TLCOhio

From this Wall Street Journal-connected financial news website yesterday, they had this headline: “Viking Sales Ride High In Q1 But IPO Hits Choppy Seas” with these highlights: “Viking Holdings sailed past Wall Street's forecasts early Wednesday as the luxury cruise line posted its initial quarterly report following its May 1 initial public offering. However, VIK hit some choppy seas in early stock market action. Viking CEO Torstein Hagen highlighted 'strong advanced bookings for 2024 and 2025' in an earnings statement. As of May 19, Viking had sold 91% of capacity for this year and 39% for 2025 for its Viking River, Viking Ocean, Viking Expedition and Viking Mississippi lines.” Their reporting also detailed: "During Q1, Vikings passenger capacity grew 14.5% from a year ago, while occupancy rose to 94% from 92.8%. Viking gets the bulk of its revenue and profits in Q2 and Q3." Full story at: https://www.investors.com/news/viking-holdings-earnings-vik-stock-ipo-q1/?src=A00619&refcode=aflMarketWatch&_gl=1*hqeyzz*_ga*NzI5MzY4NzcyLjE3MTU4MDA4MzM.*_ga_K2H7B9JRSS*MTcxNzAwMTIwNS43OC4xLjE3MTcwMDI2MjIuMC4wLjA. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Venice: Loving It & Why??!! Is one of your future desires or past favorites? See these many visual samples for its great history and architecture. This posting is now at 114,074 views.

From a financial news website today, they had this headline: “Norwegian Cruise Line Stock Gets Boost From Mizuho Upgrade” with these highlights: “Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings shares rose Tuesday after it received an upgrade and price-target boost from Mizuho Securities as it cuts costs and the industry's outlook improves. Mizuho lifted its rating to "buy" from "neutral," and the price target to $24 from $21. Mizuho executive director Ben Chaiken said the cruise company has streamlined operations and is benefiting from high demand and limited supply.” All three cruise stock were up, UP today, a Tuesday after trading was closed yesterday due to the Monday Memorial Day holiday. Royal Caribbean was over $150 a sharing today, nearing a 52-week high. Does a "rising tide" lift all boats (and cruise lines)?? Full story at: https://www.investopedia.com/norwegian-cruise-line-stock-gets-boost-from-mizuho-upgrade-8654468 THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Sydney to NZ/Auckland Adventure, live/blog 2014 sampling/details with many exciting visuals and key highlights. On page 23, post #571, see a complete index for all of the pictures, postings. Now at 250,912 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/

From the Wall Street Journal late Friday afternoon, below are their charts for the three major cruise lines. During these most recent five trading days, do things look "ROCKY" as to how the traders valued these three cruise companies? Lots of movement, not all positive? Reactions? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise from Copenhagen, July 2010, to the top of Europe. Scenic visuals with key tips. Live/blog at 251,299 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1172051-livesilver-cloud-norway-coastfjords-july-1-16-reports/

From the cable CNBC financial news network and MSN News today, they had this headline: “JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon says can't rule out 'hard landing' for the U.S., stagflation will be 'worst outcome' ” with these highlights: “A 'hard landing' for the U.S. cannot be ruled out. Speaking at the JPMorgan Global China Summit in Shanghai, he told CNBC that the worst outcome for the U.S. economy will be a 'stagflation' scenario, where inflation continues to rise, but growth slows amid high unemployment. Dimon said interest rates could still go up 'a little bit.' Dimon said that 'the consumer is still in good shape' — even if the economy slips into recession.” Is that all clear and specific from the one person regarded as the top banker in the world? Do these comments offer full confidence for future cruise bookings and travel planning? Ready to buy cruise ship stocks? Full story at: https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/markets/jpmorgan-ceo-jamie-dimon-says-u-s-could-see-a-hard-landing-stagflation-will-be-worst-outcome/ar-BB1mTkXE?ocid=BingNewsSearch THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Barcelona/Med: June 2011, with stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Great visuals with key highlights, tips, etc. Live/blog now at 258,970 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1362155-solstice-livefirst-timer-reportspix’s-italycroatian-june-7-19/

Great, above summary points and comments. As wisely noted by Dolcevita Diva and hinted at by others, it could have been combination of various, different factors. Things are changing at Silversea and Royal Caribbean. Exit before things get worse and/or it is not playing out as being much fun and productive. Her new position could work out excitingly. Having financial flexibility to build new can be a great road to explore and see such excellent results. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Agree with Spins that being "response" to passengers has been a vital, positive quality for Silversea. At all levels on the ship, etc. As shared earlier, from our February 2024, Mumbai to Singapore, Silver Moon experience on the ship, things worked reasonably well for food, service, quality, etc. That included a number of informative and helpful chats during our 15-day sailing with the Hotel Director, Cruise Director, etc. Still lots of great, super response, friendly, skilled staff on the ships. BUT, dealing with some of the upper management decisions (or goof-ups) out of Miami and Monaco can be a different “new reality”. There are more questions about their higher-levels signs of questionable judgements. Plus, is the decent “value” still there as prices have gone up so much?? Am I fair or unfair with that summary? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio India to Singapore 2024: Live/Blog with many visuals, including “Golden Triangle”, Japan, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Malaysia on Silver Moon: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2992045-live-terryohio-india-to-signapore-silver-moon-rising-pix’s/

The stock market and cruise stocks continue this week in a very "choppy seas" situation. More later Friday or Saturday morning with the full comparisons/update for all three companies. Here below is Carnival since the big, BIG upswing on Monday morning. Sliding back downhill?? Norwegian has moved in a similar manner. BUT, Royal Caribbean has been fairly stable after that significant movement/rise. Any guesses and/or explanations for why and how with these differences? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Love the Caribbean? Here are two popular posts/links with thousands of views with much info for . . . . Grenada https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2179927-grenada-pixs-fun-experiences-jan2015/page/2/#comment-66823149 Or, Aruba: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2178325-aruba-pixs-fun-experiences-feb2015/page/3/#comment-66677721

After Monday's big stock market gains for the three cruise line stocks, things continued STRONG today, rising over 2% in value during Tuesday's trading. Below is the Royal Caribbean chart from the Wall Street Journal. This stock sits now at nearly double from its low point during the most recent 52-weeks. Amazing?? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Impressive and important new position for Barbara. Never had any contact with her, but the background as to her different languages spoken and educational achievements are very significant as outlined in their Kemmpinski release. It still leaves open the questions for the future direction, independence of the Silversea brand to be operated as a truly "luxury" product as a part of the larger, more mass-market Royal Caribbean control. Did she jump to this, key CEO slot out of frustration with the RCL higher-ups and/or to better legitimately her successful career path? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Sydney to NZ/Auckland Adventure, live/blog 2014 sampling/details with many exciting visuals and key highlights. On page 23, post #571, see a complete index for all of the pictures, postings. Now at 250,088 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/

From the Wall Street Journal late this afternoon, here below is their chart showing that Norwegian kept up, UP, those early morning, dramatic gains. Both Royal Caribbean and Carnival were increasing by somewhat similar, sustained margins during the day's trading. In fact at one point today, RCL hit a 52-week peak value of $150.90. Good news? How long will this trend continue? From the WSJ, they also had this headline: “Cruise Stocks Float Higher After Norwegian Lifts Outlook” with these highlights: “Norwegian shares were up 8.9% to $17.14 in midday trading, on pace for its largest percent increase since February. Shares are still down about 14% this year. Norwegian said ahead of an investor day Monday that it had continued to see strong demand and record bookings so far this year, prompting the company to raise its outlook for adjusted earnings per share to $1.42 from $1.32.” Full story at: https://www.wsj.com/articles/cruise-stocks-float-higher-after-norwegian-lifts-outlook-062eded8 THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Abu Dhabi vs. Dubai? Many different UAE tips, options, ideas, visuals, etc. with more than 20,000 views at: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2521493-abu-dhabi-vs-dubai-procon-factors/page/5/#comment-66634467

Also in this summary, was this key concluding point: "Even with Monday’s rally, Norwegian’s stock has been recently underperforming its peers. The stock has gained 3% over the past three months, while shares of Royal Caribbean Group have soared 28.8% and Carnival Corp.’s stock has advanced 6.8%. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 has gained 7% in the past three months." Thanks!! Enjoy. Terry in Ohio

From CNBC, the cable financial news network, late this morning, they had this headline: “Powell says inflation has been higher than thought and expects rates to hold steady” with these highlights: “Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell reiterated Tuesday that inflation is falling more slowly than expected and will keep the central bank on hold for an extended period. Speaking to the Foreign Bankers’ Association in Amsterdam, the central bank leader noted that the rapid disinflation that happened in 2023 has slowed considerably this year and caused a rethink of where policy is headed. 'We did not expect this to be a smooth road. But these [inflation readings] were higher than I think anybody expected,' Powell said. 'What that has told us is that we’ll need to be patient and let restrictive policy do its work.' While he expects inflation to come down through the year, he noted that hasn’t happened so far.” Looks like interest rates are going to stay high much longer than expected and hoped. Right or wrong? Full story at: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/05/14/powell-says-inflation-has-been-higher-than-thought-and-expects-rates-to-hold-steady.html THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio India to Singapore 2024: Live/Blog with many visuals, including “Golden Triangle”, Japan, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Malaysia: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2992045-live-terryohio-india-to-signapore-silver-moon-rising-pix’s/

Oh, "calls and puts" are way above my playing field and financial expertise. I will let others enjoy putting chips down and playing at that "Wall Street Casino". Appreciate these comments and follow-ups. Keep it coming. From a Wall Street Journal-connected financial news website yesterday morning, they had this headline: “Stock Market Crash Warning: Don’t Get Caught Holding These 3 Cruise Stocks” with these highlights: “The cruise industry has long been a popular choice. However, behind the glitz and glamor, the industry has been grappling with several inherent weaknesses. Those have left the sector particularly vulnerable to economic downturns and unforeseen crises, causing investors to question the long-term viability of these cruise stocks. One of the most significant weaknesses of the cruise industry is its heavy reliance on discretionary spending. Unlike essential goods and services, cruises are often seen as a luxury. Some consumers easily forego such treats during times of financial uncertainty. Also, high interest rate environment and inflationary pressures have battered these cruise stocks to avoid.” As to RCL, they zero in and shared: "Royal Caribbean has demonstrated improvement in its financial results. However, the company is grappling with a substantial debt burden. Notably, it has around $20 million in cash and $21 billion in debt. However, RCL is projecting strong performance for 2024, having raised its guidance due to robust demand. The company had a notable debt reduction in 2023, when RCL paid off approximately $4 billion. For 2024, RCL has scheduled significant capital expenditures totaling around $3.3 billion. This price tag was primarily for its new ship orders, including the Utopia of the Seas and Silver Ray. Also, the company anticipates a capacity increase of 8.5% compared to 2023." Interesting background and financial details!! And, Royal Caribbean is in somewhat better financial shape than both Carnival and Norwegian as per how Wall Street traders view these various stocks. This story also highlighted some factors involving OneSpaWorld Holdings that services major cruise lines. Reactions, comments, questions and predictions?? Full story at: https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/stock-market-crash-warning-dont-get-caught-holding-these-3-cruise-stocks-1033370074 THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Canada 2022/2023: Scenic visuals, details from Canada Maritimes (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Cape Breton Island). Plus, new from Aug. 2023, exploring historic/charming Quebec City. Visual/Info Summaries: www.flickr.com/photos/196555480@N08/albums

For comparison from the Wall Street Journal late Friday afternoon after the stock market closing, below is the chart for Viking. This is their first full week of trading after their IPO. Does this seem a little "rocky". Lots of ups and downs? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Appreciate these great comments and follow-ups. Yes, it has been nice move up for Royal Caribbean as they have progressed much more as viewed by the stock traders versus their two main competitors . From the Wall Street Journal below are the trading updates during this past week. Plus, other trends and comparisons. Any predictions for later this month as to how the markets move? Or, for the second half of 2024? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Early 2020, many visuals and details from New Zealand/South Pacific in going from Auckland to French Polynesia. This includes Bora Bora, Fiji, NZ experiences, etc: Live/blog: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2735732-live-terryohio-“new”-regatta-south-pacificnz-pix’s/ From the Wall Street Journal, here are the charts for the trading during this week of the three major cruise lines. In the past, it was more likely that these three stocks seemed to match each other as to their daily ups and downs. Not so much any more?: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) For 2024 since January 1, here has been the significant upward moves for RCL during this recent period of time.: Here is the down and then UP run for the overall S&P 500 during this past one-month period.:

Here is more from the Wall Street Journal charts for Carnival and Norwegian during the past five years. This provides even more, signifiant perspective as to the how stock market very differently views Royal Caribbean versus their two major competitors. It is like a "Tale of Two Cities" for RCL versus the other two. Right or wrong? On December 1, 2019, the Carnival stock previously peaked at $50.83. Now $14.41 this morning. Norwegian stock previously peaked December 2019 at $58.41. Now $16.02 early this afternoon. Carnival Five-Year History: Norwegian Five-Year History: Both way off from their peaks before the downward slide during the Covid shutdown and recovery period. Added reactions, insights and comments? Future predictions?? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Summer 2019 Calgary, Jasper/Banff National Parks, Western Canada Rocky Mountaineer rail adventure, Vancouver, sailing up to Alaska on Silver Muse, post-cruise excursion to Denali, etc. Many visuals, Our firsts in these scenic areas! Now at 21,312 views. Live/blog: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2682584-live-terryohio-silver-muse-alaska-canadarockies-pix’s/

Since I only posted the history for the past three years, here is the Wall Street Journal chart for Royal Caribbean during the past five years. That provides some added, signifiant perspective Of special note is that on December 1, 2019, the RCL stock was previously peaked at $133.51. Now $143.71 this morning, they are more than fully recovered from the downward slide during the Covid shutdown and recovery period. WOW! That's a nice "bounce-back" for RCL. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio From late 2018, see “Holy Lands, Egypt, Jordan, Oman, Dubai, Greece, etc.”, with many visuals, details and ideas for the historic and scenic Middle East. Now at 22,646 views. Connect at: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/

For added perspective, here is the Wall Street Journal chart for Royal Caribbean during the past year or 52 weeks. Nice moves, up and UP!! THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Great insight and follow-up as to the challenges with some demographics and the difficulties on shorter cruises when certain passengers are too focused on quick, "party-time" activities. That can make things bad for those just seeking to "relax and enjoy". Below from this morning's Wall Street Journal is their Royal Caribbean chart showing this stock hitting a 52-week high. Progress? Going up, UP?? Neither Carnival or Norwegian are moving in such positive directions to match RCL THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Panama Canal? Early 2017, Fort Lauderdale to San Francisco adventure through Panama Canal. Our first stops in Colombia, Central America and Mexico, plus added time in the great Golden Gate City. Now at 33,105 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2465580

Appreciate this great follow-up about Jeffrey. Outstanding staff such as Jeffrey are part of what can make a journey with Silversea so very fun and amazing. Dealing with and/or waiting for the top corporate staff to do the "right thing, however, is a very different situation. From the Wall Street Journal's sister Barron's publication this morning, they had this headline: “Viking’s IPO Scores. Kid-Free Cruises Have Been a Hit With Its Customer Base.” With their tight paywall, it is hard to read the full article, but this was one of the reporting highlights: “Viking Cruises founder and CEO Torstein Hagen says the company’s child-free ships have been critical to its success as it courted older customers for luxury European river and ocean journeys.” Going after "older customers"!! Yes, that's one of the focuses for the luxury and upscale cruise lines. BUT, how does Silversea and others shift and also appeal and connect with those younger for the future as our demographic ages out and has a shrinking wallet? Full story at: https://www.barrons.com/articles/viking-ipo-kid-free-cruises-1f867fda THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Lisbon, NWSpain, Bordeaux/Brittany: Live/blog, June 2017 from Portugal to France along scenic Atlantic Coast on the Silver Spirit. Now at 34,975 views. Many pictures, details for history, food, culture, etc.: www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2511358

YES! YES!!! That "pay up in full way ahead" is one of my big, big hang-ups about considering Viking. Also, have had friends who had to hassle for getting proper credit on re-booking after a booked-and-paid cruise was scrubbed during the Covid period. Will be interested to see as Viking adds more ocean cruise ships if and when they "get real" with their payment policies and other financial practices. It will be interesting to see as Ritz-Carlton and others go after the more upscale, smaller ship market if Viking's offers and options evolve. PLUS, we are all waiting till when the next recession hits and how deep it impacts consumer decisions/spending. Sorry, not a Gin and Tonic guy, so I have no opinions as to that special subject. Am more of a frozen margarita guy as the below visual shows from our February 2024 Silver Moon, Mumbai to Singapore adventure. Anyone remember super wonderful Jeffrey from past Silversea sailings? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio AFRICA?!!?: Fun, interesting visuals, plus travel details from this early 2016 live/blog. At 56,161 views. Featuring Cape Town, South Africa’s coast, Mozambique, Victoria Falls/Zambia and Botswana's famed Okavango Delta. www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2310337

Don't worry, R&T. All of us have had experiences and options, likes and dislikes, etc. All are entitled to express comments, share pro/con factors and make follow-ups. No cruise line is 100% perfect, nor fitting exactly for each individual's preferences, budget and style. From the Wall Street Journal late Friday afternoon after the stock market closing, below are the charts for the three major cruise lines. Things, trends and patterns look very different for each of these corporations. Why and how? Clearly the markets and traders did not appreciate the position and direction for Norwegian after hearing their mid-week quarterly financial report. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Athens & Greece: Visuals, details from two visits in a city and nearby with great history, culture and architecture. Now at 64,639 views. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1101008 Here are the Wall Street Journal charts for the most recent five days of stock trading with the current "Big Three" cruise companies. For Norwegian, things did not "bounce back" on Thursday or Friday.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) For its first few days on the NY Stock Exchange, Viking moved up, UP, UP!! Will that trend continue? For how long? Should Viking be included for future postings?: For comparison, here is the broader S&P 500 chart for this past week. Looks rather "rocky" and fast-changing?:

Appreciate these wonderful dining delights and all of the tasty follow-ups. Anyone ready for their "Golden Years"?? BUT, where's the Gold? At the end of a rainbow?? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Appreciate from R&T and highplanesdrifters these great follow-ups and comments. Agree that Viking will be worth watching and considering. For us, it is all about itineraries, interesting port stops/options, etc. From friends who have done Viking Ocean, there are various pro/con factors to consider. As Viking adds more Ocean ships with that 900-passenger size, we will be watching with interest. Plus, checking as to what reasonable "value" in pricing will be offered. Lots of variables!! From MSN News and this financial news website this morning, they had this headline: “Why Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Stock Was Tumbling This Week” with these highlights: “Some investors just can't be pleased. That seemed to be the dynamic at work this week with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, whose stock was sinking this week despite quite a decent quarterly earnings report. According to data compiled by S&P Global Market Intelligence, as of early morning Friday the share price was more than 16% underwater week to date. It seems as if the company was the victim of outsize expectations. Perhaps that isn't so surprising given the persistently high demand in the travel industry in these early years after pandemic lockdowns.” Here is more from their comments about NCLH: "Sentiment in Norwegian stock wasn't helped by a clutch of price target cuts from several of those analysts -- even though none was drastic. Susquehanna's Christopher Stathoulopoulos lowered his price target to $18 per share from the previous $21, for example, while maintaining a neutral recommendation. Wells Fargo prognosticator Daniel Politzer also kept his neutral stance in cutting his price target to $19 per share from $21." Is "neutral" good enough for the cruise line future? Or, is it a sign seeing dark, negative clouds looming over the croppy seas' horizon? Full story at: https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/markets/why-norwegian-cruise-line-holdings-stock-was-tumbling-this-week/ar-AA1o5rID?ocid=BingNewsSearch THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Amazon River-Caribbean 2015 adventure live/blog starting in Barbados on the Silver Cloud for 26 days. Many visuals from this amazing river and Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, San Juan, etc.). Now at 75,085 views: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2076101-live-amazon-river-caribbean-many-pix’s-terryohio/

YES!!! Much of interest from the Viking filings and where things go as they add more ships for their Ocean sailing offerings. With a size of 900 passengers, they are not an exact, direct competitor to Silversea, Regent and Seabourn. BUT, close enough to be of interest to see their offerings, pricings and options. From the Wall Street Journal's Barron's and MSN News this afternoon, they had this headline: “Viking Stock Sails Higher In Trading Debut” with these highlights: “Viking Holdings stock is cruising higher in its debut. Shares of the luxury cruise operator opened at $26.15, above its initial public offering price of $24. It’s currently up 10% at $26.44. The company has a market valuation of $11.3 billion based on that opening price and more than 431 million in shares outstanding. The company raised $1.54 billion, the most money among U.S. initial public offerings this year. Shareholders Canada Pension Plan Investment Board and private equity group TPG also offered more than 53 million shares, an upsize of the initial plan.” Full story at: https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/markets/viking-prices-ipo-at-24-cruise-operator-picks-interesting-day-to-go-public/ar-AA1nYq6N THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Venice: Loving It & Why??!! Is one of your future desires or past favorites? See these many visual samples for its great history and architecture. This posting is now at 112,709 views.