In this article, we will discuss 10 Best Cruise Stocks to Buy Right Now.
Cruise stocks are regaining investor attention as the industry enters 2026 with record-breaking demand, firm pricing, and rising onboard spending. North American passenger volumes are projected to reach 21.7 million, reflecting a decisive shift from pandemic-era survival to sustained expansion. Prominent cruise operators are reporting occupancy levels above 100%, meaning cabins frequently accommodate more than two guests. This high load factor enhances operating leverage, supports strong yields, and drives margin expansion.
Beyond ticket revenue, cruise lines benefit from high-margin onboard spending, including beverages, specialty dining, and shore excursions. Combined with disciplined pricing, this has accelerated profitability and enabled companies to aggressively reduce the debt accumulated between 2020 and 2022. At the same time, the industry is investing in new ships and private destinations to modernize fleets and stimulate long-term demand. Shareholders also enjoy tangible perks: investors holding at least 100 shares in major operators often receive onboard credits ranging from $50 to $250 per voyage, effectively creating a “vacation dividend.”
Structurally, 2026 is shaping up as a transformative year. Sustainability is a central theme, with a majority of new vessels using alternative fuels such as LNG and an increasing portion of fleets capable of shore power connectivity. The market is also seeing growth in smaller, experiential ships, ultra-luxury and expedition offerings, AI-driven personalization, and multi-generational travel packages.
While the sector is not immune to broader economic slowdowns, elevated leverage from the pandemic era, or fluctuations in fuel costs, the current operating backdrop remains highly supportive. Record bookings, firm pricing, rising onboard spending, and steady balance sheet repair suggest the industry is operating from a position of strength. With demand trends holding up and profitability improving, cruise stocks continue to offer attractive upside potential for investors seeking cyclical growth supported by tangible financial progress.
With this context in mind, here is a list of the 10 best cruise stocks to buy right now.
Our Methodology
We sifted through ETFs, screeners, and online rankings to identify the best cruise stocks to buy right now. From the resultant dataset, we limited our final selection to 10 cruise companies that have recently reported noteworthy developments likely to impact investor sentiment. As these stocks are popular among analysts and elite hedge funds, we ranked those stocks in ascending order based on the number of hedge funds holding stakes in each stock as of Q3 2025. We assessed hedge fund ownership of each stock using Insider Monkey’s hedge fund database.
Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 427.7% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 264 percentage points (see more details here).
10 Best Cruise Stocks to Buy Right Now
10. Pursuit Attractions and Hospitality, Inc. (NYSE:PRSU)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 16
On January 21, Pursuit Attractions and Hospitality, Inc. (NYSE:PRSU) entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Flyover flying theater attractions business to Brogent Technologies Inc. for approximately $78.4 million, subject to customary adjustments. The transaction values Flyover at roughly 15 times its estimated 2025 adjusted EBITDA contribution and is expected to close in the spring pending regulatory approvals. Flyover will continue operating under Pursuit’s management until closing, ensuring operational continuity and a structured transition.
Concurrently, Pursuit Attractions and Hospitality, Inc. (NYSE:PRSU) announced additional strategic actions to sharpen its focus on iconic attractions and hospitality assets and enhance long-term shareholder value. In addition to the Flyover divestiture, the company received $25 million in deferred proceeds from the prior sale of its GES business and repurchased $14.5 million of common stock. The portfolio rationalization reflects a disciplined capital allocation approach, monetizing non-core assets at attractive multiples while redeploying capital toward higher-return initiatives and shareholder returns. These steps strengthen balance sheet flexibility and align the company more closely with its core experiential hospitality strategy.
Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, and founded in 1926, Pursuit Attractions and Hospitality, Inc. (NYSE:PRSU) operates a portfolio of attractions and hospitality assets across Canada, the United States, Iceland, and Costa Rica. Its focus on high-quality, destination-driven experiences provides a platform for durable cash flow generation and targeted growth, making it one of the best cruise stocks to buy right now.
9. Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:LIND)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 22
On January 12, Stifel analyst Steven Wieczynski increased the firm’s price target on Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:LIND) to $23 from $20 and maintained a Buy rating following a series of investor meetings with CEO Natalya Leahy and CFO Rick Goldberg. The analyst indicated that management is expected to articulate long-term financial targets in 2026 that could demonstrate the company’s existing fleet is capable of generating EBITDA comfortably above $150 million. Such forward guidance would represent a meaningful shift from prior leadership’s limited transparency and could materially enhance investor confidence by providing clearer visibility into sustainable earnings power and operating leverage.
During Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:LIND)’s third-quarter earnings call, management delivered a constructive outlook, raising full-year guidance for net yields, revenue, and EBITDA. Consolidated revenue advanced 16.6%, driven by 13.4% growth in the Lindblad segment and a 21.1% increase in the Land segment. Occupancy in the core expedition cruise business reached 88%, up six percentage points year over year, alongside a 5% expansion in capacity. Net yields climbed 9% to $1,314, marking the strongest third-quarter performance in the company’s history. Incremental charter activity, including a successful inaugural European river cruising program with additional voyages planned for 2027, further supports revenue diversification and pricing strength. Together, accelerating yields, improving occupancy, and prospective long-term EBITDA targets reinforce the case for multiple expansion as operational momentum continues.
Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:LIND) is a New York–based expedition travel operator offering immersive cruise experiences across all seven continents aboard a fleet of 15 vessels. Founded in 1979, the company specializes in mission-driven, experience-focused travel, positioning it to capitalize on sustained demand for premium adventure tourism.
