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

[TLCOhio]

The stock market is up, UP big-time this morning and the cruise stocks have seen a wild ride in the past 30 hours.  See this Wall Street Journal chart at mid-morning today:

 

From the Wall Street Journal this morning, they had this headline: “Inflation Eased Slightly to 3.3% in May, Lower Than Expected" with this sub-headline: "Core prices that exclude volatile food and energy items climbed 3.4% from a year earlier.”

 

Here are some of their story/analysis highlights: “U.S. inflation slowed in May, an ease in price pressures that should boost the likelihood of interest-rate cuts by the Federal Reserve later this year.  Wednesday’s report keeps alive the prospect that the Fed might be able to cut interest rates at its September meeting. Officials have said they are looking to regain confidence that price growth is slowing after several disappointing figures at the beginning of the year.”

 

Is a "soft landing" now more possible?  Maybe, if??

 

Full story at:

https://www.wsj.com/economy/central-banking/cpi-report-fed-meeting-interest-rate-ef93c8b0?mod=hp_lead_pos7

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Lisbon vs. Porto?  Many different Portugal tips, options, ideas, visuals, etc. with more than 30,000 views at:   https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2558841-lisbon-vs-porto-which-best/page/7/#comment-66782296

[TLCOhio]

New high for Royal Caribbean stock?  YES!!  As this below Wall Street Journal chart shows, RCL hit a 52-week high today.  Both Carnival and Norwegian are still lagging behind those year-long peaks, but today both of their stocks were up between 2.4% to 3%.    

 

From the Washington Post this afternoon, they had this headline: “Fed forecasts just one rate cut this year as inflation fight grinds on" with this sub-headline:  "The announcement came hours after fresh price data offered some encouragement. But the path ahead is still uncertain.”

 

Here is some of their reporting highlights: “Inflation is improving, but prices are still growing faster than normal. The economy is slowing, but not enough to convince the Federal Reserve it can take its foot off the brake.  The blurry picture has left Fed leaders in no rush to cut high interest rates this year, with officials signaling only one trim in 2024. That’s pared back from the three cuts officials expected just a few months ago.”

 

Is that all clear and perfectly understandable?

 

Full story at:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2024/06/12/cpi-fed-inflation-interest-rates/

 

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/

[TLCOhio]

What is happening this morning with the stock market driving down the value for Royal Caribbean??  Both Carnival and Norwegian are down, DOWN by even bigger margin this am.  Here is the Wall Street Journal RCL chart at mid-morning:

  

From the Wall Street Journal's sister publication of Barron's this morning, they had this headline: “Royal Caribbean Stock Is in for Smooth Sailing. Cruise Demand Runs Deep.”

 

Maybe we will know more later today after the stock market closes.  

 

Full story at:

https://www.barrons.com/articles/royal-caribbean-stock-carnival-norwegian-cruise-3b0c4d28?_gl=1*10kl4kf*_gcl_au*MTc3NTQ5MDQwOC4xNzEzNTU5NzQ5*_ga*NzI5MzY4NzcyLjE3MTU4MDA4MzM.*_ga_K2H7B9JRSS*MTcxODM3NDMzOS4xNTguMS4xNzE4Mzc3MzQ1LjQ1LjAuMA..

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Love the Caribbean? Here are popular posts/links with over 20,000 views each with much information for . . . .

Barbados:  https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2179164-barbados-50th-birthday-our-pixs-experiences-feb2015/page/3/#comment-65530134Or, Dominica:  https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2169714-dominica-love-our-experience-pictures-etc/page/3/#comment-66637276

[TLCOhio]

Today was a super BAD DAY for the cruise stocks.  See charts below.  Does this one report signal why and how?  Believe it??

 

From this Wall Street Journal-related financial news website mid-day, they had this headline: “Carnival’s stock leads the S&P 500’s losers as BofA raises a pricing concern” with these highlights: “Carnival’s stock is having its worst day in nearly two years, Norwegian and Royal Caribbean shares also drop.  Shares of cruise operators were having a pretty bad day Friday, as BofA Securities analyst Andrew Didora suggested there was a crack in the sector’s pricing armor.”

 

Full story at:

https://www.marketwatch.com/story/carnivals-stock-leads-the-s-p-500s-losers-as-bofa-raises-a-pricing-concern-316f03bf?_gl=1*1ym6112*_gcl_au*MTc3NTQ5MDQwOC4xNzEzNTU5NzQ5*_ga*NzI5MzY4NzcyLjE3MTU4MDA4MzM.*_ga_K2H7B9JRSS*MTcxODQwODYyNi4xNjIuMS4xNzE4NDA5MDk0LjYwLjAuMA..

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Lisbon vs. Porto?  Many different Portugal tips, options, ideas, visuals, etc. with more than 31,000 views at:   https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2558841-lisbon-vs-porto-which-best/page/7/#comment-66782296

 

From the Wall Street Journal late Friday, here are their charts during the past week for the four major cruise lines.  Have added Viking to this comparison group.  Good idea?.  BUT, was today their worst trading day in recent memory?:

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

 

 

 

 

By comparison, the overall S&P 500 performed much differently during the past week.  Second is how this broader-market index has performed year-to-date.  Why??:

 

[TLCOhio]

From the Wall Street Journal's sister publication of Barron's and MSN News this afternoon, they had this headline: “Carnival and Norwegian Stocks Are Sinking the S&P 500. Pricing May Be an Issue.” with these highlights: “BofA analyst Andrew Didora wrote in a research note Friday that 'based on cruise prices pulled in early June, there was modestly softer pricing in ocean markets relative to early May.'  This led investors to be concerned that the cruise lines have lost some ability to maintain higher prices.  Investors are now awaiting Carnival’s second-quarter report scheduled for June 25.”

 

Pricing power??  Interesting question.  As consumers, we can hope for pricing hikes to moderate and that better cruising values will return.  BUT, stockholders and Wall Street types might view things differently??

 

Full story at:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/topstocks/carnival-and-norwegian-stocks-are-sinking-the-s-p-500-pricing-may-be-an-issue/ar-BB1of4pe?ocid=BingNewsSearch

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Abu Dhabi vs. Dubai?  Many different UAE tips, options, ideas, visuals, etc. with more than 21,600 views at:  https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2521493-abu-dhabi-vs-dubai-procon-factors/page/5/#comment-66634467

[TLCOhio]

From a Wall Street Journal-connected financial website and MSN News yesterday, they had this headline: “ ‘Don’t be a cruise snob’: How I learned to love sailing on the high seas” with these highlights: “There are those who consider a cruise vacation the ultimate in travel. And there are those who view it as a sojourn into a hellish world of ticky-tackiness and overindulgence, with a little seasickness thrown in for good measure.  But to borrow a phrase from Cyndi Lauper, girls (and guys) just want to have fun. And as I’ve now learned after a weeklong sailing from New York to Bermuda and back, a cruise vacation is a lot of fun.”

 

Here is more of the writer's background/perspective: "My change of heart about cruising speaks to a broader trend: The world has gone cruise crazy of late. Coming out of the pandemic, the industry has seen a record number of passengers — some 31.7 million in 2023, which surpasses the 2019 tally by 7%, according to figures from Cruise Lines International Association.  Many of those passengers are first-timers:  Bermuda happens to be the most expensive country in the world. If I had opted to fly there, stay in a hotel and eat out in a few restaurants, I could have easily spent the equivalent of my cruise fare.  I suspect the value aspect is what’s driving a lot of people to look at cruising of late. Travel costs are up 12% compared to 2019."

 

Financial value is an important point to consider.  The writer also summarized: "In case you hadn’t noticed, it’s a resort on the move. Meaning it gets you to the places you want to experience, be it Bermuda, the Caribbean or even Antarctica, plus all the points in between, without having to deal with trains, planes and automobiles."

 

Many other good and other considerations are outlined in this detailed commentary.  Interesting!!

 

Late this am, the stocks for Royal Caribbean and other two major companies continue downwards, even when the overall market is going up.  Why and how??

 

Over 140K Views!:  This cruise line financial thread is now over 140,000 views.  Appreciate those who have stopped by, posted comments and questions, share important background, etc.  Keep it coming!!

 

Full story at:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/don-t-be-a-cruise-snob-how-i-learned-to-love-sailing-on-the-high-seas/ar-BB1oek4K?ocid=BingNewsSearch

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Enjoy 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

[TLCOhio]

Affecting cruise line finances and their future involves questions about where all can the increasing number of cruise ship go and dock.  Many parts of the Middle East are now doubtful and/or not easy to reach via previous, established routings.  But, now there are questions for places such as Greece getting too popular for tourists!!  What's next?  

 

From Bloomberg News and a travel news website yesterday, they had this headline: “Greece to Limit Cruise Ships Visiting Popular Islands Next Year” with these highlights: “Greece plans to reduce the number of cruise ships visiting its popular tourist destinations. the country’s prime minister, announced that he will place caps on how many cruises can travel to Greek islands in the Aegean Sea.  Islands like Mykonos and Santorini are popular tourist destinations. Since the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic boosted tourism overall, more visitors than ever before have been seeking out the islands.”

 

In 2006 when we did our first cruise and visited Mykonos, we super loved it.  BUT, we were lucky on that day as we were the only ship in port that day.  I cannot image the impacts and crowding if six to eight cruise ships been there during just one day.  

 

As a "bonus" below are just a few "eye candy" samples from Mykonos to prove why and how we enjoyed this Greek island so much. We got a rental car and did some exploring, including out to some uncrowded beaches where coastal "action" was colorful and happening.  Any others been to Mykonos more recently?  Santorini is still on our "must-do" future list.  A good reason to go back again to Greece.   

 

 

 

 

Full story at:

https://ftnnews.com/travel-news/cruise-travel/greece-to-limit-cruise-ships-visiting-popular-islands-next-year/#google_vignette

 

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 259,973 views.

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

[TLCOhio]

From a financial news website late this afternoon, they had this headline: “S&P500 clinches record high” with these highlights: “The S&P 500 closed at another record high on Tuesday as Nvidia rallied to usurp Microsoft as the most valuable company, pushing the broader tech sector higher and overshadowing economic data pointing to a more wary U.S. consumer.  U.S. retail sales increased at a slower-than-anticipated rate on a monthly basis in May, rising 0.1%, an improvement from a downwardly-revised decline of 0.2% in April.  The weak retail sales figure could impact the outlook for the wider economy.”

 

Below is the Wall Street Journal chart for this key overall market indicator for this large group of stocks during the first five and a half months this year.  Looking up, UP, UP? : 

 

Full story at:

https://www.investing.com/news/stock-market-news/stock-market-today-sp500-clinches-record-high-nvidia-now-most-valuable-company-3488191

 

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 252,721 views.

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

[TLCOhio]

From the Wall Street Journal late Friday afternoon, below are their charts for the three large cruises.  

 

Given a short trading week due to the Wednesday U.S. holiday, things were fairly or somewhat stable during much of the Tuesday, Thursday and Friday trading.  Last Friday and this Monday, however, had much more "Rock & Roll" in the trading patterns.  

 

What for this coming week?

 

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 251,666 views.

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

 

Here are the WSJ charts for the three major cruise lines during the most recent five trading days.:

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

 

 

 

Here is the broader market S&P 500 Index for the past five trading days.:

 

[TLCOhio]

From a respected travel news website two days ago, they had this headline: “World’s most important hotel CEOs on what’s going to impact your future travel” with these reporting highlights by Cameron Sperance: “Earlier this month, the CEOs of the world's biggest hotel companies convened at the NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference for an annual panel discussion on the industry's state and future.”

 

Much can be summarized as: "A booming middle class around the world.".  Here is more background: " 'If you look at this industry for the next 10 or 20 years or the rest of my life, the rest of most of the lives in this room ... it is fundamentally going to be a very good run for travel and tourism,' Hilton CEO Christopher Nassetta said during the NYU panel. 'Why? The big megatrends in terms of demographic growth [and] the middle classes — that keeps chugging.'   'There are a number of major markets around the world with this exploding middle class, and they want to explore the world,' Marriott CEO Anthony Capuano said."

 

BUT, here was some cautions raised: "There aren't enough hotels being built to keep up with demand. Interest rates are too high to move ahead with new construction, so most growth comes from converting existing hotels into a new brand — adding rooms to one company's portfolio but not adding new supply to the overall market."  Plus, this interesting angle: "The hotel sector is pursuing an artificial intelligence strategy to make things more efficient for its workforce as well as travelers. On the workforce front, it largely boils down to the ongoing worker shortage: There was already a shortage of hotel workers before the coronavirus pandemic, and the global health crisis only exacerbated that."

 

Another aspect of worry?  "Geopolitical tension and instability around the world."  "Our industry thrives in times of peace and stability," Marriott CEO Anthony Capuano said.

 

Hotels, however, are not the only ones impacted and affected by a growing middle class, higher interest rates, AI, worker shortages, war worries, etc.  

 

The cruise operators/CEO's are facing these same, serious opportunities and challenges, also.  Right or wrong?

 

Overall, this lengthy article is a fascinating summary with keen insights from top industry leaders.  Would love to hear the cruise ship operators speak so candidly and with such honesty as to how they look at the future.   Not just puff, spin and fluff!!  BUT, frank, candid comments about ALL factors and BOTH the choppy waters and good potentials ahead.   

 

Full story at:

https://thepointsguy.com/news/ceos-future-hotel-trends-2024/

 

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 114,926 views.

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

Edited June 23 by TLCOhio
Updating

[TLCOhio]

From earlier this year, I missed, till today, this interesting Wall Street Journal article as to the pricing differences with Royal Caribbean and others for their older ships versus those newer, larger and more flashy.  

 

They had this headline: “These Travelers Have a Secret: They Love Cheap Cruises on Old Ships" with this sub-headline:  "Passengers find better deals and blissfully smaller crowds far from the world’s largest cruise ships.”

 

Here are some of their reporting highlights:  "Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, a cruise ship over five times as large as the Titanic, is preparing for its inaugural voyage in late January. A subset of die-hard passengers are saying they would much prefer the opposite of that mammoth boat.  Picking an older, smaller cruise might make for less fancy travel, but it comes with obvious advantages. Lower demand for the aged vessels in cruise lines’ fleets can prompt some big-deal savings. Some of these ships sail more exotic itineraries, and passengers enjoy greater attention from crew members without feeling so crowded. A cruise ship can start to show its age at around 15 years.”

 

Older versus newer ships?  Those are some of the factors to consider with and affecting Silversea.  Right?  Pro/con reactions and experiences?  Pricing/value differences?  

 

Full story at:

https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/travel/royal-caribbean-icon-of-the-seas-cruise-ship-0999d6f4?mod=series_travelbetter

 

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 75,913 views:

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

[TLCOhio]

This morning, the Royal Caribbean stock jumped up, UP around 2% in the first hour of trading today.  Why?  Maybe this story helped:  

 

From the Wall Street Journal's sister publication of Barron's late last week, they had this headline: “Royal Caribbean Has Left the Pandemic in Its Wake. The Stock Has Doubled Under Its CEO’s Watch.” with these highlights: “People take cruises to kick back and relax. Royal Caribbean Group shareholders can do the same this year.”

 

Barron's has a tight pay-wall, so I cannot share more details, but you get the idea for how positively certain people in the financial community view Royal Caribbean and their management.  The RCL stock is moving closer today to their 52-week high.  

 

Full story at:

https://www.barrons.com/articles/royal-caribbean-jason-liberty-top-ceo-stock-price-c589613d?_gl=1*18n7j01*_gcl_au*MTc3NTQ5MDQwOC4xNzEzNTU5NzQ5*_ga*NzI5MzY4NzcyLjE3MTU4MDA4MzM.*_ga_K2H7B9JRSS*MTcxOTIzODcyMi4yMTUuMS4xNzE5MjM4OTc0LjcuMC4w

 

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 66,321 views.

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

[TLCOhio]

From that key Barron's article, I found through MSN News today that full text with this headline: “Royal Caribbean Stock Is in for Smooth Sailing. Cruise Demand Runs Deep.” with these added details and highlights: “Few industries have undergone as significant a sea change as the cruising industry: Long gone are the dark days of the pandemic.  That should mean smooth sailing ahead for the shipowners’ stocks.  Most consumer-related companies have noted recently that Americans are being discerning in what they buy, hunting for value as persistent inflation keeps living costs high. Yet they aren’t willing to give up on things they enjoy. That puts cruise operators, particularly Royal Caribbean, in a sweet spot.”

 

Here are more insights and comments: " 'Royal Caribbean is our top pick across the leisure and travel sector as the company has the best assets, the best management team, and the best balance sheet to capitalize on the moment that the cruise industry is having,' writes Citi’s James Hardiman in a note Thursday.  As Barron’s has noted previously, cruises are definitely having a moment. Far from being the choice of just newlyweds or retirees, they’re appealing to a swath of travelers.  Part of the reason for the heightened popularity is that as travel expenses have skyrocketed, cruise passengers get more bang for their buck, Hardiman explains."

 

Full story at:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/royal-caribbean-stock-is-in-for-smooth-sailing-cruise-demand-runs-deep/ar-BB1ocKmA?ocid=BingNewsVerp

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

AFRICA?!!?: Fun, interesting visuals, plus travel details from this early 2016 live/blog. At 56,972 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

[Catlover54]

1 hour ago, TLCOhio said:

From that key Barron's article, I found through MSN News today that full text with this headline: “Royal Caribbean Stock Is in for Smooth Sailing. Cruise Demand Runs Deep.” with these added details and highlights: “Few industries have undergone as significant a sea change as the cruising industry: Long gone are the dark days of the pandemic.  That should mean smooth sailing ahead for the shipowners’ stocks.  Most consumer-related companies have noted recently that Americans are being discerning in what they buy, hunting for value as persistent inflation keeps living costs high. Yet they aren’t willing to give up on things they enjoy. That puts cruise operators, particularly Royal Caribbean, in a sweet spot.”

 

Here are more insights and comments: " 'Royal Caribbean is our top pick across the leisure and travel sector as the company has the best assets, the best management team, and the best balance sheet to capitalize on the moment that the cruise industry is having,' writes Citi’s James Hardiman in a note Thursday.  As Barron’s has noted previously, cruises are definitely having a moment. Far from being the choice of just newlyweds or retirees, they’re appealing to a swath of travelers.  Part of the reason for the heightened popularity is that as travel expenses have skyrocketed, cruise passengers get more bang for their buck, Hardiman explains."

 

Full story at:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/royal-caribbean-stock-is-in-for-smooth-sailing-cruise-demand-runs-deep/ar-BB1ocKmA?ocid=BingNewsVerp

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

AFRICA?!!?: Fun, interesting visuals, plus travel details from this early 2016 live/blog. At 56,972 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

 

Perhaps big mega cruiseline parents such  as RC, which bought much of "luxury" SS, and also the German luxury line Hapag-Lloyd (and others) , have better profit anticipations and now higher value for investors,  because they are cutting personnel and services right and left  on their ships.  SS is not the same level of luxury as when we first cruised on her ships in 2011, and even on Hapag-Lloyd there have been cuts which veteran pax have noticed and don't like.  On SS the quality of included wines has declined (if you care), and number of frontline staff per passenger has declined, maids and waiters seem overworked, and worst of all is the phone and customer service before cruising and after cruising (i.e., once they have your payment), if issues arise (the internet is full of complaints about the non-luxury aspect of service, flights arranged with many and/or inconvenient timings, etc).  

This is true not just on RC purchased lines, but also on Carnival purchased lines like Seabourn.

But ships are mostly full, likely from the rise in the number of people worldwide who can afford cruising as the article states , and I'll add who don't have expectations as high as they used to (the latter bunch is dying off).  For many, just going somewhere -- anywhere -- and then being able to tell people they went, is novel and exciting.  For those who expect more quality per dollar spent -- less so.  I am not sure I believe that cruise pax are "getting more bang for their buck" now than 10 years ago, (much less 30 years ago). 

Service aspects of cruise lines are down just like hotel and airline service is down, and restaurant service is down, and in general because all companies more or less do the same frustrating things , e.g., have customers do more themselves, or online, or put people on hold with phone trees, and unintelligent AI, and customers understand to expect lower quality overall if it is "good enough."

 People don't have as much true choice when the big companies all do the same thing and get away with it because there is nowhere else to go.  It is not just cruising that has been cheapened in available quality, but is still described as a great luxury. 

I still enjoy most of my cruises, but DH and I started doing more land trips since Covid,  where we are in more control of problems.  Even  though we anticipated cruising more with retirement, the quality decline has discouraged us from going all out.  Others have also discovered the value of land vacations -- and, accordingly, nice hotels and venues are sold out well in advance.

 

[highplanesdrifters]

14 hours ago, Catlover54 said:

 

Perhaps big mega cruiseline parents such  as RC, which bought much of "luxury" SS, and also the German luxury line Hapag-Lloyd (and others) , have better profit anticipations and now higher value for investors,  because they are cutting personnel and services right and left  on their ships.  SS is not the same level of luxury as when we first cruised on her ships in 2011, and even on Hapag-Lloyd there have been cuts which veteran pax have noticed and don't like.  On SS the quality of included wines has declined (if you care), and number of frontline staff per passenger has declined, maids and waiters seem overworked, and worst of all is the phone and customer service before cruising and after cruising (i.e., once they have your payment), if issues arise (the internet is full of complaints about the non-luxury aspect of service, flights arranged with many and/or inconvenient timings, etc).  

This is true not just on RC purchased lines, but also on Carnival purchased lines like Seabourn.

But ships are mostly full, likely from the rise in the number of people worldwide who can afford cruising as the article states , and I'll add who don't have expectations as high as they used to (the latter bunch is dying off).  For many, just going somewhere -- anywhere -- and then being able to tell people they went, is novel and exciting.  For those who expect more quality per dollar spent -- less so.  I am not sure I believe that cruise pax are "getting more bang for their buck" now than 10 years ago, (much less 30 years ago). 

Service aspects of cruise lines are down just like hotel and airline service is down, and restaurant service is down, and in general because all companies more or less do the same frustrating things , e.g., have customers do more themselves, or online, or put people on hold with phone trees, and unintelligent AI, and customers understand to expect lower quality overall if it is "good enough."

 People don't have as much true choice when the big companies all do the same thing and get away with it because there is nowhere else to go.  It is not just cruising that has been cheapened in available quality, but is still described as a great luxury. 

I still enjoy most of my cruises, but DH and I started doing more land trips since Covid,  where we are in more control of problems.  Even  though we anticipated cruising more with retirement, the quality decline has discouraged us from going all out.  Others have also discovered the value of land vacations -- and, accordingly, nice hotels and venues are sold out well in advance.

 

 

Excellent summary of the state of things.

[TLCOhio]

15 hours ago, Catlover54 said:

Perhaps big mega cruiseline parents such  as RC, which bought much of "luxury" SS, and also the German luxury line Hapag-Lloyd (and others) , have better profit anticipations and now higher value for investors,  because they are cutting personnel and services right and left  on their ships.  SS is not the same level of luxury as when we first cruised on her ships in 2011, and even on Hapag-Lloyd there have been cuts which veteran pax have noticed and don't like.  On SS the quality of included wines has declined (if you care), and number of frontline staff per passenger has declined, maids and waiters seem overworked, and worst of all is the phone and customer service before cruising and after cruising (i.e., once they have your payment), if issues arise (the internet is full of complaints about the non-luxury aspect of service, flights arranged with many and/or inconvenient timings, etc).  But ships are mostly full, likely from the rise in the number of people worldwide who can afford cruising as the article states.   People don't have as much true choice when the big companies all do the same thing.

 

Very much appreciate the great comments/analysis from Catlover54.  Agree with highplanesdrifters that this is an excellent summary for the changing state of "luxury" cruising affecting us.  

 

Based on our 15-day February Mumbai to Singapore Silver Moon sailing, we were very satisfied in many categories of service and quality.  BUT, there were a few "goofs" and gaps reflecting bad decisions by the "bean-counters" (accounting MBA-types) that I blame in Miami and Monaco.  Overall, we are not that demanding and are happy with a great Butler (as we had), plus many other extras and benefits.  For us, it's about interesting itineraries and reasonable value in pricing.  Those "boxes" were mostly checked nicely on this most recent cruise.  However, we have no future cruise bookings made as we await to see where the market trends and offerings move. 

 

Looking long-term, the competition is ramping up, UP within this more upscale, smaller-ship cruising market.  Crystal is back, plus added luxury offerings from Ritz-Carlton, etc., etc.  And, Viking has some interesting options, maybe?   

 

PLUS . . . what is a tangible sign that Silversea is sensing the future competition?  Just this morning in a one-hour period, I saw on two different cable TV news channels, three different commercials for Silversea.  YES, their ships are kind of full now, but they are looking ahead and know they need to attract in more and more future SS customers.  Just doing mailings, emails and signing up past Silversea customers is not enough to fill ALL of their newer and older ship at these current higher prices.   

 

It will be interesting in the coming months to see how the economy evolves and competition forces Silversea to adjust accordingly.  Especially as many past customers are having certain doubts and/or quality concerns.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Kotor/Montenegro:  Various visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this scenic, historic location. Over 56,396 views.

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

[Catlover54]

Terry, do you have a link to your Mumbai/Singapore thread?  I'd been away from reading CC in detail for a while doing other things, and would love to slowly see your photos and threads now that I have two months free without travel plans.

[TLCOhio]

 

From the Wall Street Journal this morning, they show a big, BIG jump up, UP for Royal Caribbean to record 52-week stock high.  Why?

 

From Barron's this am, they had this headline: “Carnival Stock Sails Higher on Surprise Profit, Upbeat Forecasts” with these highlights: “Carnival reported an unexpected quarterly profit and said it expects a blockbuster year for cruises in 2025, sending the stock higher.”

 

At a little after 10 am today, Carnival was UP more than 7%.  Major move and positive shift?

 

Full story at:

https://www.barrons.com/articles/carnival-stock-earnings-53784352?_gl=1*i7xqc2*_gcl_au*MTc3NTQ5MDQwOC4xNzEzNTU5NzQ5*_ga*NzI5MzY4NzcyLjE3MTU4MDA4MzM.*_ga_K2H7B9JRSS*MTcxOTMyNDE1NC4yMjQuMS4xNzE5MzI0MTU1LjU5LjAuMA..

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Dubrovnik!  Visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this super scenic and historic location. Over 54,426 views.    

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

[TLCOhio]

33 minutes ago, Catlover54 said:

Terry, do you have a link to your Mumbai/Singapore thread?  I'd been away from reading CC in detail for a while doing other things, and would love to slowly see your photos and threads now that I have two months free without travel plans.

 

YES!!!  Appreciate this kind interest and follow-up from our California friend. See link below.   Lots of visuals from India, these other exotic locations, on the Silver Moon, etc.  Those "advantages" helped make the photographs shared even so much, much better with ALL of that local "color", wonderful people and exciting locations.  Below are just four quick samples as to what we saw and did.  In the fourth visual, it is Silversea "star" Jeffrey whose charm and skill are part of what makes this cruise line very special.  Like the clear, sunny skies we enjoyed at the Taj Mahal?

 

 

 

 

 

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/

 

Or, as an alternative use this five-term Google search

Live Terry/Ohio India Silver Moon

to find it with the full title of “Live, Terry/Ohio, India to Signapore, Silver Moon Rising, Pix’s!”

Edited Tuesday at 02:42 PM by TLCOhio

[TLCOhio]

From this financial news website this morning, they had this headline: “Carnival Corp. tops earnings, revenue expectations on strong bookings momentum” with these additional details and highlights: “Carnival Corp. announced an improvement in its second-quarter financial results, with net income increasing by nearly $500 million compared to the same period in 2023.  The company reported adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $0.11, surpassing the analyst consensus of -$0.02, and a record revenue of $5.78 billion for the quarter, exceeding expectations by $100 million and marking a substantial YoY increase.  The company also reported a nearly fivefold increase in second-quarter operating income to $560 million and record revenues that significantly outpaced the previous year's levels.  The company's record second quarter was driven by higher ticket prices, increased onboard spending, and the timing of expenses between quarters.”

 

Also of interest from this reporting: "Carnival said customer deposits hit an all-time high of $8.3 billion, surpassing the previous record by $1.1 billion. The company's cumulative booked position for the remainder of 2024 and full year 2025 'continues to be the best on record in both price and occupancy.' "

 

Full story at:

https://www.investing.com/news/stock-market-news/carnival-corp-tops-earnings-revenue-expectations-on-strong-bookings-momentum-432SI-3495599

 

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 35,748 views.  Many pictures, details for history, food, culture, etc.:

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

[TLCOhio]

From this Wall Street Journal-connected financial news website this morning, they had this headline: “Carnival Stock Breaks Out As 2025 Bookings Already Top Full Year 2024” with these highlights: “Carnival stock surged early Tuesday after the cruise giant cleared earnings forecasts and posted record sales for the second quarter. Rival cruise stocks also caught some uplift following the report.  Carnival said that it continues to see strong booking momentum, with record volumes for 2025 sailings. The cruise line reported that its advanced booked position for the full 2025 year is already higher than 2024 in both price and occupancy.  CCL stock jumped more than 7% early Tuesday, blasting past a 17.07 buy point in a three-month cup-with-handle base.  The move erased much of Carnival's 11.6% decline for this year, through Monday's close.”

 

Is it too late to buy these cruise stocks and ride the wave?  Or, what is coming in the next eight months into early 2025?

 

Full story at:

https://www.investors.com/news/carnival-cruise-q2-earnings/?src=A00619&refcode=aflMarketWatch&_gl=1*euu0u*_gcl_au*MTc3NTQ5MDQwOC4xNzEzNTU5NzQ5*_ga*NzI5MzY4NzcyLjE3MTU4MDA4MzM.*_ga_K2H7B9JRSS*MTcxOTMyNDE1NC4yMjQuMS4xNzE5MzI3Mjk2LjYwLjAuMA..

 

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 33,425 views.

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

[Neilio]

Terry-Thanks for your continued posting of the financial analysis. RCL up over 200% for past 2 years. Incredible run. I have been rolling my covered calls.  Analysts are still bullish. Just watched the CCL CEO in CNBC. Weinstein discussed all their brands. Demand is off the charts. GLTA

[TLCOhio]

1 hour ago, Neilio said:

Terry-Thanks for your continued posting of the financial analysis. RCL up over 200% for past 2 years. Incredible run. I have been rolling my covered calls.  Analysts are still bullish. Just watched the CCL CEO in CNBC. Weinstein discussed all their brands. Demand is off the charts. GLTA

 

Very much appreciate these kind comments, follow-up and encouragement from our Virginia neighbor to keep sharing these cruise line financial details.  

 

From the Wall Street Journal below are two of their added chartings that offer graphic details for what has happened with Royal Caribbean during the most recent three- and five-year periods.  

 

FIRST, RCL during the past three years: 

 

SECOND, charting during the past five years with a previous Royal Caribbean peak on December 1, 2019 at $133.51.  Quite a jump up, UP, UP to this week's top level?  

 

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 22,824 views.  Connect at:

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

Edited Tuesday at 04:53 PM by TLCOhio

[DTtravelers]

Hi Terry.  Thanks for your posts and keeping us all informed!  Yours is always a go-to column for me.

 

Just a thought: maybe time to add VIK to the fray, now that they are public?

[TLCOhio]

1 hour ago, DTtravelers said:

Hi Terry.  Thanks for your posts and keeping us all informed!  Yours is always a go-to column for me.  Just a thought: maybe time to add VIK to the fray, now that they are public?

 

Yes!!  Great comments and helpful follow-up.  Have at times recently posted some WSJ charts for Viking and have more shown below.  But as noted earlier, if a large portion of the Viking stock is tightly control by their founder and a couple of pension funds, then the "market" is not quite as wide and meaningful for reflecting this stock's true up and down values.  But, we will see what happens over time with this stock.    

 

From the Wall Street Journal late this afternoon, below are their charts for the three major cruises showing the different reactions to the quarterly updates from Carnival.  Big, BIG jumps today.  Best I can remember in recent history.  Right?

 

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 22,078 views. Live/blog: 

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

 

Here are the Wall Street Journal charts showing, especially for today, the massive jump UP, UP for Carnival and the other two major cruise companies.  What for tomorrow and the rest of this month?:

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

 

 

 

For Viking, below are the WSJ charts as to this new stock.  First, during the most recent five trading days.  Second, shows the longer trends since when they were first listed about a month and a half ago.: