3 Cruise Stocks to Buy ASAP – 6/26

There’s more upside – and smooth sailing ahead – for cruise stocks. 

For one, according to JPMorgan, the cruise industry could capture 3.8% of the $1.9 trillion global vacation market by 2028 – which may be lowballing it. The firm notes the number of cruise passengers could grow to about 35.7 million this year, which is 6% higher than in 2019. 

“Cruise operators are overhauling their offerings in order to appeal to consumers. Key operators are investing in new hardware, notably mega-ships and private destinations. This is driving more eyeballs to the industry, accelerating new-to-cruise acquisition,” they added.

Three, boats are being filled fast. “We’re getting close to the point where we’ll soon be taking more bookings for ’25 than we are for 2024,”Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty told investors during a late-April earnings call, adding the company is also taking bookings for 2026.

That being keep an eye on cruise stocks such as:

Company: Royal Caribbean (SYM: RCL)

Earnings have also been solid, as expected. Adjusted earnings per share of $1.77 beat estimates by $0.46. Revenue of $3.73 billion – up 29.2% year over year – beat by $38.9 million. It also hiked its EPS guidance to a new range of $2.65 to $2.75 compared to estimates of $2.37. 

JPMorgan also raised its price target on RCL to $175 with an overweight rating. Analysts at Argus also raised their price target on RCL to $172 with a buy rating. All thanks to its optimism over the company’s financial prospects following a spike in occupancy rates.