Latest news with #cruises
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
2 Breakout Stocks to Buy Now
Key Points The surging demand for cruises isn't slowing down, which is very bullish for Carnival's prospects. Toast is seeing growing adoption of its cloud-based restaurant management platform, as restaurant owners look to upgrade to cutting-edge technology solutions powered by AI. 10 stocks we like better than Carnival Corp. › The major market indices are in a V-shaped recovery since the sell-off in March over recession fears. With a new bull market underway, investors should take note of stocks that are surging to new 52-week highs, as this can indicate where the smart money see opportunities. Here are two breakout stocks to consider buying right now. 1. Carnival Shares of Carnival (NYSE: CCL) have surged 18% year to date, beating the S&P 500 return of 8% at the time of this writing in late July. The stock is poised to move higher from strong demand for travel. The company has posted eight consecutive quarters of record revenue, with a favorable outlook for bookings into next year that should lead to strong earnings. While other consumer-related industries are experiencing softness in sales, such as apparel, consumers are not hesitant to plan cruise trips. After a strong first half of the year, analysts anticipate Carnival's revenue increasing to $25 billion for 2025, with adjusted earnings per share landing at $2.00, according to Yahoo! Finance. The cruise industry has been steadily growing since the pandemic. It remained resilient even during the spike in inflation in 2022. Entering 2024, 82% of those who had already taken a cruise plan to do so again, according to the Cruise Lines International Association. Carnival not only benefits from industry trends, management is executing well on its growth strategy. During the Q2 earnings call in June, management noted strong demand for bookings well into 2026, while having only limited capacity. This is supporting higher ticket prices, which should continue to boost margins and earnings. Carnival stock's conservative forward price-to-earnings multiple of 15 could potentially support more market-beating returns over the next few years. Analysts forecast Carnival's earnings to grow at an annualized rate of 21%. 2. Toast With artificial intelligence (AI) sweeping across every industry, restaurant operators are eager to get their hands on cutting-edge technology to make running a restaurant simpler and more cost-efficient. Toast (NYSE: TOST) appears to be the best stock to profit off the digital transformation of the restaurant industry. After bottoming out with the broader market a few years ago, the stock has been on a tear year to date, climbing 33%. Restaurant management software is a competitive market, with a countless number of companies offering solutions. But Toast has the finances, technology, and easy-to-use software to win a large share of this market. Its intuitive user interface makes onboarding employees fairly straightforward. It offers powerful tools like handheld devices and a cloud-based all-in-one system. Toast added more than 6,000 net locations in Q1, bringing its total base to around 140,000. This marked a 25% year-over-year increase, translating to a 31% increase in annualized recurring revenue. Importantly, Toast's strong revenue growth is starting to pull margins up. Growth in high-margin areas like subscriptions and payment solutions is driving higher recurring gross profit, which grew 37% year over year in Q1. As Toast continues to post strong financials, it is reinvesting in new tools that can keep momentum going. Its ToastIQ feature could be a game changer. This feature uses AI to pull insights from millions of transactions across Toast's customer base. This means ToastIQ is getting smarter the more locations that use the platform -- a classic network effect competitive advantage. Wall Street may be starting to recognize the advantage that Toast is building. The stock seems to be in the process of being rerated as a sustainable, high-growth software company. Toast is going after a huge addressable market, with an estimated 875,000 restaurants in the U.S. alone. The stock's recent breakout is a bullish signal on where it's headed over the long term. Should you invest $1,000 in Carnival Corp. right now? Before you buy stock in Carnival Corp., consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the for investors to buy now… and Carnival Corp. wasn't one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $636,628!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $1,063,471!* Now, it's worth noting Stock Advisor's total average return is 1,041% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 183% for the S&P 500. Don't miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join Stock Advisor. See the 10 stocks » *Stock Advisor returns as of July 28, 2025 John Ballard has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Toast. The Motley Fool recommends Carnival Corp. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. 2 Breakout Stocks to Buy Now was originally published by The Motley Fool 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
Telegraph
4 days ago
- Business
- Telegraph
Starmer's EU reset to drive up cruise prices
Holidaymakers face paying more for cruises and ferry trips to the Continent under Sir Keir Starmer 's reset deal with the European Union. Passenger services are set to increase ticket prices in response to the UK adopting Brussels' rules on emissions costs. Industry insiders warned price rises were likely to mirror those in Europe, where costs on some routes have gone up by more than 10 per cent. This could add as much as £200 to the cost of a seven-day cruise, where a cabin can cost as much as £2,000 at the higher end. Some of the changes will come into force just before the height of next summer, when millions of Britons head to the Continent. Ministers announced last week that they would press ahead with expanding onerous net zero commitments to the maritime industry. From next July all shipping firms, including ferry operators and cruise liners, will be subject to the UK's emissions trading scheme (ETS). The move comes after Sir Keir agreed to link the UK and EU schemes as part of his Brexit reset deal, which was signed in May. It means ministers will set an overall cap on emissions for the maritime industry, with individual companies handed permits setting out how much greenhouse gas they can emit per year. If a business wants to go over its allowance, because demand for services is high, it will have to buy unused permits from another company. Over time the Government will lower the overall carbon cap in an effort to force shipping companies to reduce their emissions. Initially the UK ETS will only cover emissions from sea journeys made between British ports. But ministers have said they then intend to expand it to include international journeys, matching the approach taken by the EU. Companies are poised to pass on the cost to passengers of complying with the policy, including the need to adopt more expensive green technology. The EU Commission has admitted that its ETS scheme, which was expanded to cover shipping a year ago, has resulted in passenger lines putting up ticket prices. In a report assessing impacts of the first year of the scheme, EU officials wrote: 'There is evidence of specific ETS surcharges being applied on short sea shipping routes. 'An analysis of various ferry routes suggests that the impact of ETS costs on ticket prices largely varies across routes selected, with a price increasing ranging from 3 per cent to 11 per cent.' The same report also said that the scheme had introduced freight costs by between one per cent and five per cent and overall shipping costs across the industry by an average of 3.7 per cent. If replicated in Britain those figures would come as a concern at a time when the Government is struggling to keep a lid on inflation. Shipping industry figures said that UK holidaymakers were likely to experience a 'similar impact' on passenger ticket prices to that seen in the EU. One said that they had 'no doubt' that ferry operators would have to increase surcharges on Britons to recoup the extra costs. Another added: 'Inevitably there will be a cost increase to the cruise lines, therefore that money will have to come from somewhere.' Some businesses are concerned that the UK has rushed out its proposals to please the EU rather than waiting for a new international agreement on maritime emissions later this year. They fear that if the standards set by the International Maritime Organisation are less stringent, British firms will be left shouldering higher costs than international competitors. Andy Harmer, the managing director of the Cruise Lines International Association in the UK and Ireland, said: 'The cruise industry contributes £5.8bn to the UK economy, with over a third of the global cruise fleet visiting UK ports each year. 'To maintain and sustainably grow the more than 60,000 UK jobs that depend on the cruise industry, the UK's ETS system must be aligned with international counterparts and not risk the UK's competitiveness in the international cruise market.' There are also concerns that the Government's plans could wreak havoc on 'lifeline' island ferry services which are used by 2.4 million Britons every year. Such routes are vital to island dwellers, such as on the Isle of Wight and the Scilly Isles, who rely on them for access to the mainland for healthcare, education and essential goods. The UK Chamber of Shipping is urging ministers to exempt such services from the scheme amid warnings it could push up their fuel costs by almost a third, making many unviable. The Net Zero Department said that linking with the EU's emissions scheme would help British businesses avoid being hit with a new carbon border tax Brussels is introducing next year. A spokesman said of the EU Commission analysis: 'These figures do not apply to the UK and do not reflect that any costs come down as emissions are cut. 'By linking with the EU scheme, we will also cut red tape at the border, protect consumers from higher costs and make it easier for businesses to trade, boosting economic growth at home.'
The Sun
18-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Spanish city introduces strict new limits on tourists and it affects thousands a day
THE popular Spanish city destination of Barcelona is due to limit the number of cruises entering the city. New plans to demolish two terminals at the Port of Barcelona have been revealed. Two terminals will be completely demolished - A and B - with terminal C also being demolished to make way for a new terminal on the site. In total, the number of terminals will be reduced from seven to five. As part of the €185million (£160.95million) scheme, the new terminal will serve around 7,000 passengers "at any given time". However, the changes will mean that Barcelona's maximum cruise capacity will reduce from 37,000 passengers to 31,000 per day. The reduction in cruise terminals follows increasing local backlash against overtourism impacting the city. The cruise hub is one of the key hubs in the Mediterranean. According to Travel Weekly, Barcelona mayor Jaume Collboni said: "For the first time in history, a limit is being placed on the growth of cruises in the city." Cruise passengers increased by 20 per cent between 2018 and 2024, without any capacity limits. The Mayor added: "The current management of tourism involves setting limits and managing better." In a statement, the Port of Barcelona said: "The agreement signed today acknowledges that maritime tourism is an economic sector with a significant weight in the city, but specifies that it requires planning and management measures, just as is already happening in other tourism sectors such as accommodation, mobility, public spatial planning or taxation. The ultimate cruising experience - From Universal Studios to Florida's Everglades onboard the Icon of the Seas "This agreement consolidates the joint commitment of both the Port and the City Council to move towards a more orderly and efficient maritime tourism model that respects the urban and environmental setting of Barcelona." The plans also include a regular shuttle service for passengers. Information screens will be installed in the terminals too, providing real-time information to help better spread out visitors and reduce crowds in the busiest areas of the city. Work on getting rid of terminals A and B will start by the end of 2026 and the entire project is set to be completed in 2030. Additionally, there is a €50million (£43million) plan to overhaul the area where terminals A and B currently are - eventually offer travellers improved services. And there will be a €90million (£77.9million) expansion to the Porta d'Europa bridge which links the wharf with the city. Once complete, the bridge will have bike and walking routes. 3 In 2024, Spanish ports received 12.8million cruise passengers - 3.7million of whom were to Barcelona port. Barcelona first started to scale back cruise operations to the city in 2018, when it moved most operations from the city centre to Adossat Wharf. By 2023, the city had closed the North Terminal - which is located at the end of the famous Las Ramblas. And in the past years, Barcelona has more widely battled against issues of overtourism with many locals taking to protesting about the number of holidaymakers in the city. Last year, the city also announced that by 2029 it would ban all short-term rentals in an attempt to ease the current housing crisis. Exploring Las Ramblas in Barcelona TRAVEL reporter Cyann Fielding shares her thoughts on one of the biggest tourist traps in the world, that happens to be in Barcelona. According to Nomad - an international eSim company, Las Ramblas is the second worst tourist trap in the world and the top in Europe - based on 826 reviews. But the spot actually holds so much history and is one of the most fascinating destinations to explore - and it has come a long way from it's origins. As you wander down the street, make sure to stop off at Casa Beethoven - essentially Harry Potter's Ollivanders but for sheet music not wands. Just down from Casa Beethoven is La Boqueria market - one of Europe's largest and most famous food markets. Heading on from the market, make sure to look out on the floor for a mosaic by artist Joan Miró, who lived in Barcelona. Carrying on, make sure to take a detour down Carrer Nou de La Rambla to see Palau Güell - which people often miss not knowing it is there. I think part of the reason why so many people walk away from Las Ramblas either overwhelmed or disappointed, is because they don't know its history or the top places to explore. And there are pickpockets, so you just need to be wary. But by taking your time and exploring the routes different sections and side streets, it makes a great day out immersing yourself in Spanish - and more specifically - Barcelonan culture. More widely, Spain has also just introduced rules that can cost Brits £5,992 at the border – it's an easy mistake that thousands could make. Plus, the little-known way to travel across Spain by train for free this summer. 3
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Yahoo
The new river cruises from Southend Pier taking passengers to 'Dickens country'
NEW day-trip cruises are setting sail from Southend Pier this summer taking passengers back in time to "Dickens country". New for 2025, Jetstream Tours is offering trips to Rochester in Kent, allowing daytrippers to walk in the cobbled street of historic Rochester, visit the best kept example of Norman architecture at Rochester's historic castle, pop into Rochester's Cathedral or have a spot of lunch. "This day out visiting Rochester will allow you to discover the historic relevance of the River Medway, sailing past Chatham Dockyard and Upnor Castle," the boat tour company explains. "Our commentary along the way will point out more than just what you can see but allow you uncover relics of the deep, stories of battles and rebuilding. "Hop into history with one of our most exciting tours yet." This month, cruises are setting of from the end of the pier on Sunday, July 13, and Sunday, July 27. Cruises are scheduled next month on Sunday, August 10, and Sunday, August 24, as well as the first Sunday of September. For tickets, visit Ticket prices include access on to the pier and use of the pier train. Onboard facilities include a bar, selling soft drinks and light snacks. The duration of the cruise totals five hours, at a cost of £28 per adult, £26 for OAPs, and £22 for a child ticket. It also offers family tickets for £85. Children under three can board for free but must have a ticket.
Daily Mail
24-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
It's full-steam ahead as cruise industry thrives amid bumper demand for tours around the British Isles
Demand for cruises is booming as holidaymakers take to the high seas in ever-increasing numbers. Over-50s specialist Saga cheered a 'strong start' to the year for its cruise business while also revealing it is close to launching new savings products in a tie-up with NatWest. Saga shares surged 2.3 per cent, or 4p, to 175.6p yesterday. Shares in FTSE 250 rival Carnival – which owns P&O Cruises, Cunard and Princess Cruises – soared 11.8 per cent after it hiked its annual profit forecast thanks to bumper demand. The twin updates suggest demand for cruises remains strong despite geopolitical tensions and economic concerns around the world. Saga said its ocean and river cruise division has proved popular so far this year. Profit ahoy: Over-50s specialist Saga cheered a 'strong start' to the year for its cruise business while rival Carnival has hiked its annual profit forecast thanks to bumper demand Its load factor – how well it fills its cruises – is up year-on-year at 95pc for ocean trips and 93 per cent for river cruises. Saga's two flagship vessels, Spirit of Adventure and Spirit of Discovery, run cruises around the British Isles, the Mediterranean, the Nordics and the Caribbean, with prices ranging from £1,300 to £15,000. This summer, tours around the British Isles have been a particular sweet spot, and cruises to the Canary Islands are increasingly popular. The business has been so inundated with holiday goers wanting to stick closer to home that it is considering doing more trips around the UK and Ireland in 2026 and 2027. Saga also said it is close to signing a deal to start launching savings products with NatWest. The partnership would see Saga launch a range of personal banking products. A Saga spokesman said a savings offering would be the first product to launch under the partnership.
