From Yahoo Finance: 2025-04-09 13:04:00

The cruise industry is rebounding post-pandemic, with 35.7 million passengers expected by 2024, a 6% increase from 2019. Major cruise lines globally benefited from a successful 2024 wave season, leading to anticipated growth surpassing pre-COVID levels. Younger travelers are increasingly embracing cruise vacations, with the global cruise market expected to grow at a CAGR of 11.5% between 2023 and 2030.

Investment firm Exane BNP Paribas expresses optimism for the cruise industry’s long-term outlook, anticipating steady rise in cruise net yields in 2025 and 2026. The positive outlook is supported by strong demand and new revenue drivers like private islands, allowing cruise companies to upsell experiences and enhance profitability through innovative offerings.

Viking Holdings Ltd (NYSE: VIK) offers destination-focused journeys on lakes, oceans, and rivers worldwide. Its fleet includes 58 longships, two expedition ships, and 11 ocean ships. VIK has seen significant gains in 2025, driven by top rankings in the US News & World Report’s 2025 Best Cruise Line awards and strong financial performance in 2024.

Analysts maintain a Buy rating on Viking Holdings Ltd (NYSE: VIK) with a price target of $49.00. VIK ranks 6th on the list of best cruise stocks to buy according to hedge funds. While VIK shows promise, there are AI stocks with greater potential for higher returns in a shorter timeframe. Consider exploring AI stocks for investment opportunities with significant growth potential.

Read more: Is Viking Holdings Ltd (VIK) the Best Cruise Stock to Buy According to Hedge Funds?