SS/RCCL Finances: Improving, Options, Questions??!!

[TLCOhio]

From this morning's Norwegian quarterly financial session with Wall Street analysts, here are some of my highlights from listening to this hour-long review: 

 

Retiring CEO Frank del Rio was completing eight years as Norwegian CEO.  This is his 34th quarterly report.  Much was done in this program involving their new, incoming CEO, Harry Sommer.  This new NCLH leader comes out of a long cruising background starting in 1992 with Renaissance Cruises.  He has worked in various financial, marketing, IT areas, etc.  This year is also the 20th anniversary of corporation's founding.  

 

Overall, Norwegian now is at thirty ships and 60,000 berths.  They will have three new ships in this one year.  Their three brands include not just the more mass-market Norwegian, but more luxury Oceania and the higher-end Regent Seven Seas.   Much discussion was about and references to "healthy demand".  Many mentions were made of bookings being strong despite recent banking and financial issues.  Mention was made about their continued updating of Internet quality on sailing ships as being a key customer demand/interest.  This year they will have a 20% capacity growth.  There were various mentions about load capacity factors moving up.  

 

 

Key Q&A Notes from issues raised by the financial analysts:  There were many mentions about future growth as they cited new-builds, plus margin enhancements.  Much was stressed about robust consumer demand.  The phrase “very confident” was used many times in responses.  Fuel and FX costs were cited as head-wind.  Various times these phrases were used:  "Consumer is still strong.”  “Trending healthy.”  Seeking late this year to be booked 65% for the next year.   On costs, discussion was held for flight prices as a head-wind factor that they believe they can manage well for customers.   This cruise lines buys air tickets for over a million guest flights a year.  In Alaska and Europe, they are sailing for longer periods this year.  There was much on bookings and pricing as factors that they and Wall Street watches, asks about.  Their cruises brands are doing more longer, premium cruises/itineraries.  Most of the new-builds are being financed through 2028 at only 2-2.5% interest rates through government export agencies. 

 

We have done two different, longer cruises with Oceania.  These were both 18-day sailings.  One from Athens to Dubai in the Middle East and the other from Auckland to French Polynesia in the South Pacific.  Oceania is not Silversea, but both worked well in offering good, creative itineraries and reasonable value.  

 

Need more?  Check out this link to access more Norwegian financial data and details at:

https://event.choruscall.com/mediaframe/webcast.html?webcastid=hNsF0Amm

 

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 246,693 views.

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1172051-livesilver-cloud-norway-coastfjords-july-1-16-reports/

 

 

From Norwegian's quarterly report, below are a couple of their various charts from the data and financial details shared.:

(Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!)

 

[TLCOhio]

From the New York Times this morning, they had this headline: “First Republic Bank Is Seized by Regulators and Sold to JPMorgan Chase” with these highlights: “Regulators seized control of First Republic Bank and sold it to JPMorgan Chase on Monday, a dramatic move aimed at curbing a two-month banking crisis that has rattled the financial system.  First Republic is the second largest U.S. bank by assets to collapse after Washington Mutual, which failed during the financial crisis of 2008 and was also acquired by JPMorgan.  Founded in 1985 and the 14th largest U.S. bank as of earlier this year, First Republic’s assets were battered by the rise in interest rates, and the company had struggled to stay alive after two other lenders collapsed in March, spooking depositors and investors.”

 

At the Norwegian quarterly review this morning, a comment came up about the rattled financial concerns over major banks needing bail-outs.  Right now consumers are still booking cruises and planning to catch up from previously missed travel and adventure trips.  BUT, how will these financial worries play out for continued consumer confidence during the coming months?  Any guesses and speculation?

 

Full story at:

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/01/business/first-republic-bank-jpmorgan.html

 

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 242,771 views. 
https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/

 

From the NY Times, here is their chart showing the details for bank bail-outs, especially as compared to the 2008 when things went highly negative.:

(Open your screen/viewer wider to see this visual larger/better!)

[A Tucson Guy]

14 minutes ago, TLCOhio said:

From the New York Times this morning, they had this headline: “First Republic Bank Is Seized by Regulators and Sold to JPMorgan Chase” with these highlights: “Regulators seized control of First Republic Bank and sold it to JPMorgan Chase on Monday, a dramatic move aimed at curbing a two-month banking crisis that has rattled the financial system.  First Republic is the second largest U.S. bank by assets to collapse after Washington Mutual, which failed during the financial crisis of 2008 and was also acquired by JPMorgan.  Founded in 1985 and the 14th largest U.S. bank as of earlier this year, First Republic’s assets were battered by the rise in interest rates, and the company had struggled to stay alive after two other lenders collapsed in March, spooking depositors and investors.”

 

At the Norwegian quarterly review this morning, a comment came up about the rattled financial concerns over major banks needing bail-outs.  Right now consumers are still booking cruises and planning to catch up from previously missed travel and adventure trips.  BUT, how will these financial worries play out for continued consumer confidence during the coming months?  Any guesses and speculation?

 

Full story at:

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/01/business/first-republic-bank-jpmorgan.html

 

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 242,771 views. 
https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/

 

From the NY Times, here is their chart showing the details for bank bail-outs, especially as compared to the 2008 when things went highly negative.:

(Open your screen/viewer wider to see this visual larger/better!)

What is giving us angst about future cruises is the huge increase in the cost of upgrading to Bus. Air. I just am having a hard time justifying $14,000 for two to upgrade to Bus Air on many cruises. Inflation will eventually effect most consumers.

[TLCOhio]

12 minutes ago, A Tucson Guy said:

What is giving us angst about future cruises is the huge increase in the cost of upgrading to Bus. Air. I just am having a hard time justifying $14,000 for two to upgrade to Bus Air on many cruises. Inflation will eventually effect most consumers.

 

Appreciate the above wise comments and smart follow-up from our Arizona friend.  You spotlight some key "hot buttons" of financial concern affecting the cruise industry. 

 

YES, the airfare costs, especially for business class, has really ramped up, UP!!  In the Norwegian financial conference call this morning, there was little mention on inflation.  In fact, most cruise executives, including the new Norwegian CEO have said, wishfully, that their consumers are more upscale and can afford to pay more, ignore inflation factors, etc.  But, IMO, it will soon all catch-up and add-up in a way to affect consumer confidence.  When it "hits" is the major unknown.  Right or wrong?  Predictions on timing and how deep of recession will hit us?

 

From the Wall Street Journal  this morning, they had this headline: “The Air Has Come Out of the Dollar" with this sub-headline: "Decade long rally leaves U.S. currency as much as 15% overvalued, Goldman Sachs says.”

 

Here are some of their reporting highlights: “The U.S. economy no longer looks so exceptional. That is bad news for the dollar.  The greenback has fallen about 8.6% from a peak in September, as tracked by the WSJ Dollar Index, and is experiencing its worst start to the year since 2018.  Investors are betting the U.S. currency has further to fall as the Federal Reserve nears the end of its most aggressive program of interest-rate increases since the 1980s. Also weighing on the dollar: concerns over the banking system, a potential U.S. debt default and expectations, shared by many economists, that the U.S. will slip into recession in the coming months.”

 

Full story at:

https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-air-has-come-out-of-the-dollar-36c4c03f?mod=hp_lead_pos2

 

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 102,437 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

[TLCOhio]

From a financial news website yesterday, they had this headline: “Stocks To Watch: Will This Travel Stock Blow Earnings Out Of The Water Thursday?” with these highlights: “Travel stock Royal Caribbean Groupis forming a cup pattern within a larger consolidation. The company reports earnings on Thursday and is Tuesday's IBD 50 Stocks To Watch pick.  Cruise stocks are picking up steam, as travel demand has been booming and people gladly put the pandemic in the rearview mirror.  Royal Caribbean shares have gained 35% this year so far. The stock popped this week in sympathy with Norwegian Cruise Line, after its rival posted a positive Q1 earnings report Monday.  'The consumer is still strong. The consumer is buying cruise tickets,' said Mark Kempa, Norwegian Cruise Line chief financial officer.  Norwegian cited 'healthy' demand and said that its target consumer 'remains resilient with a persistent desire for travel and experiences.' ”

 

Full story at:

https://www.investors.com/research/will-this-travel-stock-blow-earnings-out-of-the-water-thursday/?src=A00619&refcode=aflMarketWatch

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Amazon River-Caribbean 2015 adventure live/blog starting in Barbados. Many visuals from this amazing river and Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, San Juan, etc.).  Now at 71,361 views:

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2076101-live-amazon-river-caribbean-many-pix’s-terryohio/

[highplanesdrifters]

THAR SHE BLOWS!

 

[Stumblefoot]

🥱 Notify us when she hits $2,500.

[highplanesdrifters]

3 minutes ago, Stumblefoot said:

🥱 Notify us when she hits $2,500.

🤣🤣🤣

[TLCOhio]

10 hours ago, Stumblefoot said:

🥱 Notify us when she hits $2,500.

 

YES!!  Will be watching those gold prices as our economy goes through its varied changes as the world navigates an uncertain financial future.  

 

From a financial release from Royal Caribbean this morning, they had this headline: “ROYAL CARIBBEAN GROUP REPORTS FIRST QUARTER EARNINGS ” with these highlights: “Royal Caribbean today reported first quarter Loss per Share of $(0.19) and Adjusted Loss per Share of $(0.23). These results were significantly better than the company's guidance primarily due to strong close-in bookings at higher prices, continued strength of onboard spend, and favorable timing of operating costs. As a result of a record-breaking WAVE season and accelerating demand for its cruise experiences, the company is increasing its 2023 Adjusted Earnings per Share guidance to $4.40 – $4.80.”

 

At 10 am today, the top Royal Caribbean executives will face questions from Wall Street analysts.  Will listen in and share later any points of interest being raised for the cruising future.  

 

Here is more from the RCL PR release: " 'We knew that demand for our business was strong and strengthening, but we have been pleasantly surprised with how swiftly demand further accelerated well above historical trends and at higher rates,' said Jason T. Liberty, president and chief executive officer of Royal Caribbean Group. 'Leisure travel continues to strengthen as consumer spend further shifts towards experiences.' "

 

All true or just spin?

 

Full story at:

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/royal-caribbean-group-reports-first-115900944.html

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

AFRICA?!!?: Fun, interesting visuals, plus travel details from this early 2016 live/blog. At 53,958 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

[TLCOhio]

Below are three of the charts presented this morning during the time when the Royal Caribbean CEO was doing his presentation to the Wall Street financial analysts. More later.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

 

 

[TLCOhio]

From a financial news website this morning, they had this headline: “Royal Caribbean And Carnival Shares Are Rising Thursday” with these highlights: “Royal Caribbean shares are trading higher Thursday after the company reported better-than-expected first-quarter results. Shares of Carnival were moving in sympathy with Royal Caribbean.   What Happened: Royal Caribbean reported first-quarter revenue of $2.88 billion, which beat consensus estimates of $2.82 billion. The cruise company reported a quarterly loss of 23 cents per share, which beat estimates for a loss of 70 cents per share.   Royal Caribbean said its strong results were driven by strong close-in bookings at higher prices, continued strength of onboard spend and favorable timing of operating costs.”

 

Will post more details shortly after listening to the hour-long presentation and especially from the various questions asked, RCL responses provided, etc.

 

Full story at:

https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/23/05/32215082/royal-caribbean-and-carnival-shares-are-rising-thursday-whats-going-on

 

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 53,102 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1101008

[TLCOhio]

Royal Caribbean stock really SOARED higher and higher this morning.  See the Wall Street Journal below.  

 

From the Wall Street Journal sister publication of Barrons this morning, they had this headline: “Royal Caribbean Stock Surges. Consumers Are Still Spending on Cruises.” with these highlights: “Royal Caribbean Group shares soared as the cruise operator turned in a smaller loss and higher revenue than expected. Companies in the business are shrugging off concerns that an economic slowdown could hit consumer spending.  Royal Caribbean reported an adjusted loss of 23 cents a share, compared with a loss of $4.58 a share in the same period last year. Revenue rose to $2.89 billion from $1.06 billion.”

 

Full story at:

https://www.barrons.com/articles/royal-caribbean-stock-earnings-cruises-spending-bc14c963?adobe_mc=MCMID%3D16555977054186541662437303681582532365|MCORGID%3DCB68E4BA55144CAA0A4C98A5%40AdobeOrg|TS%3D1683214920

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Kotor/Montenegro:  Various visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this scenic, historic location. Over 50,803 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439193

[mystik]

12 minutes ago, TLCOhio said:

Royal Caribbean stock really SOARED higher and higher this morning.  See the Wall Street Journal below.  

 

From the Wall Street Journal sister publication of Barrons this morning, they had this headline: “Royal Caribbean Stock Surges. Consumers Are Still Spending on Cruises.” with these highlights: “Royal Caribbean Group shares soared as the cruise operator turned in a smaller loss and higher revenue than expected. Companies in the business are shrugging off concerns that an economic slowdown could hit consumer spending.  Royal Caribbean reported an adjusted loss of 23 cents a share, compared with a loss of $4.58 a share in the same period last year. Revenue rose to $2.89 billion from $1.06 billion.”

 

Full story at:

https://www.barrons.com/articles/royal-caribbean-stock-earnings-cruises-spending-bc14c963?adobe_mc=MCMID%3D16555977054186541662437303681582532365|MCORGID%3DCB68E4BA55144CAA0A4C98A5%40AdobeOrg|TS%3D1683214920

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Kotor/Montenegro:  Various visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this scenic, historic location. Over 50,803 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439193

I'm looking for nclh shares do you have any info on that also.

[TLCOhio]

10 minutes ago, mystik said:

I'm looking for nclh shares do you have any info on that also.

 

Appreciate this very good follow-up question.  Both Carnival and Norwegian were sliding down negative this morning.   From the Wall Street Journal below you can see the trend this am for Norwegian.  Big difference??  Why??  

 

My guess personally is that the stock experts compared last week's quarterly data/report from Norwegian versus the RCL info today and much prefer the positioning and future direction for the Silversea parent.  

 

Right or wrong?  More details in my next post. 

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Dubrovnik!  Visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this super scenic and historic location. Over 49,537 views.    

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439227

 

[mystik]

6 minutes ago, TLCOhio said:

 

Appreciate this very good follow-up question.  Both Carnival and Norwegian were sliding down negative this morning.   From the Wall Street Journal below you can see the trend this am for Norwegian.  Big difference??  Why??  

 

My guess personally is that the stock experts compared last week's quarterly data/report from Norwegian versus the RCL info today and much prefer the positioning and future direction for the Silversea parent.  

 

Right or wrong?  More details in my next post. 

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Dubrovnik!  Visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this super scenic and historic location. Over 49,537 views.    

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439227

 

I'm thinking on buying ncl already have ccl. just woundering went i can use ncl after buy them. On board credit. thanks.

 

[TLCOhio]

From this morning's Royal Caribbean report and, most important, the various RCL CEO and CFO answers to a wide variety of stock analysts questions, here are some my notes and highlights. 

 

There was much mention about the eight new ships added by Royal Caribbean since 2019.  There are three new coming this year, including Silversea Silver Nova, plus those other new ships for the SS brand.  They view these new and newer ships as as a key, important driving force and factor to help push strong future bookings.  

 

There were various questions and comments for what RCL is doing for cost tightening, cost controls, etc.  They are hoping customer spending is staying at the same on-board, higher  levels, especially going into and through 2024. When pressed, RCL knows about how strong spending is currently and they are doing surveying, etc., to gauge future trends. The business activities in the Caribbean has been very strong now and continues for Europe, future re-opening in Asia, with China customers, etc.  They are monitoring very closely future bookings and the higher rates that customers will accept.  

 

Load factors are hitting high levels for Spring.  In China for 2024, they are working to re-build their sales staff there as that recovery and re-opening happens with that large potential customer base.    

 

They noted that net operating costs have been up 3%, but that their various cost controls imposed have helped to mitigate the major, higher inflation factors.  For customers, RCL has had double-digit pricing increases, but they have seen demand hold up fairly strong.  

 

There was a variety of discussions and comments for their Royal Caribbean private islands and how popular those are with customers, helping them to better pricing levels, etc.  We have close friends in Colorado who were just on a Royal Caribbean sailing on one of their super large boats with their daughter and two grandsons.  She praise how these large ships cater to kids and that the private island offering/location was amazingly well done.  That does not apply or connect for the Silversea sailer, but it shows that the bigger parent is successful in serving their key cruise audiences.  

 

Bookings for those new to cruising and new to RCL bookings are holding up well and encouraging for the future. Those "new to" levels exceeded 2019 levels.   Much discussion was all about and on pricing, plus how to keep it higher to increase margins.  

 

Interestingly there was virtually no mention or questions related to Silversea.  None, other that the brief mention that Silver Nova and two other ships will be new for 2023.  

 

The Caribbean continues as to being a large portion of their bookings and focus.  On customers from China, their spending level is nearly what comes from North American customers.  

 

A key point is that there continues to be a significant gap between the "value basis" for land-based travel versus what cruises can and do offer.  Looking at competition versus Vegas, Orlando, etc., they see cruises having significant advantages.  

 

As a bottom line financially, they are focused on “optimize yield”, not just about basic bookings.  They also shared a little as to how they hold back some inventory, use sophisticated computer models, etc., to keep prices and bookings at the highest, best yields for their corporate return to profitability and paying off their billions in debt load.  

 

Hope this not too much and is of interest as these businesses look to the future.   

 

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 33,397 views.  Many pictures, details for history, food, culture, etc.:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2511358

[TLCOhio]

3 hours ago, mystik said:

I'm thinking on buying ncl already have ccl. just woundering went i can use ncl after buy them. On board credit. thanks.

 

Appreciate this good question and follow-up.  But, I am not a stock market expert, nor understanding exactly how such stock ownership gets you for any cruise credits, discounts, etc.  Maybe someone else on these CC Board can share more.  My caution is that the stock market is rather "fluid" these days and hard to predict as to any and all future trends . . . Up or Down??   

 

From the Miami Herald this afternoon, they had this headline: “Set Sail With the Cruise Stocks? Trading Royal Caribbean and Carnival” with these highlights: “Royal Caribbean is trading higher after its earnings report, while Carnival coughed up its gains.  Cruise stocks popped on Thursday’s open, but the rally is running out of steam.  Royal Caribbean on Thursday morning reported better-than-expected results. The shares jumped about 9% at the open and were at that level at last glance.”

 

At the close as of 4 pm today, RCL finished at $71.88.  Or, up 7.16%.  Carnival closed at $9.39 or down -0.42% today.  Norwegian closed at $13.75 or down -2.76%.  Very different market directions today for three, supposedly similar stocks.  Hard to explain and make sense out of these trading results.  

 

Full story at:

https://www.miamiherald.com/news/business/article275064541.html

 

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 31,916 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2465580

[Ice Bear]

Terry in Ohio, I appreciate your Notes about the RCL CEO and CFO responses to the stock analysts. The paragraph addressing Optimize Yield is definitely of interest. Thank you.

[A Tucson Guy]

Terry, I also want to thank you for your insight and comments. You are a Mensch and I hope you know what that means. I hope we meet on a future cruise!!

[TLCOhio]

On 5/4/2023 at 10:39 PM, A Tucson Guy said:

Terry, I also want to thank you for your insight and comments. You are a Mensch and I hope you know what that means. I hope we meet on a future cruise!!

 

Super appreciate the kind comments and follow-ups from A Tucson Guy and Ice Bear.  Yes, I know the meaning for being "a Mensch" and am happy to read such a generous labeling.    

 

From the Wall Street Journal below are the charts for the three major cruise lines during the most recent five trading day period.  Plus, also shown for the longer period involving Royal Caribbean.  Are you a cruise stock owner?  If so, it has been a long, rocky, wild ride.  Right or wrong?  

 

During this past week, RCL soared very dramatically up, UP!!  At Wednesday's close, Royal Caribbean was at $67.08.  In just two days, this stock went up to $75.61.  That's an $8.53 a share increase in just 48 hours.  That rise equals a 12.7% increase based on their quarterly results and the hope for continued strong sales, etc.  

 

But, the confidence in Norwegian and their management/direction was not the same, nor close.  There is a real "Tale of Two Cities" contrast between these two stocks and companies.  Any insights as to why and how for such a different outlook with these two major cruise companies?

 

The future "betting" is clearly stronger for Royal Caribbean.  That's good news for those of us with future deposits and plans for sailing with Silversea, etc.

 

Our upcoming early 2024 plan is to arrive in Delhi/India on the evening of Feb. 5, 2024, then doing some type of private tour options for Agra, New Delhi, etc.  Then fly to Mumbai/Bombay Feb. 11, a day there, then starting 18-day Silver Moon cruise with stops at Mormugao (Goa), New Mangalore and Cochin.  Then stops in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, etc., before finishing Feb. 29 in Singapore.  

 

Added time in Singapore, then fly to Tokyo for 2.5 days there before flying home through DFW. First time for all of these locations.  Don't be shy in offering any tips, suggestions and secrets for these various, exotic locations.  Looking forward to experiencing the Silver Moon. 

 

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 21,810 views.  Connect at:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/

 

From the Wall Street Journal, below are the charts for the three major cruise lines and their trading values during this past week.  I have adjusted the order to make it easier to see the dramatically different trends during the most recent five trading days for RCL versus Norwegian.  Carnival moved in a pattern similar to RCL  The same was definitely not true for Norwegian.  Why was Norwegian dragging so much?:

(Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!)

 

 

 

These next two WSJ charts shows the movements for Royal Caribbean stock during longer periods of time.  First is for RCL since early January 2023.  Second is the rocky roller coaster for Royal Caribbean during the past three years.  Up and down, up and down has been the summary for these longer periods.  Before the Covid shut-downs, RCL peaked around $135.  Will those glory days of high value return?:

 

[TLCOhio]

Need more perspective and background about Royal Caribbean's amazing rising on Thursday and Friday?  Here is added insights from Bloomberg and MSN News.

 

They had this headline: “Royal Caribbean Soars After Travel Rebound Fuels Profit View” with these highlights: “Royal Caribbean raised its full-year profit forecast past Wall Street’s expectations as demand for its vacations boomed, part of broader upswing in travel fueled by easing pandemic restrictions.  The Miami, Florida-based cruise line now expects adjusted earnings per share of $4.40 to $4.80 compared to previous guidance of $3 to $3.60, coming in well above expectations of about $3.36.  'We knew that demand for our business was strong and strengthening, but we have been pleasantly surprised with how swiftly demand further accelerated,' Chief Executive Officer Jason T. Liberty said in Royal Caribbean’s first quarter earnings report.”

 

Here is more that might be of interest:   " 'This year’s bookings have been made at higher prices versus 2019, supporting a three-year plan to attain record Ebitda per capacity day and mid-teen returns on capital,' Bloomberg Intelligence analysts Brian Egger and Josh Brownstein wrote. 'Royal may benefit long term as people resume cruising, with low historical uptake in Europe and Asia.' "

 

Full story at:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/royal-caribbean-boosts-guidance-as-cruise-travel-demand-surges/ar-AA1aJE8g

 

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 19,071 views. Live/blog: 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2682584-live-terryohio-silver-muse-alaska-canadarockies-pix’s/

[TLCOhio]

From a Wall Street Journal-related financial news website late last week, they had this headline: “Royal Caribbean stock rallies after big bottom-line beat, as consumers spend more on experiences” with these highlights: “Demand was already strong, but cruise operator was surprised at how swiftly it accelerated above historical trends at higher prices. This marked the fourth-straight quarter the company beat bottom-line expectations, and the fourth-straight time stock advanced the day results were reported, with an average gain of 7.8%, including the current rally.”

 

This below chart from this source gives a good comparison since the first of this year for how the three major cruise stocks have moved in comparison to the S&P 500 overall market values. Clearly RCL, shown by the black line, has moved better than its two main competitors.  

 

Full story at:

https://www.marketwatch.com/story/royal-caribbean-stock-rallies-after-much-narrower-than-expected-loss-and-raised-profit-outlook-as-demand-has-swiftly-accelerated-eda9a098

 

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/

[highplanesdrifters]

Thanks for the great update on RCL. Having some problems on board with SS being cheap.  Going to use this info! 😃

[TLCOhio]

17 hours ago, highplanesdrifters said:

Thanks for the great update on RCL. Having some problems on board with SS being cheap.  Going to use this info! 😃

 

Appreciate these great follow-up.  The challenges from the Silversea "Bean Counters" is not a recent happening.  Back in July 2010 while sailing up and down the Norway Coast on the Silver Cloud during our first cruise with Silversea, I had to get on the phone with the tight-wads in Monaco to settle what I was promised.  Got it solved!  But, those pesky "Bean Counters" do not always understand the value and importance of excellent "customer service".  Back in in 2010, the Executive Chef and Captain also explained to me details for the pressures from distant management to "trim costs".  How to do that, successfully, is not always easy and/or done well.  Now, they have even more pressure BOTH to trim expenses AND to keep quality as a "luxury" level.    

 

From a travel news website yesterday, they had this headline: “Cruise Orderbook: 61 New Ships Set to Debut Though 2028” with these highlights: “According to the latest cruise ship orderbook, a total of 61 new ocean-going ships are set to enter service through 2028.  With a value of over $41 billion, the newbuilds will add a total of 139,345 berths to the global cruise market.  One of the highlights of the current orderbook, the luxury sector has a sizeable number of ships scheduled to debut over the next few years.  In addition to traditional brands such as Silversea Cruises, Viking Ocean and Regent, the list includes ships for several newcomers.   Among the new players is MSC Cruises’ Explora Journeys, who has six 922-guest ships ordered, and Orient Express, a brand of the hotel giant Accor who is entering the cruise market with two ultra-luxury sailing ships.”

 

As shown above, this reporting highlighted the Silver Nova coming soon.  As noted in last week's RCL stock analyst quarterly review, new ships attract customers and build excitement for brands.  BUT, this article details how the competition is ramping up for the various "luxury" brands.  More competition, more options?  This story also noted: "Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons, Emerald, Seabourn, Mystic and other brands also have upscale vessels slated to debut over the next five years."

 

Full story at:

https://cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/2023/05/cruise-orderbook-61-new-ships-set-to-debut-though-2028/

 

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 256,371 views.

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1362155-solstice-livefirst-timer-reportspix’s-italycroatian-june-7-19/

[dawntrdr]

25 minutes ago, TLCOhio said:

This story also noted: "Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons, Emerald, Seabourn, Mystic and other brands also have upscale vessels slated to debut over the next five years."

Not to mention that Crystal is re-introducing two ships to the ultra-luxury category this year.  Not new ships, but more competition in the race for the ultra-luxury customer.