Loop Capital Raises Carnival (CCL) Price Target, Maintains Hold Rating

Carnival Corporation (NYSE:CCL) received a slight price target boost from Loop Capital on June 3, with analyst Laura Champine raising the projection to $22 from $21 while maintaining a Hold rating. The update came as part of a broader industry review, reflecting tempered optimism across the cruise sector.

A luxurious cruise ship sailing the deep blue sea, sun glistening off its decks.

In her note to investors, Champine acknowledged lingering macroeconomic concerns but emphasized the resilience of demand in recent months. Despite some booking volatility tied to geopolitical events such as “Liberation Day,” the analyst cited strong recovery trends, with recent data indicating a meaningful rebound in reservations. Loop Capital’s revised outlook stems in part from discussions with both public and private cruise operators, as well as insights from third-party experts. These conversations suggest consumers remain eager to return to cruising, particularly as pricing remains competitive compared to land-based vacations.

The firm also noted a shift in consumer behavior, with passengers booking farther in advance, hinting at growing confidence in travel stability. Operators are responding by adding capacity and enhancing onboard offerings, creating additional tailwinds for future growth. While maintaining a more cautious stance on Carnival Corporation (NYSE:CCL)’s valuation, Loop Capital expressed confidence in the broader sector’s ability to withstand economic headwinds. The research highlights a renewed momentum within the leisure travel space, positioning cruise companies for a potentially strong second half of the year.

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