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

[TLCOhio]

From the Wall Street Journal late Friday afternoon, below are their charts for the three major cruise lines.  

 

Well, it's winter time and these past four days looks like a ski slope . . . sliding downhill?

 

Good or bad?  Why?  What's next?  Hard to predict in my view.  Clearly these cruise stock slid down, down in a more negative manner than what was affecting other stocks.  

 

Observation and predictions for the market direction during the rest of this month and for the first quarter of 2024?

 

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 249,946 views.

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

 

Here are the Wall Street Journal charts to reflect the past four days of trading for the three major cruise lines.  It was a holiday-shortened week with New Years Day on Monday.  Finally, at the bottom, is the chart for this past week for the overall S&P 500.:

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

 

 

 

[TLCOhio]

From the Wall Street Journal late Friday afternoon, below are the charts for the three major cruise lines.  Not a great start of 2024 for the cruise stock and many other companies?  Where for the rest of this month and during the first quarter of 2024?

 

However, for the past year, things during the past twelve months look much better as to Royal Caribbean.  See this WSJ chart: 

 

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 248,049 views.

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

 

Here are the Wall Street Journal charts to reflect the past five days of trading for the three major cruise lines.  Finally, at the bottom, is the chart for this past month showing a sliding past month's trading for Royal Caribbean and the other cruise lines.  These three companies during the past week did not all move up and down in the same ways for these five days.:

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

 

 

 

RCL for the past month.  Not exactly all positive and good?:

[TLCOhio]

From the Wall Street Journal late this afternoon, below are the charts for this past week's for the three major cruise lines.  Kind of a strange and different week?  For Royal Caribbean, things from Tuesday morning were generally up in a fairly positive manner.  

 

Same, kind of, maybe for the other two major companies.  But, there were a few uniques "twist" and "shakes" as the week progressed, especially on Thursday morning.  Why?  Not sure.  

 

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 110,467 views.

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

 

Here are the Wall Street Journal charts to reflect the past four days of trading for the three major cruise lines during the past trading week (as shortened by the MLK Holiday on Monday).:

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

 

 

 

Since the start of the 2024, here is how Royal Caribbean initially slipped early in the month, but has since recovered.: 

[TLCOhio]

Does this explain a little as to what is happening with the stock market, including for the cruise stocks?

 

From the New York Times late yesterday, they had this headline: “Stocks Climb to Record, Lifted by Big Tech and Rate Cut Hopes" with this sub-headline:  "The S&P 500 crossed above its January 2022 peak after weeks of wavering. Investors have been buying stocks after homing in on signals that the Fed’s campaign of raising interest rates is over.”

 

Here are some of the analysis/reporting highlights: “The stock market broke through to new heights on Friday, with the S&P 500 index finally hitting a record after weeks of bumping up against its previous peak.  The index rose 1.2 percent to close above the high that was set in January 2022.  The record followed a staggering rally in the final months of 2023, as investors seized on signs of slowing inflation and signals from the Federal Reserve that it could begin to lift the brakes off the economy by cutting interest rates.”

 

Here is an interesting chart with this NYT story reflecting historic trends for the S&P 500 over the past four  decades:

 

Full story at:

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/19/business/stock-market-record.html

 

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 73,926 views:

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

[TLCOhio]

From the Wall Street Journal late Friday afternoon, below are the charts for the three major cruise companies.  Is downward a reasonable summary, especially with Friday's major slide for these cruise stocks?  Norwegian had a really rocky week, up and down, DOWN!!

 

Also below is the chart for this past week showing the contrast to the overall, broader S&P 500 performance.  Mostly up and UP?  Why the differences in market trends for the cruise stocks?

 

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 62,019 views.

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

 

Here are the Wall Street Journal charts to reflect the past five days of trading for the three major cruise lines during the past trading week.  Not exactly good and positive news?  Why?:

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

 

 

 

By contrast, here is what the more broadly-based S&P 500 did in the past week.  Mostly up and UP?:

[highplanesdrifters]

16 hours ago, TLCOhio said:

Also below is the chart for this past week showing the contrast to the overall, broader S&P 500 performance.  Mostly up and UP?  Why the differences in market trends for the cruise stocks?

 

The sector moves have been very interesting and divergent from the general up trend. It makes my head hurt.  If you figure it out please keep us posted.

[TLCOhio]

On 1/27/2024 at 9:55 AM, highplanesdrifters said:

The sector moves have been very interesting and divergent from the general up trend. It makes my head hurt.  If you figure it out please keep us posted.

 

Appreciate this fun follow-up, BUT, don't worry that today (or in the future) that i will have "figured it out".  Too complex and confusing for me to predict the future market trends, why and how.  

 

Below are the charts for the three major cruise ship lines during the most recent five trading days.  Rocky?  Up and down?  Yes, Yes!!  

 

From the Wall Street Journal-connected news source yesterday, they had this headline: “Royal Caribbean Beats Q4 Earnings With Record Bookings, Guides 40% Adjusted EPS Spike In 2024” with these highlights: “Royal Caribbean stock reversed lower Thursday after the cruise line giant beat Q4 forecasts and guided annual earnings expectations to a record for 2024.  Royal Caribbean reported adjusted earnings of $1.25 per share, improved from a loss of $1.12 per share the same quarter last year. Revenue leapt about 28% to $3.33 billion but slowed for the sixth consecutive quarter as sales growth normalized, the company said, following the Covid-19 pandemic.  As of Dec. 31, Royal Caribbean's customer-deposit balance was $5.3 billion and noted it's encouraged about the demand and pricing environment for 2024. Since the last earnings call, the cruise operator saw its best five weeks of bookings in company history and is at a record booked position in both rate and volume.”

 

Also of interest in their reporting:  "Rival Carnival Cruise on Tuesday announced that it is almost sold out for the first half of the year after seeing record booking volumes since November. However, the company expects to take a 7- to 8-cent per share hit to its adjusted 2024 earnings due to rerouting around the Red Sea conflict."

 

Full story at:

https://www.investors.com/news/royal-caribbean-surges-on-q4-earnings-with-record-bookings-guides-40-adjusted-eps-spike-in-2024/?src=A00619&refcode=aflMarketWatch

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

AFRICA?!!?: Fun, interesting visuals, plus travel details from this early 2016 live/blog. At 55,670 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

 

Here are the Wall Street Journal charts to reflect the past five days of trading for the three major cruise lines during this past trading week.  Rocky?  It was really wild for both Carnival and Norwegian this past week.  Why?:

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

 

 

 

 

[TLCOhio]

Just got back earlier this week from our "Around the World in 31 Days" adventure that involved the "Silver Moon Rising" from Mumbai to Singapore, plus pre-cruise exploring in India's famed (justifiably great) "Golden Triangle" and post-cruise time in Japan.  All of those travels are detailed on my live/blog with many more visuals and specifics posted on that thread.   Now catching up on this thread for the status of cruise ship finances. .  

 

From the Wall Street Journal early yesterday morning, they had this headline: “Cruises Are More Popular Than Ever—and Investors Are Late to the Party" with this sub-headline: "This year’s ‘wave season’ will break revenue records for cruise lines, but investors are wary of massive debts the industry took on during the pandemic.”

 

Here are some of the WSJ reporting highlights: “Four years after Covid-19 shut the industry down, a brief golden age of uncrowded decks and deep discounts has come to an end. With ships sailing at capacity and prime cabins selling out quickly, grabbing an offer as the industry’s traditional 'wave season' winds down this month might be wise.  Investors are in more luck than travelers: Even though the lowest prices are off the table, bargains remain available in the shares of cruise lines—especially for those not put off by a bit of choppiness.”

 

What did this story do for Royal Caribbean yesterday?  See below.  Nice jump up, UP!!  Next, I will update for the stock trends with Carnival and Norwegian during the past week, month and year-to-date.  

 

Here is more insights/comparisons from yesterday's Wall Street Journal story: "Only Royal Caribbean has been able to keep rallying, coming close to erasing its pandemic losses. The other two are still down by more than half. Further gains look likely for all three as anecdotes trickle in about what is shaping up to be the industry’s best wave season ever."

 

Ready to jump in and buy/invest in cruise ship stocks?  When will that expected but delayed recession and/or "economic slow-down" hit and impact the stock market shares?  How smart and knowing is your Crystal Ball?

 

Full story at:

https://www.wsj.com/finance/carnival-cruise-royal-caribbean-norwegian-wave-season-8d875e9f

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Kotor/Montenegro:  Various visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this scenic, historic location. Over 55,259 views.

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

 

Here is the WSJ chart for Royal Caribbean during the past five trading days, including Friday's major jump up, UP!!.:

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

 

And, for the past month from the WSJ.:

 

Now, here are the trends of RCL since the start of 2024. Things got bumpy during mid February.  Why?:

 

[TLCOhio]

From the Wall Street Journal, what do their charts show for Carnival's stock during the most recent periods of this year?  Below are those charts.  

 

Reactions, comments, questions, predictions?

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Dubrovnik!  Visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this super scenic and historic location. Over 53,483 views.    

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

 

Here are the charts for Carnival stock as viewed by Wall Street traders during the past, recent periods of 2024.  Where for the rest of this year?:

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

 

 

[TLCOhio]

From the Wall Street Journal, what do their charts show for Norwegian's stock during the most recent periods of this year?  Below are those charts. Look a little different from RCL and Carnival?  Why?

 

This below story/reporting impacted Norwegian in late February from this financial news source and their headline: “Cruise Stocks Power Higher on Upbeat Results From Norwegian” with these highlights: “Over the past year, Norwegian's recovery from the pandemic has lagged its two larger rivals. Through Monday, the stock was down almost 4% over the past 12 months. Over the same period, Carnival and Royal Caribbean shares were up almost 37% and 66%, respectively.  Norwegian sparked the sector-wide rally on Tuesday after the company said it expects to report an adjusted profit in the current quarter. Wall Street analysts were expecting a loss.” 

 

Also of interest from this WSJ reporting:  "Echoing Carnival and Royal Caribbean, Norwegian said it is at a record booked position for the year, citing healthy consumer demand for travel. Norwegian also cited strength in pricing and onboard spending--a key industry gauge of consumers' appetites to splurge."

 

Full story at:

https://www.wsj.com/articles/cruise-stocks-power-higher-on-upbeat-results-from-norwegian-112ee647

 

Reactions, comments, questions, predictions?

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Lisbon, NWSpain, Bordeaux/Brittany: Live/blog, June 2017 from Portugal to France along scenic Atlantic Coast on the Silver Spirit.  Now at 34,686 views.  Many pictures, details for history, food, culture, etc.:

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

 

Here are the charts for Norwegian stock as viewed by Wall Street traders during the past, recent periods of 2024.  Where are things headed for the rest of this year?:

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

 

 

[Whinenowine]

Boy I've been VERY wrong on this so far this year.  Markets keep on chugging along and climbing that wall of worry...and the cruise lines continue to sell out every cabin at higher and higher prices.  Incredible....and incredibly depressing from an affordability standpoint (cruise prices are going up at a faster rate than my stock portfolio).

[TLCOhio]

On 3/10/2024 at 4:44 PM, Whinenowine said:

Boy I've been VERY wrong on this so far this year.  Markets keep on chugging along and climbing that wall of worry...and the cruise lines continue to sell out every cabin at higher and higher prices.  Incredible....and incredibly depressing from an affordability standpoint (cruise prices are going up at a faster rate than my stock portfolio).

 

Appreciate these comments and follow-up.  YES, customer "affordability" will come into play in the future, especially as to whenever the U.S. and world has a recession and/or economic slow-down.  Those economic "down-turns" always happen.  It is just a question as to WHEN and how deep/mild.  Any insights as to that question?  

 

From this Wall Street Journal-related website yesterday morning, they had this headline: “Cruise Line Stock Near Highs; CEO Sees 'Wind In Our Sails' ” with these highlights: “Royal Caribbean is Thursday's IBD 50 Growth Stocks To Watch pick as it forms a cup base and nears a buy point. The cruise line company raised guidance in mid-February due to strong demand, reversing Royal Caribbean stock's downtrend.  The stock is ranked second out of 48 stocks in the leisure services group. The group rose to 73rd from 126th four weeks ago. Demand for cruises and international travel has been robust and is expected to remain strong.    Royal Caribbean stock is in a third-stage base with a 133.77 buy point, according MarketSurge pattern recognition.”

 

Full story at:

https://www.investors.com/research/cruise-ship-royal-caribbean-rcl-stock/?src=A00619&refcode=aflMarketWatch

 

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 32,945 views.

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

[Whinenowine]

3 hours ago, TLCOhio said:

 

Appreciate these comments and follow-up.  YES, customer "affordability" will come into play in the future, especially as to whenever the U.S. and world has a recession and/or economic slow-down.  Those economic "down-turns" always happen.  It is just a question as to WHEN and how deep/mild.  Any insights as to that question?  

 

I've been wrong because I thought we'd have a mild recession and I thought it would hit about now, given the historical jump in rates.  50-60% of the country is living paycheck-to-paycheck, racking up credit card balances to consume.  My error was thinking that this would catch up with us (massive increase in credit card debt and rates 500-600bps higher than they've been for 5yrs).  

 

However markets have completely ignored this risk and fully priced in a soft/no landing scenario.  While I'm less bearish now than I was 6months ago, I still think we've come too far, too soon.  If there is an economic slowdown (we're already seeing a a little in the March economic numbers) we could still see that repricing of stocks.  The ability of the American consumer to continue borrowing to consume astounds me....it shouldn't, as it's gone on for decades...but it does.  Good luck to us all!

[TLCOhio]

34 minutes ago, Whinenowine said:

I've been wrong because I thought we'd have a mild recession and I thought it would hit about now, given the historical jump in rates.  The ability of the American consumer to continue borrowing to consume astounds me....it shouldn't, as it's gone on for decades...but it does.  Good luck to us all!

 

Great follow-up and insights above from our New Jersey neighbor.  Yes, many consumers are borrowing and spending.  Others have money and are wanting to catch up, spend it, rebound from missed Covid travel, etc.  And, a large number of people, as you correctly noted, are struggling pay-check to pay-check.  Strange, puzzling, hard to predict economic environment.    

 

From the Wall Street Journal late Friday afternoon, below are the charts for the three major cruise lines during the past five trading days.  Up for the middle of the week and then sliding back down to maybe "reality" during the the last two days?

 

From Barron's business publication today, they had this headline: “Royal Caribbean Stock Isn’t Done Climbing. This Analyst Is Upbeat.” with these highlights: “Royal Caribbean Group stock has been on a tear, and one Macquarie analyst sees plenty of room for more gains because bookings remain strong.”

 

Full story at:

https://www.barrons.com/articles/royal-caribbean-stock-outlook-d5b957c8

 

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 22,515 views.  Connect at:

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

 

Here is the Wall Street Journal charts for Royal Caribbean, Carnival and Norwegian during the past five trading days.  Is up and down a good, quick summary for the week?  Clearly, Norwegian had the wildest week for its "rocky" ride.:

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

 

 

[Dolcevita Diva]

An announcement from another site:

 

RCL has appointed the person who led Investor Relations for RCL (and was VP of on-board revenue before that) as VP Transformation for Silversea. 

 

Royal Caribbean's Michael McCarthy takes new Silversea role | Seatrade Cruise News (seatrade-cruise.com)

[Port Power]

3 hours ago, Dolcevita Diva said:

An announcement from another site:

 

RCL has appointed the person who led Investor Relations for RCL (and was VP of on-board revenue before that) as VP Transformation for Silversea. 

 

Royal Caribbean's Michael McCarthy takes new Silversea role | Seatrade Cruise News (seatrade-cruise.com)

Not sure if I like the sound of that.  “Integration into the Group”?  It does give the impression that the cutbacks we all feared, and are already experiencing, are only the tip of the iceberg.  Why buy a luxury brand only to strip it back to that which already exists?

[TLCOhio]

On 3/18/2024 at 4:52 PM, Dolcevita Diva said:

An announcement from another site:   RCL has appointed the person who led Investor Relations for RCL (and was VP of on-board revenue before that) as VP Transformation for Silversea. 

Royal Caribbean's Michael McCarthy takes new Silversea role | Seatrade Cruise News (seatrade-cruise.com)

 

Appreciate this "news/personnel" item from Dolcevita Diva and agree with the follow-up questions from Power Point that there is something not quite right as to what a VP Transformation might mean actually to BENEFIT Silversea customers. Right or wrong?  How do we know the honest reality as these happenings inside and at the top with Royal Caribbean?  How will the quality be maintained for Silversea?  At reasonable prices/value??

 

From the Wall Street Journal late Friday afternoon below are the charts for the three major cruise lines during the most recent five trading days.  Generally up and mostly positive.  Also below are the charts for Royal Caribbean and the other two corporation values since the first of this year. 

 

At some point soon, Royal Caribbean will need to report how money scrubbing various stops in Israel, Egypt, the Middle East, etc., has cost them.  Plus, the high costs for needing to circumnavigate Africa without passengers with the Silver Moon, etc.  Not cheap or easy to "re-engineer" those routings, scrub bookings, pay extra fuel and staffing costs, etc.  

 

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 20,907 views. Live/blog: 

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

 

Here are the Wall Street Journal charts for the past five trading days.  During this period, Royal Caribbean hit a 52-week high.  The stock market seems to like and value RCL at the higher levels.:

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

 

 

 

Here are the WSJ charts for these three cruise companies since early January 2024.  March has seen a recovery from the February slide.:

 

 

 

[tfred]

Transformation doesn't have to be all bad,  As a historic Celebrity cruiser (Silversea this summer), it isn't easy to see that X and Silversea are part of the same company other than a tag line at the bottom of the web page.

 

We enjoy The Retreat on X but want to try smaller ship and smaller port and I think that is common.  "Let's do a Med cruise!", but where do you start looking ?  I could see where many X pax would never know that S is part of the "family" and that they should look there first. Regent and Seabourn would be more than happy to take their money. There are plenty of X Retreat customers are generally unfamiliar with cruising (and that is a customer that everyone wants) and don't understand who owns who and what that experience is.  

 

That said there is some danger of S eliminating some of the smaller touches that make it special.  As evidenced on X, the included suite Premium Bev package has an annoying amount of $2 uncharges on everyday wine in the suites that is incomprehensible to most.  After spending $10k for a suite and have inane charges like that show up is not a good sign of the thought process. 

[TLCOhio]

2 hours ago, tfred said:

Transformation doesn't have to be all bad,  As a historic Celebrity cruiser (Silversea this summer), it isn't easy to see that X and Silversea are part of the same company other than a tag line at the bottom of the web page.   We enjoy The Retreat on X but want to try smaller ship and smaller port and I think that is common.   That said there is some danger of S eliminating some of the smaller touches that make it special.  As evidenced on X, the included suite Premium Bev package has an annoying amount of $2 uncharges on everyday wine in the suites that is incomprehensible to most.  After spending $10k for a suite and have inane charges like that show up is not a good sign of the thought process. 

 

Appreciate this great follow-up from our Florida/RI neighbor.  We have done two cruises with Celebrity and get "it" as to the various trade-offs, pro-con factors, etc., among the different lines and cruise brands.  Having just completed a Silversea Mumbai to Singapore sailing, we experienced a few "dumb decisions" by the "bean-counters" in Monaco and Miami.  But, on board, in general, the quality level was high and enjoyable.  

 

As always, great ports, exciting itineraries, nice/small ships and excellent staff makes a key difference/advantage for Silversea that other lines cannot always match.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Lisbon vs. Porto?  Many different Portugal tips, options, ideas, visuals, etc. with near 29,000 views at:  

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2558841-lisbon-vs-porto-which-best/page/7/#comment-66782296

[Dolcevita Diva]

 

I was highly amused to receive an email from LinkedIn this morning recommending a new job posting for Head of Investor Relations by Royal Caribbean Group as a "top job pick for you."

 

A bit surprised that they're just now beginning the search for his replacement.  Perhaps he'll fill a dual role for a while until his replacement at RCCL is in place. 

[TLCOhio]

23 hours ago, Dolcevita Diva said:

I was highly amused to receive an email from LinkedIn this morning recommending a new job posting for Head of Investor Relations by Royal Caribbean Group as a "top job pick for you."   A bit surprised that they're just now beginning the search for his replacement.  Perhaps he'll fill a dual role for a while until his replacement at RCCL is in place. 

 

Appreciate this interesting follow-up from DD and this Royal Caribbean job opportunity.  Should we apply?  Right now this RCL stock is going up and things seem good with its continued financial recovery.  Easy job now?  BUT, where will things be in a year or two?  

 

From a financial news site connected with the Wall Street Journal this afternoon, they had this headline: “Carnival Earnings Due Amid Travel Wave; Royal Caribbean In Buy Zone” with these highlights: “Carnival reports Q1 results early Wednesday amid a strong start to the 2024 travel season for cruise lines. CCL stock is basing ahead of results while rival Royal Caribbean (RCL) is trading in a buy zone at record highs.  Cruise lines are riding a wave of bookings to kick off 2024.  Royal Caribbean in late February hiked its 2024 earnings guidance, citing stronger-than-expected vacation demand.”

 

Also, this was of interest from their reporting: "Carnival (CCL) in at the end of January announced it is almost sold out for the first half of the year after seeing record booking volumes since November.  However, the company expects to take a 7-8 cent per share hit to its adjusted 2024 earnings due to rerouting around the Red Sea conflict."

 

How much will the "hit" be to Royal Caribbean from its Middle East scrubbing and the related re-routings around Africa, etc.??

 

Full story at:

https://www.investors.com/news/carnival-earnings-royal-caribbean-buy-zone/?src=A00619&refcode=aflMarketWatch

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

India to Singaore 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]

Yesterday, Royal Caribbean rose and hit a 52-week trending high.  Things continue, up, UP and UP!!  See the Wall Street Journal chart from this afternoon below. 

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

[TLCOhio]

From the Wall Street Journal yesterday, they had this headline: “S&P 500 Clinches Best Start to Year Since 2019" with this sub-headline:  "Resilient corporate profits, enthusiasm around AI and hopes that the Fed will cut rates have given investors plenty of reasons to keep on buying,”

 

Here are some of their reporting highlights: “Many investors had high hopes going into 2024. The market’s robust first-quarter rally still managed to surprise them.   Everything from stocks to gold marched to new records. The S&P 500 gained 10% in the first quarter, its best start to the year since 2019. Any weakness in the stock market hasn’t lasted more than a few sessions, with investors buying the dip and sending the index to 22 all-time closing highs.”

 

Yes, the cruise lines have benefited much from this overall stock value upswing.  But, what goes UP, sometimes will fall back?  To economic reality/adjustment?  When and how??

 

Full story at:

https://www.wsj.com/finance/stocks/the-s-p-500-is-poised-for-best-start-to-year-since-2019-0ffbf02a?mod=investing_news_article_pos4

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Abu Dhabi vs. Dubai?  Many different UAE tips, options, ideas, visuals, etc. with more than 20,000 views at:  https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2521493-abu-dhabi-vs-dubai-procon-factors/page/5/#comment-66634467

Edited March 29 by TLCOhio

[TLCOhio]

From the Washington Post this morning, they had this headline: “Covid changed how we spend: More YOLO splurging but less saving" with this sub-headline:  "Doom spending. Soft saving. YOLOing. Whatever you call it, it’s clear covid has changed the way Americans think about spending.”

 

Previously, I had never heard of YOLO.  How about you?  It means: “you only live once”.  Learned something new and interesting this morning thanks to this story. 

 

Here are some of their reporting highlights: “Whatever you call it — doom spending, soft saving, YOLOing— the coronavirus pandemic has changed the way Americans spend money. They are saving less but vacationing more and booking lavish trips years in advance. Spending on international travel and live entertainment surged roughly 30 percent last year, five times the rate of overall spending growth.  Meanwhile, the personal savings rate is at lows not seen since the Great Recession.
And the spending spree has continued into 2024. Consumers spent $145.5 billion more in February than they did the month before — much of that on services.”

 

It seems that much of the high levels of future cruise bookings is based on this YOLO effect.  Right or wrong??

 

Full story at:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2024/03/29/consumer-spending-savings-yolo-us/

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Love the Caribbean? Here are popular posts/links with over 20,000 views with much info 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

[taxatty]

4 hours ago, TLCOhio said:

It seems that much of the high levels of future cruise bookings is based on this YOLO effect.  Right or wrong??

Absolutely correct. It also explains the ability of cruise lines to significantly increase fares without apparently reducing demand.

 

It all comes down to two pieces of advice:

 

1. The perfect estate plan is to spend your last dime the day you die.

2. If you don't travel first class, your children will!