RCL Stock

[Ocean Boy]

8 hours ago, Engineroom Snipe said:

 If I cannot get a cruise for what I think is a good price-point, I will just hold onto the cash or try something else. 

I completely agree.

[firefly333]

Looks like viking priced at 24.00 and up a bit since it opened. Maybe I'm the only one who loves stocks and follows closely idk .. but I was curious.

 

[Biker19]

"

Angie Stephen was promoted to SVP international for the Royal Caribbean brand.

 

Formerly VP and MD Asia Pacific, she takes on the role held until recently by Bert Hernandez, who became president of Silversea Cruises.

Stephen is tasked with overseeing Royal Caribbean's growth across more than 80 countries, from Australia and China to those in Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America.

 

'Incredible experience and success'

Michael Bayley, president/CEO of Royal Caribbean International said Stephen brings 'incredible experience and success to this role,' from positions in sales and marketing to most recently leading the brand’s increasing popularity and achievements in Asia.

Royal Caribbean's international organization is comprised of representatives around the world and extensive teams based in Australia, China, Mexico, Singapore and Europe. Both collaborate with local partners and travel advisors to reach travelers through a variety of channels based on each market’s travel landscape and consumer behavior.

 

Exponential opportunities

'This is an incredibly exciting time for the vacation industry, a momentum that is reaching new heights between the introduction of the game-changing Icon of the Seas and the soon-to-debut Utopia of the Seas,' Stephen said. 'The opportunities to deliver even more memorable vacations around the world are exponential, and Royal Caribbean and our world-class international organization are perfectly positioned to make it all a reality.'

Stephen joined Royal Caribbean more than 25 years ago as a field sales manager in the US Midwest. She has held several roles across sales and marketing that included spearheading sales strategy, events, training and marketing. She also led the North America national accounts team and was responsible for the largest share of North America trade business.

 

Relocated to Asia in 2017

Stephen relocated to Asia in 2017 to lead the market development in China, developing sales distribution channels, brand marketing and partnerships. As VP and MD of Asia Pacific she oversaw the marketing, commercial and operational activity for the brand.

Royal Caribbean considers Stephen 'pivotal in driving a new level of success in the region and instrumental in realizing the resumption of cruising during the pandemic.' In fact, she led the way for Singapore to be the first market in the world where Royal Caribbean ships resumed sailing, in December 2020."

Angie Stephen moves up to SVP international at Royal Caribbean (seatrade-cruise.com)

[Baron Barracuda]

This story ran on a couple of news wires today.  RCL is looking to hire 10k new employees this year mostly to staff new ships coming on line.  What I found surprising (but perhaps shouldn't have given ongoing service issues) is that in 2023 sea based head count actually shrank 6%.

 

 

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/exclusive-royal-caribbean-recruiting-thousands-173536125.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAADHmP5K1YCaAUNgR9gfh0nqgL2ce8nU8Ptd-f_XHAPBVrCxItScIUnlFgYmnB51jYqz8WVUCThNolv1O-tvztwYKJKnAkc8L97DJgRL0-Viz6K7Cdefil8XMVef4VMIT_oy_ca1kZI-sclziTRrD_99qMXw53kR2sKdE-ibv_XWv

[beach pirate]

Up 6% today. What's going on?

[lovesthebeach2]

49 minutes ago, beach pirate said:

Up 6% today. What's going on?

We just noticed and came here to see…..

[Baron Barracuda]

NCL met with analysts today talked of record bookings and strong pricing. Raised their 2024 earnings estimate from $1.32 to $1.42.  All the cruise line stocks bounced higher.

[livingonthebeach]

RCL stock just reached a 52-week high today. Now trading at over $155.  

[Engineroom Snipe]

4 minutes ago, livingonthebeach said:

RCL stock just reached a 52-week high today. Now trading at over $155.  

The latest trend is that discretionary spending is down on personal goods as retailers are fighting consumer inflation fatigue.

 

As of now, airlines have had record passengers this Memorial Day weekend. NCL is stating that they had excellent booking numbers.

 

Some of the investors are moving money into stocks involved with travel from consumer retail stocks.

 

I think the great predictor will be when airline passenger miles start to drop significantly.

[livingonthebeach]

2 minutes ago, Engineroom Snipe said:

The latest trend is that discretionary spending is down on personal goods as retailers are fighting consumer inflation fatigue.

 

As of now, airlines have had record passengers this Memorial Day weekend. NCL is stating that they had excellent booking numbers.

 

Some of the investors are moving money into stocks involved with travel from consumer retail stocks.

 

I think the great predictor will be when airline passenger miles start to drop significantly.

 

Yes, the question is when.  However analysts have give RCL a target price of $172 in the near future - will hold on to it until then 🤞

[firefly333]

22 minutes ago, livingonthebeach said:

 

Yes, the question is when.  However analysts have give RCL a target price of $172 in the near future - will hold on to it until then 🤞

Usually analysts targets do move the price, however the targets are meant to be 12  month targets. Though people hear a higher target and traders pile in.

 

I'm kicking myself, I had 300 shares and sold and only holding 100 shares now. Wish I'd sold something other than  rcl. I'm moving and bought a condo.

 

I knew analysts kept raising their targets, and prices were up, but also I dont see the huge price Increases on rcl cruises we were seeing say 6  months ago, earnings were up 40% year over year beginning of this year, that has to slow down even if prices stay this high, growth of earnings year over year will slow by next year imo. 

 

It was time to get the move to a port city behind me. Get on with my life. I do admit I trade in and out of rcl, just this time I'm short of cash until my house sells. No sense beating myself up. Should have sold some exxon or chevron, oil instead. Usually I'm right on top of watching rcl trade and how it moves, but I've been on the move now the last week. Glad to hear rcl doing well. Today I'm relaxing and catching up with the market. 

 

I still predict earnings growth will slow, though several new ships are coming in which certainly will help with higher earnings, more berths to fill and  new ships higher prices. I'm still a rcl bull. I've sure missed all the economic news. I've said since last year those predicting a bunch of rate hikes was all political talk. If the govt spending isnt slowing inflation isnt dropping to 2%. Econ 101 if the govt is printing and spending money, it causes inflation. Now they are hoping for 1 cut, down from 6 predicted late last year. People need to use common sense. I dont see a end to either war we are spending on, hence govt isnt cutting. Then jan and feb ppi and cpi didnt show a drop in inflation and for reasons I dont understand were surprised. If I knew they knew and just hoping and wishing. 

 

Go rcl. Glad to see the market again today. 

Edited Tuesday at 03:15 PM by firefly333

[Baron Barracuda]

Last week CNBC reported on several occasions that cruise lines were discounting summer '24 Caribbean sailings due to slowing bookings.  Also cautioned of overcapacity in Alaska and Caribbean.  We'll keep an eye on q2 and q3 earnings.

[firefly333]

4 hours ago, Baron Barracuda said:

Last week CNBC reported on several occasions that cruise lines were discounting summer '24 Caribbean sailings due to slowing bookings.  Also cautioned of overcapacity in Alaska and Caribbean.  We'll keep an eye on q2 and q3 earnings.

Yea I think this is a good point. Also the reason earnings 1st qtr this year were up 40% was compared to covid prices a year previous. Prices are no longer going up up up. I've seen plenty of posts on roll calls to check your price, prices have dropped. The only reason for 40% yoy was compared to covid prices. Those days are gone. Maybe star and wonder still going to be high, but too many posts of price drops on harmony and older ships. CNBC had some news on ccl today but I couldnt catch what they were saying. Too many routes to coco cay if you ask me. This last drop none to Bermuda? Have to do celebrity. People are commenting on deals to the new adult beach close in. Almost giving it away. 

 

Compared to covid prices of course earnings are up a large percentage. Now that's gone. Or almost, when you compare to prices a year ago. I'd like to buy more shares, but not at 155. There was also some insider selling at 140, tells you it's getting toppy. And the consumer is showing signs of getting tapped out., the only thing running is nvda because it has the AI chips everyone wants. I'm not saying sell, just cautious, wouldnt buy more this high. I'm a hold, not a buy, not a sell, a hold. 

[Engineroom Snipe]

4 hours ago, Baron Barracuda said:

Last week CNBC reported on several occasions that cruise lines were discounting summer '24 Caribbean sailings due to slowing bookings.  Also cautioned of overcapacity in Alaska and Caribbean.  We'll keep an eye on q2 and q3 earnings.

I have not been keeping close tabs on the Alaska market but there have been negative articles  about port changes which have an effect on "once in a lifetime" specific itineraries.

 

Experienced cruisers know that every cruise line has the right to change the itineraries but it hurts public relations when someone only books a cruise to get to a specific destination and is denied.

 

The other option is to avoid the cruise and just go directly to the desired location and check it off the box.

 

I can attest that the market for the third and fourth quarter 2024 Caribbean sailings is showing weakness.

 

For example, November 17th out of Bayonne for the Odyssey of the Seas was as high as $4,100 for a balcony double occupancy including taxes six months ago. It is being discounted to $2,210 as of today. If you go to a TA with group rates, it is down to about $1,950 and you get to pick your room.

 

Softness around the edges are showing their ugly head if you are in the business.

[Engineroom Snipe]

21 minutes ago, firefly333 said:

 CNBC had some news on ccl today but I couldnt catch what they were saying. Too many routes to coco cay if you ask me. This last drop none to Bermuda? Have to do celebrity. People are commenting on deals to the new adult beach close in. Almost giving it away.

 

Great example, Vision of the Seas out of Baltimore is no longer including Coco Cay in its itineraries starting September of 2025. This was a huge selling factor for that ship. RCI sacrificed it for larger ships using the island. I am not sure if that was a good decision. Time will tell.

 

The prices are stagnant. I do some mock bookings and there seems to be nearly 85% empty interior cabins available for double occupancy.

 

I know this is fifteen months out but compared to the post covid boom, I am hearing crickets when I compared the demand factor of the past year.

Edited Tuesday at 11:19 PM by Engineroom Snipe
Cay not Bay, darn fingers.

[Baron Barracuda]

Most ships used to run 7 night itineraries.  Now Grandeur, Liberty, Independence, Enchantment, Allure, Explorer, Brilliance, Freedom, Jewel, Mariner, Oasis, Serenade, Radiance, Symphony, Utopia, Voyager and Wonder are all scheduled for at least some 3-5 night Caribbean sailings.  Appears they are looking to maximize visits to Coco Cay, even now welcoming X ships.  Those short sailing require many more reservations to keep ships full.  

[Engineroom Snipe]

13 minutes ago, Baron Barracuda said:

Most ships used to run 7 night itineraries.  Now Grandeur, Liberty, Independence, Enchantment, Allure, Explorer, Brilliance, Freedom, Jewel, Mariner, Oasis, Serenade, Radiance, Symphony, Utopia, Voyager and Wonder are all scheduled for at least some 3-5 night Caribbean sailings.  Appears they are looking to maximize visits to Coco Cay, even now welcoming X ships.  Those short sailing require many more reservations to keep ships full.  

 

Your comment helps to explain how ships are selling out but only during the last 90 days this summer. Passengers are waiting to see if they can squeeze in that shorter vacation and maybe looking at the prices with a more critical eye.

 

This fall is going to be interesting as I have noticed a more typical "shoulder" season which has not occurred for two years.

[Baron Barracuda]

5 hours ago, Engineroom Snipe said:

 

This fall is going to be interesting as I have noticed a more typical "shoulder" season which has not occurred for two years.

We just booked an Ocean View Balcony on a 7 night Symphony sailing from Bayonne this October,   Mediocre itinerary of Coco Cay, PC and Nassau but only $900pp and we can drive to ship.  Central Park, Boardwalk and OV GTY cabins even cheaper.

[Another_Critic]

3 minutes ago, Baron Barracuda said:

We just booked an Ocean View Balcony on a 7 night Symphony sailing from Bayonne this October,   Mediocre itinerary of Coco Cay, PC and Nassau but only $900pp and we can drive to ship.  Central Park, Boardwalk and OV GTY cabins even cheaper.

Booked XN (Neighborhood GTY) (Sept sailing) last week for $730pp. 🙂

[Engineroom Snipe]

5 minutes ago, Baron Barracuda said:

We just booked an Ocean View Balcony on a 7 night Symphony sailing from Bayonne this October,   Mediocre itinerary of Coco Cay, PC and Nassau but only $900pp and we can drive to ship.  Central Park, Boardwalk and OV GTY cabins even cheaper.

That is what I am seeing. You save big time by not flying and you can bring as little or as much luggage as you want for no extra charge and no airport security hassles.

[Baron Barracuda]

1 minute ago, Engineroom Snipe said:

That is what I am seeing. You save big time by not flying and you can bring as little or as much luggage as you want for no extra charge and no airport security hassles.

Even better when you can avoid $30/day parking by having dd drive you to port.

[nelblu]

38 minutes ago, Baron Barracuda said:

We just booked an Ocean View Balcony on a 7 night Symphony sailing from Bayonne this October,   Mediocre itinerary of Coco Cay, PC and Nassau but only $900pp and we can drive to ship.  Central Park, Boardwalk and OV GTY cabins even cheaper.

Booked Symphony sailing on October 13 in a CP balcony last November.  Today, an Ocean View balcony is only $300 more.  However, strange pricing, a similar CP balcony is some $2,000 more than the originally booked price.  This is a cabin for 3 and included kids sail free.  Boardwalk balcony cabins pricing is close to the CP balconies.

 

Also, Wonder sailing in August '25 in a CP balcony for 3 is $900+ more than originally booked.

 

 

 

 

[Engineroom Snipe]

1 hour ago, nelblu said:

Booked Symphony sailing on October 13 in a CP balcony last November.  Today, an Ocean View balcony is only $300 more.  However, strange pricing, a similar CP balcony is some $2,000 more than the originally booked price.  This is a cabin for 3 and included kids sail free.  Boardwalk balcony cabins pricing is close to the CP balconies.

 

Also, Wonder sailing in August '25 in a CP balcony for 3 is $900+ more than originally booked.

 

 

 

 

 

The kids sail free program forces the premium price on that "free person" as it has to be specific rooms that are higher priced. Royal knows what they are doing.

 

I have noticed the same thing with Vision out of Baltimore during the summer. There are multiple interior rooms at competitive pricing FOR TWO to a room but absolutely not three or more to a cabin available.

 

They have filled the three or more cabins to the maximum but they still have cabins for two person occupancy.

 

My guess would be that those ships are about 1/3 full of children under the age of 11.

 

 

😬

[nelblu]

54 minutes ago, Engineroom Snipe said:

 

The kids sail free program forces the premium price on that "free person" as it has to be specific rooms that are higher priced. Royal knows what they are doing.

 

I have noticed the same thing with Vision out of Baltimore during the summer. There are multiple interior rooms at competitive pricing FOR TWO to a room but absolutely not three or more to a cabin available.

 

They have filled the three or more cabins to the maximum but they still have cabins for two person occupancy.

 

My guess would be that those ships are about 1/3 full of children under the age of 11.

 

 

😬

However, what I was trying to point out was that neighborhood balconies are going at a much higher price than an ocean view balconies.  Usually it’s the opposite. 

[Engineroom Snipe]

11 hours ago, nelblu said:

However, what I was trying to point out was that neighborhood balconies are going at a much higher price than an ocean view balconies.  Usually it’s the opposite. 

That is unusual.