Royal Caribbean Group Secures New Shipbuilding Agreements
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jan 29 2026
0mins
Should l Buy RCL?
Source: PRnewswire
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd's stock rose by 8.02% in pre-market trading, reaching a 20-day high amid positive market conditions.
The company has secured agreements with Chantiers de l'Atlantique for two firm orders of Discovery Class ships, with options for four more, set to debut in 2029 and 2032. This reflects Royal Caribbean's ongoing commitment to innovative vacation experiences and strengthens its leadership in the global vacation market. Additionally, the company reported exceeding its 2025 earnings guidance, with an optimistic outlook for 2026, expecting adjusted EPS to range between $17.70 and $18.10, driven by strong demand and revenue growth.
These developments not only enhance Royal Caribbean's competitive edge but also indicate a robust financial foundation, suggesting that the company is well-positioned for future growth in the cruise industry.
Trade with 70% Backtested Accuracy
Stop guessing "Should I Buy RCL?" and start using high-conviction signals backed by rigorous historical data.
Sign up today to access powerful investing tools and make smarter, data-driven decisions.
Analyst Views on RCL
Wall Street analysts forecast RCL stock price to rise
16 Analyst Rating
12 Buy
4 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 323.730
Low
275.00
Averages
327.80
High
400.00
Current: 323.730
Low
275.00
Averages
327.80
High
400.00
About RCL
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. is a cruise company, which owns and operates three global cruise brands: Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises. It also has an interest in TUI Cruises GmbH, which operates the German brands TUI Cruises and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. Its ships offer a selection of worldwide itineraries that call on approximately 1,000 destinations on all seven continents. Royal Caribbean offers cruises and land destinations that generally feature a casual ambiance, as well as a variety of activities and entertainment venues. Celebrity Cruises offers a range of itineraries to destinations, including Alaska, Asia, Australia, Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean, Europe, the Galapagos Islands, Hawaii, New Zealand, the Panama Canal and South America, with cruise lengths ranging from three to 14 nights. It also offers a range of private land destinations through Perfect Day at CocoCay and Royal Beach Club collection.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Meta Deepens Partnership with Nvidia; Market Dynamics Analysis
- Meta and Nvidia Partnership: Meta commits to purchasing millions of Nvidia chips for its AI data centers, reflecting ongoing demand for AI hardware as Nvidia shares rise nearly 2% while Meta remains flat, indicating intensified competition in the sector.
- Palo Alto Networks Earnings: Despite reporting a quarterly beat, Palo Alto Networks shares fell over 6% after the company lowered its full-year earnings guidance, highlighting market concerns regarding profitability and a reassessment of the cybersecurity sector.
- Cadence Design Systems Surge: Shares of Cadence Design Systems jumped 7% following better-than-expected results and guidance, enhancing its position in the semiconductor design software market and positively impacting its partner Nvidia.
- Western Digital Debt Reduction Plan: Western Digital plans to sell over $3 billion of its Sandisk stake to reduce debt; although Sandisk shares are on a three-day decline, they have gained over 140% year-to-date, reflecting strong demand in the memory storage market.
See More
Wall Street Opens Under AI Disruption Fears
- Tech Stocks Decline: The iShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETF (NYSE:IGV) fell over 2.7% in midday New York trading, marking its 11th decline in the past 15 sessions and pushing year-to-date losses to nearly 25%, reflecting ongoing investor concerns over potential AI-driven market disruptions.
- Nasdaq Underperformance: While broader equity indices were largely flat, the tech-heavy Nasdaq 100 slipped 0.3%, indicating a lack of confidence in the tech sector that may influence future investment decisions.
- Airline Stocks Rally: Airbnb Inc. (NASDAQ:ABNB) added 3.7%, extending last week's post-earnings momentum, while Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE:LUV) jumped over 6% following analyst upgrades, suggesting a positive outlook for the airline industry's recovery.
- Commodity Market Decline: Following Iran's foreign minister's statement on reaching key principles with the U.S., crude oil fell 1.3% to $62 per barrel, while gold and silver dropped 2.5% and nearly 6%, respectively, indicating market reactions to geopolitical risks.
See More
Norwegian and TripAdvisor Gain New Advocates: The Appeal of Travel Stocks at Present.
- Postpandemic Travel Stocks: Many travel stocks have thrived in the postpandemic period, indicating a strong recovery in the industry.
- Activist Interest: Companies that have not performed well are attracting attention from activists, highlighting disparities in the market.
See More
Market Dynamics and Investment Opportunities Analysis
- Tech Stock Pressure: Selling pressure in the Nasdaq is expected to exceed that of the S&P 500 due to ongoing fears of AI disruption, indicating a cautious market sentiment that may impact the short-term performance of tech companies.
- Norwegian Cruise Investment: Activist investor Elliott Investment Management has acquired over a 10% stake in Norwegian Cruise Line, aiming to turnaround the underperforming operator, which has led to a more than 6% increase in share price, reflecting market confidence in its restructuring potential.
- Energy Stock Upgrade: Melius upgraded Chevron from hold to buy, raising its price target from $162 to $205, as analysts believe the global energy company is well-positioned for growth, particularly due to developments in Venezuela.
- Apple Product Launch: Apple has invited press members to a
See More
Norwegian Cruise Line Shares Surge as Elliott Investment Takes 10% Stake
- Investor Stake Increase: Activist investor Elliott Investment Management has acquired over a 10% stake in Norwegian Cruise Line (NCLH), making it one of the largest shareholders, which is expected to drive improvements in operational and financial performance.
- Strategic Potential: Elliott sees significant upside in Norwegian's private island strategy, particularly with Great Stirrup Cay, believing that enhancements in destination development and guest experience could help close the performance gap and increase overall company value.
- Leadership Change: Norwegian's CEO Harry Sommer has stepped down, with former Subway CEO John Chidsey taking over; Chidsey, who served on the board from 2013 to 2022, is expected to lead strategic transformations within the company.
- Earnings Expectations: Norwegian is set to report its fourth-quarter earnings on March 2, with analysts forecasting earnings per share of 26 cents and revenue of $2.34 billion, indicating a solid track record as the company has exceeded earnings expectations in three of the last four quarters.
See More
Norwegian Cruise Line Shares Surge as Activist Investor Elliott Acquires Stake, According to Reports.
- Investor Stake: Norwegian Cruise Line shares increased after news that Elliott Management acquired a 10% stake in the company.
- Market Reaction: The announcement led to a positive market response, with shares rallying ahead of the market opening on Tuesday.
See More
Meta Deepens Partnership with Nvidia; Market Dynamics Analysis
- Meta and Nvidia Partnership: Meta commits to purchasing millions of Nvidia chips for its AI data centers, reflecting ongoing demand for AI hardware as Nvidia shares rise nearly 2% while Meta remains flat, indicating intensified competition in the sector.
- Palo Alto Networks Earnings: Despite reporting a quarterly beat, Palo Alto Networks shares fell over 6% after the company lowered its full-year earnings guidance, highlighting market concerns regarding profitability and a reassessment of the cybersecurity sector.
- Cadence Design Systems Surge: Shares of Cadence Design Systems jumped 7% following better-than-expected results and guidance, enhancing its position in the semiconductor design software market and positively impacting its partner Nvidia.
- Western Digital Debt Reduction Plan: Western Digital plans to sell over $3 billion of its Sandisk stake to reduce debt; although Sandisk shares are on a three-day decline, they have gained over 140% year-to-date, reflecting strong demand in the memory storage market.
See More
Wall Street Opens Under AI Disruption Fears
- Tech Stocks Decline: The iShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETF (NYSE:IGV) fell over 2.7% in midday New York trading, marking its 11th decline in the past 15 sessions and pushing year-to-date losses to nearly 25%, reflecting ongoing investor concerns over potential AI-driven market disruptions.
- Nasdaq Underperformance: While broader equity indices were largely flat, the tech-heavy Nasdaq 100 slipped 0.3%, indicating a lack of confidence in the tech sector that may influence future investment decisions.
- Airline Stocks Rally: Airbnb Inc. (NASDAQ:ABNB) added 3.7%, extending last week's post-earnings momentum, while Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE:LUV) jumped over 6% following analyst upgrades, suggesting a positive outlook for the airline industry's recovery.
- Commodity Market Decline: Following Iran's foreign minister's statement on reaching key principles with the U.S., crude oil fell 1.3% to $62 per barrel, while gold and silver dropped 2.5% and nearly 6%, respectively, indicating market reactions to geopolitical risks.
See More
Norwegian and TripAdvisor Gain New Advocates: The Appeal of Travel Stocks at Present.
- Postpandemic Travel Stocks: Many travel stocks have thrived in the postpandemic period, indicating a strong recovery in the industry.
- Activist Interest: Companies that have not performed well are attracting attention from activists, highlighting disparities in the market.
See More
Market Dynamics and Investment Opportunities Analysis
- Tech Stock Pressure: Selling pressure in the Nasdaq is expected to exceed that of the S&P 500 due to ongoing fears of AI disruption, indicating a cautious market sentiment that may impact the short-term performance of tech companies.
- Norwegian Cruise Investment: Activist investor Elliott Investment Management has acquired over a 10% stake in Norwegian Cruise Line, aiming to turnaround the underperforming operator, which has led to a more than 6% increase in share price, reflecting market confidence in its restructuring potential.
- Energy Stock Upgrade: Melius upgraded Chevron from hold to buy, raising its price target from $162 to $205, as analysts believe the global energy company is well-positioned for growth, particularly due to developments in Venezuela.
- Apple Product Launch: Apple has invited press members to a
See More
Norwegian Cruise Line Shares Surge as Elliott Investment Takes 10% Stake
- Investor Stake Increase: Activist investor Elliott Investment Management has acquired over a 10% stake in Norwegian Cruise Line (NCLH), making it one of the largest shareholders, which is expected to drive improvements in operational and financial performance.
- Strategic Potential: Elliott sees significant upside in Norwegian's private island strategy, particularly with Great Stirrup Cay, believing that enhancements in destination development and guest experience could help close the performance gap and increase overall company value.
- Leadership Change: Norwegian's CEO Harry Sommer has stepped down, with former Subway CEO John Chidsey taking over; Chidsey, who served on the board from 2013 to 2022, is expected to lead strategic transformations within the company.
- Earnings Expectations: Norwegian is set to report its fourth-quarter earnings on March 2, with analysts forecasting earnings per share of 26 cents and revenue of $2.34 billion, indicating a solid track record as the company has exceeded earnings expectations in three of the last four quarters.
See More
Norwegian Cruise Line Shares Surge as Activist Investor Elliott Acquires Stake, According to Reports.
- Investor Stake: Norwegian Cruise Line shares increased after news that Elliott Management acquired a 10% stake in the company.
- Market Reaction: The announcement led to a positive market response, with shares rallying ahead of the market opening on Tuesday.
See More
