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH) is progressing on its fleet transformation and cost-efficiency strategy. For 2025, Norwegian Cruise expects adjusted EPS of $2.05, implying a 13% increase from $1.82 in 2024. New capacity additions like Norwegian Aqua and upgrades to digital tools are enhancing guest experience and supporting upsell opportunities. While Norwegian Cruise operates at a smaller scale, its continued focus on fleet management and disciplined cost control is helping strengthen the earnings outlook. Shares of Royal Caribbean have gained 57% in the past three months compared with the industry's growth of 26.6%. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research From a valuation standpoint, Royal Caribbean trades at a forward price-to-sales ratio of 4.73X, significantly up from the industry's average of 2.45X. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research The Zacks Consensus Estimate for RCL's 2025 and 2026 earnings implies a year-over-year uptick of 30.8% and 14.5%, respectively. The EPS estimates for 2025 have increased in the past 30 days. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research RCL currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). 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 Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Can Carnival's Destination Strategy Power a New Phase of Yield Growth?
Carnival Corporation & plc CCL is doubling down on a high-margin, experience-led strategy by investing heavily in exclusive Caribbean destinations to unlock additional revenue streams. The cruise giant has been steadily building out its portfolio of exclusive private island destinations, positioning the assets as growth accelerators capable of lifting yields and deepening guest the center of this strategy is Celebration Key, a 275,000-square-foot lagoon destination set to open in July. Built to house the world's largest swim-up bar and most expansive sandcastle attraction, Celebration Key has already become one of the most Googled cruise destinations. Carnival is deploying targeted marketing spend behind the destination, aiming to drive both brand heat and yield premiums. Early booking trends are encouraging, with pricing in line with management's also plans to expand other Caribbean properties under its 'Paradise Collection,' including RelaxAway (Half Moon Cay) and Isla Tropicale (Mahogany Bay). These destinations are being enhanced to support higher guest throughput, improved infrastructure and elevated experiences, paving the path for increased revenue per leveraging unique land-based assets and extending its advanced booking window, the company is creating opportunities to drive consumer conversion, optimize pricing and extract more value from each guest. In an environment where capacity growth remains measured, these assets offer an efficient lever for improving returns. With over 2 million annual visitors expected across these properties, the downstream impact on yield and per-passenger spend could be meaningful. In fiscal 2025, Carnival expects net yields (in constant currency) to be approximately 5.6% higher than 2024 levels. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. RCL has long embraced a destination-first strategy and continues to double down with its expanding portfolio. Over 70% of Royal Caribbean's Caribbean itineraries already include a stop at a private destination, and that number is expected to climb to 90% by 2027. The company's Perfect Day series remains a powerful lever for driving higher average per diems (APDs) and elevated onboard revenues. In 2025, Royal Caribbean is guiding for yield growth in the range of 2.6-4.6%, underpinned by destination-led pricing strength and favorable Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. NCLH is also building out its destination infrastructure, with a focus on elevating Great Stirrup Cay, its private island in the Bahamas. Norwegian Cruise expects to more than double Great Stirrup Cay's capacity by 2026, from roughly 400,000 to over 1 million annual guests. These enhancements, including resort-style pools, family zones, exclusive beach clubs and upgraded transportation, are designed to support stronger onboard monetization and yield lift. For 2025, Norwegian Cruise is guiding net yield growth in the 2-3% range, supported by disciplined pricing, improved onboard spend and expanded Caribbean deployment. Shares of Carnival have rallied 49.5% in the past three months compared with the industry's growth of 26.5%. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research From a valuation standpoint, CCL trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 13.82X, significantly below the industry's average of 19.68X. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research The Zacks Consensus Estimate for CCL's fiscal 2025 and 2026 earnings implies a year-over-year uptick of 38% and 13.4%, respectively. The EPS estimates for fiscal 2025 and 2026 have increased in the past 30 days. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research CCL stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). 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 Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH) : 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
New York Post
04-07-2025
- Health
- New York Post
Kentucky doctor, 62, mysteriously vanishes after leaving Norwegian cruise ship for solo hike in Alaska
A Kentucky doctor mysteriously vanished after leaving a Norwegian cruise ship for a solo hike in Alaska, prompting a large-scale search for the missing passenger. Marites Buenafe, 62, was reported missing around 3:18 p.m. Tuesday after she failed to return to the Norwegian Bliss before its 1:30 p.m. departure from Juneau, according to the Alaska State Troopers. The primary care physician, who works at University of Kentucky HealthCare in Lexington, texted her family around 7:30 a.m., saying she was taking the Mount Roberts Tramway to hike Gold Ridge to Gastineau Peak. Advertisement 5 Marites Buenafe mysteriously vanished during a Norwegian Cruise in Alaska on July 1, 2025. ALASKA STATE TROOPERS Police said she was last seen on security footage leaving the building at the tramway's top stop around the same time she sent her final text. 'We remain optimistic that we will find Marites alive,' Austin McDaniel, a department spokesperson, told the New York Times Thursday. Advertisement Police launched a multi-agency ground and aerial search for the lost traveler, deploying helicopters, thermal drones, and K-9s along the popular hiking trail — but have so far come up empty. McDaniel said authorities have concentrated the emergency response in the mountains south of downtown Juneau. Buenafe earned her medical degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Ohio and has practiced medicine for over 20 years, according to the healthcare system's website. 5 Norwegian Cruise's Norwegian Bliss sails through John Hopkins Inlet in Glacier Bay, Alaska on July 11, 2019. Bloomberg via Getty Images Advertisement 5 Buenafe works as a primary care physician at the University of Kentucky HealthCare in Lexington. ALASKA STATE TROOPERS She currently works as a family medicine doctor at Albert B. Chandler Hospital. Norwegian Cruise Line, which began the seven-day voyage from Seattle on Saturday, said it is assisting local authorities. 'An active search is ongoing, and we are providing assistance to local authorities as appropriate,' a spokesperson for the cruise line told People. Advertisement 'Our CARE team is providing support to the guest's family and our thoughts are with them during this difficult time.' 5 Buenafe currently works at Albert B. Chandler Hospital. ALASKA STATE TROOPERS 5 Norwegian Cruise Line, which began the seven-day voyage from Seattle on Saturday, said it is assisting local authorities. It's unclear whether the nearly 1,100-foot vessel, with multiple scheduled stops in Alaska and Canada, has remained in the state capital — its third stop — during the search. The ship is scheduled to return to Seattle on Saturday, according to CruiseMapper. Norwegian did not immediately respond to The Post's request for comment due to the July 4 holiday.
Miami Herald
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Norwegian Cruise Line reveals its sweetest dining secrets
The job of a Norwegian Cruise Line pastry chef is a very important one. Dessert is the literal icing on the cake of the cruise experience for many passengers, and it takes devotion and artistry to perfect the recipes that keep cruisers dreaming about cruise ship treats long after they return to land. Related: Norwegian Cruise steps up casino program to rival Royal Caribbean Along with many other sweet menu items, Norwegian Cruise Line serves about 12,000 of its passenger-favorite OMG cheesecake dessert every single week across its fleet. Every day, a pastry chef's job involves preparing about 1,000 sweet treats inside the cruise ship galley. Leading this sweet cruise ship operation as a chief pastry chef requires about eight to 10 years of training and a serious passion and dedication for the art of creating edible masterpieces. In the cruise line's latest "Meet the Crew" video, Norwegian Cruise Line President David Herrera offers a behind-the-scenes look at just what it takes to consistently deliver these craveable cruise treats day in and day out as a pastry chef aboard the cruise line's brand-new ship Norwegian Aqua. As he gets in the galley with the fleet's executive pastry chef and learns how to prepare and plate some of the cruise line's most popular desserts, Herrera shares insights into some of the team's secrets for pastry perfection. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter to save money on your next (or your first) cruise. Transcript: David Herrera: Welcome to Meet the Crew, where we show you how Norwegian's fleet stays in perfect shape while making sure every guest is experiencing their best vacation on board. I am David Herrera, and I'm going behind the scenes with the crew members who make every sailing spectacular. Please join me as we meet the crew. David Herrera: Hey everybody, this is David Herrera at Norwegian Cruise Line, and we've got a special one for you today. We're on Norwegian Aqua, and we're headed right into the galley, where all the food is made, where all those interesting pastries, all the deliciousness that we have at Norwegian Cruise Line. And with us today: Christian Pratsch, Vice President of Food and Beverage Operations for Norwegian Cruise Line. Hello, sir. How are you? Christian Pratsch: Thank you. We're so glad to have you here. David Herrera: You spent a lot of time on the ships. Now you're on the shore side. You provide a lot of leadership for the entire fleet. How long were you on the ship, sir? Christian Pratsch: I am with NCL for eight years now. I started with the beautiful Norwegian Joy in China. I only recently, shy of a year, transitioned into the role of vice president, overseeing food and beverage operations. The galley is to my heart, because that is where I grew up. Related: Norwegian Cruise Line raises the bar with debut of new ship David Herrera: So, you're coming back home to the galley. Christian Pratsch: Yes. David Herrera: And we're going to do some special stuff today. Let's do it. Christian Pratsch: Let's go. David Herrera: We're deep in the heart of the galley, the pastry section. This is where the magic happens, from show-stopping desserts to delicate garnishes. This team fuels the sweet side of every Norwegian Cruise Line sailing. David Herrera: Okay, so who are we going to meet with and what am I going to be doing, sir? Christian Pratsch: Today, we're going to meet Chef Ryan. He's our fleet executive pastry chef. He has been on the ship for many, many years, and he's going to show you how to do some guest favorites. David Herrera: Chef Ryan. Chef Ryan: Nice to meet you. David Herrera: Good to meet you, sir. How are you? Christian Pratsch: You are in good hands. Good luck. David Herrera: So, you're going to leave and we're just going to... Why not? Be the first to see the best deals on cruises, special sailings, and more. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter. David Herrera: Chef Ryan has been part of the NCL family for 15 years. Chef Ryan Alcantara Agustin: I started at NCL as assistant in pastry, assistant pastry chef, now pastry chef. David Herrera: He is the creative force behind the desserts guests crave, and the leader of a team that's constantly delivering excellence, one sweet bite at a time. David Herrera: So, you only have been a chief pastry chef one year longer than I have. Chef Ryan: Yes. David Herrera: So, it's almost like we're peers, like same level almost, right? Chef Ryan: Yes, sir. David Herrera: Cool. So, this should be easy for both of us. Chef Ryan: Yeah. David Herrera: It's incredible to see the level of care, precision, and craftsmanship that goes into every dessert. Watching this team in action makes it clear that pastry is an art that takes passion, skill, and years of dedication to master. David Herrera: What are we going to do first? Chef Ryan: OMG cheesecake. David Herrera: OMG cheesecake. How come when I eat it, it doesn't look like that? There's always other stuff on it. Chef Ryan: We are going to put some decorations before we serve it. David Herrera: The OMG cheesecake is one of the most popular desserts on board. It is a rich cheesecake layered with caramel and butterscotch. Let's see if I can do it justice. Related: An early look at Norwegian Aqua, the cruise line's newest ship David Herrera: How many people are there in the pastry team? Chef Ryan: On Norwegian Aqua we have around 26. David Herrera: 26? Chef Ryan: Yes, sir. David Herrera: Making pastries? Chef Ryan: Yes, sir. David Herrera: That's a lot of pastries, baby. Chef Ryan: A lot of pastries. David Herrera: All right. What do we do first? Chef Ryan: We're going to do the plating, sir. David Herrera: Vanilla. Chef Ryan: Yes, sir. David Herrera: Putting on vanilla. I see you're going with the spinning the plate as opposed to... Chef Ryan: Yes. David Herrera: I think it's better if you get a little more aggressive, a little bit faster. Chef Ryan: Butterscotch sauce. David Herrera: Butterscotch. Ooh, right on the trim, huh? Chef Ryan: Yes, sir. David Herrera: Oh, all the way around. Chef Ryan: Yes, sir. David Herrera: Let me show you how to do this. I think that looks a little more elegant. Chef Ryan: Then we're going to put the chocolate sauce, sir. David Herrera: Back and forth, side to side. Chef Ryan: Yes. David Herrera: It's like the electric slide. I got you. Let me show you how to do this. I prefer, once again, to go circular and then, reverse it, and then drop a point in the middle. Related: Norwegian Cruise Line solves key drink problem David Herrera: Let's be real. I need a few more years of practice to keep up with the talented pastry team. My goal? Just don't screw up the whipped cream. David Herrera: Let me show you how to do this. You go really fast. Boom. Oh, man. A little extra. Boom. There it is. That wasn't my best work. I'm better with cakes. Chef Ryan: Okay, sir. Chef Ryan: Black forest cake. This we need to cut. David Herrera: Are you kidding? Chef Ryan: Yes, sir. David Herrera: Okay. Is there a medic on duty? Let's hope for the best. Oh, yeah. Look at that. Woo. Like butter, baby. Chef Ryan: Then we're going to put some syrup, sir. David Herrera: Sugar syrup. You know, it's like washing a dog. Chef Ryan: Then, we're going to put whipped cream. David Herrera: With your hand or with a spoon? Chef Ryan: With a spoon, sir. David Herrera: Oh, okay. David Herrera: For the record, I saw your spoon doesn't have holes. I think you made mine harder. Chef Ryan: No, no. David Herrera: I can still do it, no problem. David Herrera: You know what? A little extra cream. Boy, that was fast. How'd you do that? Okay. I got a bad feeling about this, but there it is. Want the latest cruise news and deals? Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter. David Herrera: Next up, piping. This is where precision meets artistry. David Herrera: At my pastry school, we didn't use this. We used more cans. A steady hand is everything. David Herrera: Just to show you that I don't mess around, I'm not stopping at eight. David Herrera: And I am definitely feeling the pressure. Nine. Boom. Mine has a little more art deco than yours. Like, mine has almost like, an art piece. Chef Ryan: Yeah. David Herrera: Yours looks like something good to eat, but mine's like something that you would hang on your wall. Chef Ryan: Yes, sir. David Herrera: I have a feeling Ryan's actually being pretty kind. I doubt my version would ever leave the kitchen. Every single dessert from this team of 26 chefs has to not only taste delicious, but also look picture perfect. And they nail it every single time. Because every guest deserves our very best. Related: Norwegian Cruise Line passengers share crucial cruise insight David Herrera: So how many pastries do you make a day, approximately? Chef Ryan: A thousand pieces of cake, sir. David Herrera: A thousand pieces of pastry every day? Chef Ryan: Yes, sir. David Herrera: Time for my final challenge of the day: chocolate-covered strawberries. With a mountain of them to make, it is a race against time to get each one perfect. David Herrera: This is 100% chocolate. Chef Ryan: 64% dark chocolate. David Herrera: 64% dark, and what is that? Chef Ryan: It's white chocolate. David Herrera: Oh, snap. Let me see you go fast. David Herrera: All right, that's good. Step aside. Chef Ryan: Always. David Herrera: Oh, wait. You got to go fast, dude. We got people to feed. We got people getting hungry. Christian Pratsch: David.. David Herrera: It turns out I'm really good at this. Christian Pratsch: You are a gifted man, and I can absolutely see which cake you decorated. David Herrera: I'll take that as a compliment. David Herrera: Compliments are great, but the job's not done yet. The rest of the strawberries are waiting, and this galley doesn't slow down for anyone. David Herrera: How long would it take someone to do all of these strawberries and put on a plate? Christian Pratsch: Well, it's a really good opportunity for you to test because we need all these strawberries finished by the end of the day. David Herrera: I don't think it's going to happen, to be honest with you. Related: Norwegian Cruise Line ships are floating artwork David Herrera: Becoming a pastry chef isn't just about talent. It's about years of training, dedication, and passion for the craft. Only the most skilled get to wear the title. David Herrera: Do you think our guests appreciate how much time and effort this actually takes? Christian Pratsch: They can tell the difference, and if they choose Norwegian Cruise Line, they have chosen it for a reason, and that's our food offering. David Herrera: Watching the level of effort and detail that goes into every dish, and knowing guests notice and appreciate it, that's what makes this all worth it. It's more than just dessert. It's part of the Norwegian experience. Christian Pratsch: I have a surprise for you. We're going to certify you as an assistant pastry chef, and I would like to recognize you for your amazing job well done. David Herrera: That's awesome. Well, first of all, thank you, and thank you, Chef Ryan, and thank you for spending some time with us on Norwegian Aqua, in the galleys, making pastries, some a little messier than others, but all of them delicious. See you next time. (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
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Carnival's Marketing Engine Goes Full Throttle: Can it Boost Demand?
Carnival Corporation & plc CCL is making an aggressive pivot toward high-impact marketing to drive bookings amid minimal capacity growth. With no new ship deliveries in 2026 and only three scheduled over the next four years, the cruise giant is turning to brand storytelling and experiential promotions to boost momentum and the first quarter of fiscal 2025, Carnival executed one of its expansive marketing pushes to date during Wave season. Its flagship Carnival Cruise Line brand launched splashy campaigns tied to cultural tentpoles like the Oscars and the Super Bowl. These efforts featured brand ambassador Shaquille O'Neal and celebrity chefs Guy Fieri and Emeril Lagasse, generating more than 5 billion media impressions. Costa Cruises amplified its exposure in Italy through a live performance on Costa Toscana during the Sanremo Music Festival, while AIDA Cruises continued its AIDA Evolution program by revamping AIDAdiva with upgraded onboard campaigns are translating into results. The company reported historically high pricing across all core programs and over 80% of 2025 capacity booked by the end of the fiscal first quarter. Booking volumes for 2026 also hit an all-time high. Carnival's strong marketing execution was instrumental in lifting net yields by 7.3% year over year in the fiscal first quarter. Carnival's strategic marketing push is enabling pricing discipline and forward-looking demand. With limited fleet expansion and inflationary pressure, the ability to create emotional resonance through brand storytelling could prove to be an asset for the company heading into the back half of the year. Royal Caribbean Group RCL is also leaning on strong brand positioning, though through a different lens. The company's marketing flywheel focuses on deepening customer loyalty via app adoption, personalization, and its cross-brand loyalty ecosystem. New ships like Star of the Seas and Celebrity Xcel are generating record demand, and direct-to-consumer bookings are surging. In the first quarter of 2025, Royal Caribbean's WAVE season was the best in company history, with onboard spending and pre-cruise purchases at all-time highs. Royal Caribbean credits its marketing ecosystem and brand-led ship innovation for driving strong pricing and engagement amid macro Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. NCLH is taking a more targeted approach. Its recent campaigns have revolved around experiential upgrades, like the Aqua slide coaster on the newly launched Norwegian Aqua, which garnered over 270 million views across social platforms. Norwegian Cruise also announced significant enhancements to Great Stirrup Cay, including resort-style pools and exclusive clubs, as well as a revamped NCL app to drive pre-cruise revenue. While its broader media exposure remains lower than Carnival's, Norwegian Cruise is doubling down on experiential marketing to foster brand differentiation and premium pricing. Shares of Carnival have gained 26.7% in the past three months compared with the industry's growth of 12.7%. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research From a valuation standpoint, CCL trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 12.24X, significantly below the industry's average of 18.57X. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research The Zacks Consensus Estimate for CCL's fiscal 2025 and 2026 earnings implies a year-over-year uptick of 30.3% and 12.8%, respectively. The EPS estimates for fiscal 2025 have remained unchanged in the past 30 days. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research CCL stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). 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 Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH) : 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
