Latest news with #NorwegianAqua
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
CCL vs. NCLH: Which Cruise Stock Offers Smoother Sailing in 2025?
Carnival Corporation & plc CCL and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. NCLH are prominent players in the global cruise industry. Carnival operates eight cruise brands across key markets, while Norwegian positions itself as a premium cruise line with a smaller fleet and a strong focus on guest experience and innovation. The cruise industry is navigating a powerful tailwind. According to the Cruise Lines International Association report, the sector is projected to welcome 37.7 million passengers in 2025, highlighting steady growth and strong consumer appetite for cruising. Importantly, 82% of past cruisers plan to sail again, while 68% of international travelers are considering their first cruise. First-time cruisers accounted for 31% of all passengers over the past two years, a clear sign the industry is expanding its reach. Repeat cruising is also gaining traction, with 25% of cruisers sailing more than once a market's appeal is also widening demographically. Multi-generational cruising is on the rise, with nearly one-third of passengers traveling with three or more generations. Meanwhile, expedition and exploration cruises — often tied to remote and adventure-based itineraries — have seen a 22% increase in passengers year over this booming backdrop, both Carnival and Norwegian are well-positioned. But for investors, the critical question remains: Which cruise stock presents a more compelling opportunity right now? Let's take a closer look at both. Carnival is capitalizing on its scale and brand depth to deliver strong performance across its global portfolio. Yield growth has been particularly encouraging, supported by healthy consumer demand and strong onboard spending trends. More than 80% of 2025 sailings are already booked, and 2026 bookings are pacing at record highs, highlighting strong forward visibility and pricing Carnival is enhancing its guest experience with exclusive destinations like Celebration Key, a marquee Caribbean port set to open this year, and expanded offerings at Half Moon Cay and Denali Lodge. These destination investments are expected to drive incremental revenues and improve customer the financial front, Carnival is making major strides in deleveraging. Recent refinancing efforts have significantly lowered its average interest rate, and the company is targeting a $5 billion reduction in debt over 2025-2026. With only one new ship delivery scheduled through 2027, Carnival is well-positioned to generate strong free cash flow and rebuild its financial Carnival's extensive operations in North America and Europe expose it to regional macroeconomic fluctuations and fuel cost volatility. Still, its global scale, brand strength and financial discipline provide meaningful resilience. Norwegian Cruise is taking a focused approach to growth by enhancing guest experience and operational efficiency. Its new Prima Plus class ship, Norwegian Aqua, introduces innovative features like the Aqua Slide Coaster and modernized stateroom layouts designed to optimize revenue per company is also investing in Great Stirrup Cay, its private island in the Bahamas, which is being expanded with new family zones, an adult-only beach club, and a new pier to increase guest capacity and drive more ancillary digital upgrades are another bright spot. A revamped mobile app has rolled out fleetwide, helping drive higher pre-cruise bookings for shore excursions and onboard services. These enhancements support the company's goal of boosting both revenue capture and the company is executing a cost transformation initiative aimed at delivering $300 million in savings, while its debt management strategy remains focused on refinancing and reducing overall leverage. While Norwegian recently adjusted its full-year yield outlook slightly lower due to softness in select European itineraries, it reaffirmed its broader earnings and EBITDA guidance, reflecting confidence in demand trends across its core Caribbean and Alaska said, Norwegian's smaller scale and higher leverage ratio mean it's more vulnerable to near-term fluctuations in pricing and demand. Geographic concentration and sensitivity to regional booking trends are areas to watch closely. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Carnival's fiscal 2025 sales and EPS suggests year-over-year increases of 4.1% and 30.3%, respectively. In the past 60 days, earnings estimates for 2025 have risen 1.7%. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Norwegian Cruise's 2025 sales and EPS suggests year-over-year increases of 6.2% and 12.6%, respectively. In the past 60 days, earnings estimates for 2025 have declined 1.9%. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Carnival stock has rallied 42.2% in the past year, significantly outpacing its industry and the S&P 500's rise of 5.6% and 9.3%, respectively. Meanwhile, Norwegian Cruise shares have risen 4.6% in the same time. CCL & NCLH Stock 1 Year Price Performance Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Carnival is trading at a forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 11.30X, below the industry average of 17.32X over the last year. NCLH's forward 12-month P/E multiple sits at 7.87X over the same time frame. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Both Carnival and Norwegian Cruise are riding the wave of strong industry demand, with strategic initiatives aimed at boosting guest experience, expanding capacity and improving financial health. Norwegian impresses with its innovation-forward approach, digital enhancements and premium positioning. However, its smaller scale and higher sensitivity to regional trends make it more exposed to short-term on the other hand, brings unmatched scale, brand diversification and operational momentum. With robust forward bookings, targeted destination investments and a clear path to deleveraging, Carnival appears better equipped to capitalize on the cruise sector's structural by stronger earnings momentum, improving analyst sentiment and outperformance in stock price over the past year, Carnival holds the edge as the more compelling investment choice in stocks presently carry a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Carnival Corporation (CCL) : Free Stock Analysis Report Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
I stayed in the exclusive VIP area of Norwegian's new cruise ship: Here's what $5,150 gets you
Norwegian Cruise Line's latest ship, Norwegian Aqua, has a section exclusive to its highest-paying guests. The Haven includes 123 suites and a private restaurant, bar, lounge, and two-floor pool deck. These high-end cabins start at $5,150 per person for a weeklong cruise this summer. The amenities on Norwegian's new ship are fairly routine, at least as mass-market cruises go. There's a water playground for toddlers, and a hybrid roller coaster-waterslide for taller kids. There's an LED sports court for groups of hoop-shooting teens and a pickleball court for groups of weaker-kneed adults. But the two-month-old Aqua has one secret that most of the ship's guests can't — or won't be allowed to — catch a glimpse of: the Haven. The Haven is a mini luxury ship hidden within the walls of the massive vessel. The Haven is a collection of Norwegian Aqua's highest-end suites with access to an exclusive lounge. On paper, this shared space has all the amenities of a typical cruise (like a pool and restaurant), except quieter, upscale, and more service-forward. This exclusivity has been a big selling point for a cruise line that doesn't usually target luxury travelers. The company increased its count of Haven cabins from 107 on its previous Prima-class ships to 123 on the new Prima Plus-class Norwegian Aqua. Demand is outpacing the expansion. About 9% of Norwegian Aqua's 1,387 cabins are in The Haven. The limited inventory means they're in hot demand. These high-end accommodations are reserved faster than other stateroom categories — often about four months before sailing, the cruise line told Business Insider. The Haven is sold out for about half of the ship's seven-day Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral, Florida, this summer. A 'haven' from what? Noise, crowds, and, maybe more subliminally, the less wealthy. The most affordable Haven option left for this summer, a balcony cabin in early August, starts at about $5,150 per person. The cost is steep compared to a standard (albeit smaller) non-Haven balcony stateroom, which is about $1,900 per person on the same voyage. Is paying almost triple the price for a somewhat similar accommodation worth it? Well, it depends on how much you value exclusivity and service. The Haven Lounge is gated from the rest of the ship behind keycard-activated glass doors. Life past these doors feels less like a commercial cruise and more like a luxury ship. The contemporary lounge is grounded with bright, neutral decor. It's as trendy (à la some statement furniture) as it is cozy (with plenty of couches and decorative books). Find the concierge desk if you need to make a spa reservation. Or, if you're looking for a peaceful afternoon, snag one of the windowside seats and a drink from the bar. The watering hole is hard to miss, with an opulent art deco elan that commands a glimpse or two from any passerby. Bespoke beverages from a bespoke bar. You could indulge in a sugary margarita. But why bother with the conventional when the drinks here are nothing like those outside the Haven? For one (or four), it uses in-house infused vermouths, liqueurs, spirits, and bitters. And if you're feeling especially daring, you could ask the bartenders to create a customized cocktail based on your ideal base and taste (refreshing versus spirit-forward, classic versus adventurous). If you're feeling peckish, head to the adjacent restaurant. No need to restlessly queue up at the main breakfast buffet for some lukewarm bacon. In the morning, the Haven Restaurant serves classics like eggs Benedict and other options like shrimp toast — all to be paired with a line-up of pastries and cold cuts from a small buffet. Enjoy your lunch at one of the outdoor tables. Satisfy your afternoon hunger with a fried seafood platter, lobster bisque, or Brie burger. For dinner, head back for steak tartare, porcini risotto, and more lobster, this time in the appetizer deviled eggs and entrée surf and turf (with filet mignon, of course). Nap off the food coma at the two-floor pool deck. There are no hard plastic poolside chaises here. Every lounge chair is topped with a thick cushion and garnished with a head pillow. If you're lucky, you can snag one of the cabanas (at no additional cost, unlike the cabanas out there). The outdoor lounge also has a bar. If standing up requires too much energy, wait for a waiter to request your order. Cool off in the infinity pool. Or warm up in the two hot tubs on the top deck, where you'll find more lounge seating. If you're temperature-confused, hop between the private sauna and ice room. The Haven's location at the aft of the ship is strategic. Its rear positioning blocks the chill from incoming headwinds while providing unobstructed ocean views from the infinity pool. It may be inconvenient for guests who want to access amenities at the front of the ship (such as the theater and Observation Lounge). Luckily, the private Haven keycard-activated elevators help expedite the journey. Plus, there's no need to rush when you get priority for almost everything. The Haven's amenities don't stop at the elevator doors. In addition to this exclusive space, Haven guests also have a cabin butler, reserved seating for theater shows, and priority embarkation, debarkation, and tendering — an underrated benefit when visiting Norwegian's private island, which will require taking a tender to shore until a pier is completed at the end of the year. That alone could make the Haven worth every penny. Read the original article on Business Insider
Business Insider
26-05-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
I stayed in the exclusive VIP area of Norwegian's new cruise ship: Here's what $5,150 gets you
Norwegian Cruise Line's latest ship, Norwegian Aqua, has a section exclusive to its highest-paying guests. The Haven includes 123 suites and a private restaurant, bar, lounge, and two-floor pool deck. These high-end cabins start at $5,150 per person for a weeklong cruise this summer. The amenities on Norwegian's new ship are fairly routine, at least as mass-market cruises go. There's a water playground for toddlers, and a hybrid roller coaster-waterslide for taller kids. There's an LED sports court for groups of hoop-shooting teens and a pickleball court for groups of weaker-kneed adults. But the two-month-old Aqua has one secret that most of the ship's guests can't — or won't be allowed to — catch a glimpse of: the Haven. The Haven is a mini luxury ship hidden within the walls of the massive vessel. The Haven is a collection of Norwegian Aqua's highest-end suites with access to an exclusive lounge. On paper, this shared space has all the amenities of a typical cruise (like a pool and restaurant), except quieter, upscale, and more service-forward. This exclusivity has been a big selling point for a cruise line that doesn't usually target luxury travelers. The company increased its count of Haven cabins from 107 on its previous Prima-class ships to 123 on the new Prima Plus-class Norwegian Aqua. Demand is outpacing the expansion. About 9% of Norwegian Aqua's 1,387 cabins are in The Haven. The limited inventory means they're in hot demand. These high-end accommodations are reserved faster than other stateroom categories — often about four months before sailing, the cruise line told Business Insider. The Haven is sold out for about half of the ship's seven-day Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral, Florida, this summer. A 'haven' from what? Noise, crowds, and, maybe more subliminally, the less wealthy. The most affordable Haven option left for this summer, a balcony cabin in early August, starts at about $5,150 per person. The cost is steep compared to a standard (albeit smaller) non-Haven balcony stateroom, which is about $1,900 per person on the same voyage. Is paying almost triple the price for a somewhat similar accommodation worth it? Well, it depends on how much you value exclusivity and service. The Haven Lounge is gated from the rest of the ship behind keycard-activated glass doors. Life past these doors feels less like a commercial cruise and more like a luxury ship. The contemporary lounge is grounded with bright, neutral decor. It's as trendy (à la some statement furniture) as it is cozy (with plenty of couches and decorative books). Find the concierge desk if you need to make a spa reservation. Or, if you're looking for a peaceful afternoon, snag one of the windowside seats and a drink from the bar. The watering hole is hard to miss, with an opulent art deco elan that commands a glimpse or two from any passerby. Bespoke beverages from a bespoke bar. You could indulge in a sugary margarita. But why bother with the conventional when the drinks here are nothing like those outside the Haven? For one (or four), it uses in-house infused vermouths, liqueurs, spirits, and bitters. And if you're feeling especially daring, you could ask the bartenders to create a customized cocktail based on your ideal base and taste (refreshing versus spirit-forward, classic versus adventurous). If you're feeling peckish, head to the adjacent restaurant. No need to restlessly queue up at the main breakfast buffet for some lukewarm bacon. In the morning, the Haven Restaurant serves classics like eggs Benedict and other options like shrimp toast — all to be paired with a line-up of pastries and cold cuts from a small buffet. Enjoy your lunch at one of the outdoor tables. Satisfy your afternoon hunger with a fried seafood platter, lobster bisque, or Brie burger. For dinner, head back for steak tartare, porcini risotto, and more lobster, this time in the appetizer deviled eggs and entrée surf and turf (with filet mignon, of course). Nap off the food coma at the two-floor pool deck. There are no hard plastic poolside chaises here. Every lounge chair is topped with a thick cushion and garnished with a head pillow. If you're lucky, you can snag one of the cabanas (at no additional cost, unlike the cabanas out there). The outdoor lounge also has a bar. If standing up requires too much energy, wait for a waiter to request your order. Cool off in the infinity pool. Or warm up in the two hot tubs on the top deck, where you'll find more lounge seating. If you're temperature-confused, hop between the private sauna and ice room. The Haven's location at the aft of the ship is strategic. Its rear positioning blocks the chill from incoming headwinds while providing unobstructed ocean views from the infinity pool. It may be inconvenient for guests who want to access amenities at the front of the ship (such as the theater and Observation Lounge). Luckily, the private Haven keycard-activated elevators help expedite the journey. Plus, there's no need to rush when you get priority for almost everything. The Haven's amenities don't stop at the elevator doors. In addition to this exclusive space, Haven guests also have a cabin butler, reserved seating for theater shows, and priority embarkation, debarkation, and tendering — an underrated benefit when visiting Norwegian's private island, which will require taking a tender to shore until a pier is completed at the end of the year. That alone could make the Haven worth every penny.
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Time of India
An aqua slidecoaster on a cruise ship. Yes, you heard that right!
With adrenaline-pumping offerings, indulgent spa, umpteen games, mind-blowing entertainment and 18-plus dining venues, Norwegian Cruise Line's Aqua wows family cruisers As our bus nears Southampton's Horizon Cruise Terminal, my dad's eyes light up with excitement. The brand-new Norwegian Aqua, the latest gem from Norwegian Cruise Line, comes into view. We're thrilled to be among the privileged few boarding her inaugural 4-day roundtrip voyage from Southampton. Welcome Aboard After breezing through security, we received our Freestyle Cards—our golden tickets to everything on board, including our cabin. We step into the Penrose Atrium, a breathtaking three-level space instantly setting the tone. Bathed in natural light from sweeping ocean-view windows, it features sleek modern lighting, designer décor, and a buzzing mix of restaurants, shops, lounges, and service desks. Having sailed on NCL's Prima-class ships before, I can see familiar touches from the Prima and Viva, but Aqua has its unique energy and can accommodate 3,571 passengers. Our home at Sea A quick announcement signals our cabin is ready. We head to Deck 13, where our Club Balcony Suite awaits. Spacious and stylish, the room boasts a cozy bed, a chic sitting area, a work desk, a modern bathroom, and a well-sized wardrobe. But the star of the show? A private forward-facing balcony that offers a front-row seat to the ocean's ever-changing drama. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like เทรดทองCFDs ด้วยค่าสเปรดที่ต่ำที่สุด IC Markets สมัคร Undo Guests looking to revel in luxury can opt for The Haven, NCL's luxury enclave with lavish suites, round-the-clock butler and concierge service, and an exclusive sundeck. Fun and Games With our bags stashed and spirits high, we explore the ship. Deck 17's main pool area is already lively—sun-seekers lounging, guests sipping cocktails, and others soaking in the infinity-edge hot tub. Quieter than Aqua's sister ships, this deck also houses the Aqua Game Zone, complete with VR rides, arcade games, and even mini-bowling. Looking for friendly competition? Head to Decks 18–20, home to complimentary attractions like The Stadium, featuring ping-pong, air hockey, foosball, and even beer pong. The Glow Court is a highlight—a high-tech digital sports arena with an interactive LED floor that transforms from a sports court by day to a nightclub by night. We certainly enjoy Tee Time —a vibrant 12-hole mini-golf course stretching across two decks with holes themed after global cities. Of course, thrill-seekers will gravitate toward the Aqua Slidecoaster. Its thrilling start is followed by a mellow meander, and the dual slides let us race each other. And then there's The Drop—a heart-pounding free fall from Deck 18 to Deck 8. Not for the faint-hearted! A Feast for All Tastes One of the best things about cruising? Endless dining. Included in your fare are meals at several a la carte and buffet spots, ideal for satisfying every craving. Onboard Norwegian Aqua, 17 dining venues and 18 bars await. Of these, five are complimentary, plus an exclusive restaurant for Haven guests. We're smitten with Hudson's—a beautiful glass-walled restaurant at the ship's rear serving up an array of global dishes with panoramic sunset views. For quick, global bites, Indulge Food Hall is our go-to. F rom Indian and Asian to BBQ and desserts, everything is ordered via tablet and delivered to your table. The Surfside Café & Grill offers buffet-style dining all day, indoors and out. New to the Aqua lineup is Sukhothai, NCL's first-ever Thai specialty restaurant. We also enjoy an evening at Los Lobos, where we savor made-at-the-table guacamole, hearty enchiladas, and perfectly crisp churros with dulce de leche. Relax and Rejuvenate For wellness lovers, The Mandara Spa is a sanctuary. The Thermal Suite wows with a two-story waterfall, saltwater pool, saunas, steam rooms, am ice room and heated loungers with ocean views. We unwind here with infused waters and fresh fruit between treatments. Also in the spa complex is the Pulse Fitness Center, stocked with treadmills, free weights, and fitness classes like yoga, spin, and boot camp (available for a fee or via class pass). Sun-Kissed Serenity Sundecks are sprinkled across decks 8, 17, and 18, offering countless ways to soak in the sea air. Deck 8's outdoor promenade includes La Terazza—a cozy terrace with couches—and Ocean Walk, NCL's first glass walkway at sea. Our favorite? Infinity Beach, with loungers, sunbeds nestled in shallow water, and twin infinity-edge hot tubs flanking each side. Nightlife & Entertainment When the sun sets, Norwegian Aqua comes alive with world-class entertainment. 'Revolution: A Celebration of Prince' delivers an electrifying tribute to the music legend, while 'Elements: The World Expanded' dazzles with acrobatics and visuals inspired by nature's elements. Night owls have no shortage of options: live music, improv comedy, karaoke, and DJ sets unfold in various venues. Because performances are held in enclosed spaces, open areas remain peaceful for quiet conversations. Syd Norman's Pour House continues its legacy with classic rock shows, tribute nights, and karaoke. Over at The Improv at Sea, laughter flows freely with nightly comedy acts. After the main shows, the DJ takes over, transforming venues into high-energy nightclubs. Deck 7 houses Aqua Casino, filled with slot machines and gaming tables. Shoppers can browse through boutique shops in The Gateway on Deck 7 and more retail spaces near the Penrose Atrium on Deck 8, offering everything from luxury accessories to souvenirs. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Business Insider
25-05-2025
- Business Insider
I sailed alone on Norwegian's latest giant cruise ship and was surprised how easy it was as a solo traveler
Norwegian Cruise Line's latest ship, Norwegian Aqua, is great for both families and lone cruisers. The ship has 93 single-person cabins and plenty of solo-friendly amenities. The cruise line has been championing the solo cruise boom. Sailing alone on a giant cruise ship doesn't have to feel like a socially isolating act of family vacation defiance. In fact, Norwegian's latest vessel wants you to go solo. The 4,482-guest Norwegian Aqua prides itself on being a floating resort for families to lounge together, be it the daybeds littered over the infinity pools or the plush group seating near the Metropolitan bar's live pianist. However, if you look closely, you'll notice there are as many options — if not more — for people going alone. After all, the adrenaline-pumping 10-floor dry slide can only accommodate one rider at a time. There's one sure sign Norwegian is vying for solo cruisers: Its new ship has 93 single-person cabins. Cruise lines compensate for lost revenue on double-occupancy cabins by slapping an often hefty "single supplement" fee on solo cruisers' fares. To bypass this, look for specially designated single traveler cabins. There are 73 of these 94-square-foot, windowless rooms. These relatively small and affordable cabins start at $1,880 for a weeklong Caribbean cruise from Port Canaveral, Florida, this summer — which is about $600 cheaper than a standard inside cabin with the supplementary fee. There's no room for a living room. For that, go to the Studio Lounge, a large social space exclusive to these solo sailors. However, like their cabin counterparts, you won't find any natural light down here. If you'd rather loaf under the sun, you could pay for Vibe Beach Club. However, you are on a kid-friendly cruise with a surplus of catered facilities. So if you can't beat them, join them. Most of these family amenities are also secretly great for solitary travelers (minus the cluster of outdoor activities at the Stadium, unless you can finesse playing "beer" pong and shuffleboard alone). No need to ride the Aqua Slidecoaster with a stranger. I've been on plenty of solo cruises for work, so I understand the hate for waterslides that require two riders. (You're telling me I have to share my raft with a random kid?!) Thankfully, Norwegian Aqua's hybrid waterslide-roller coaster accommodates single and double riders. Plus, riding alone means no one has to hear you shriek when the robot arm launches you upward of 31 miles per hour into the waterslide. The multi-purpose, LED-lit sports court can accommodate several players. Or, you're welcome to go alone if you don't want to bicker over the activity of choice. The same goes for the arcade's two-lane bowling alley — so long as you're OK with an audience of children pausing their virtual reality games to judge your performance — and the mini-golf course, which automatically tracks your putts-per-hole. No need to fear eating in solitude. The ship has 15 dining options, half of which are complimentary. These include the familiar cruise buffet, two main dining rooms, and American pub grub from Local Bar and Grill. The food hall has 10 varied stalls, from Indian to Spanish tapas to Texan barbecue. Don't let decision paralysis stop you from living your lunch dreams. The portions are relatively small, so you don't need to eat family-style to try multiple dishes. Plus, there are plenty of communal tables that make eating alone feel casual. Grab a snack at the Observation Lounge. Most guests go there to enjoy a quiet cocktail with ocean views. However, the lounge has an underrated feature: a tiny café-like buffet with small bites such as Brie sandwiches and cookies. Grab a quiche and a soft leather seat for a relaxing mid-day solitude snack. Or, if you're feeling chattier, sit at one of the couches and strike up a conversation with your seatmate. Going to the theater doesn't have to feel like a socially isolating experience. "Revolution: A Celebration of Prince" could be the most engaging show you'll go to alone. You could grab a seat on the upper decks, but I recommend heading to the bottom, standing room-only floor. Small, lilypad-like stages move throughout the performance to create an ever-changing set, corralling the standing viewers while providing plenty of room to sing, dance, mingle, and mix along to the Prince cover songs. It'll feel more like a concert than a traditional seated show, although there are plenty of those if you prefer. None of the other theater shows are interactive, save for "The Price is Right Live." "Elements: The World Expanded" is Norwegian's Cirque du Soleil dupe, while "Syd Norman's Presents: Rumours" is another cover show showcasing Fleetwood Mac's magnum opus album. Or, if you really hate going without company, make friends at the Studio Lounge and drag them with you. Dancing to Prince with your new chums will surely make for a memorable solo vacation.
