cruise cheap.com

Expedia Rewards is now One Key™

Find discount cruise deals.

For expert cruise advice, call 1-866-403-9848.

Find your voyage

Best Cruise Deals by Popular Destination

Disney Cruise Line Deals

Cruise Tips & Cruise Packing Guide

Popular cruise destinations.

Departure Ports with Great Cruises Leaving from

San Francisco

Most popular cruise lines.

• Royal Caribbean International

Disney Cruise Line

• Carnival Cruise Lines

• MSC Cruises

• Norwegian Cruise Line

• Princess Cruises

Find the best cruise vacation for you

How can i find a cheap cruise.

Cheap cruise deals are fairly easy to find in most cases, and you can begin by considering what kind of features and itinerary you want. The more simplistic the experience is, the cheaper it is in general. On Expedia.com, you can filter for specific features and sort your results by price. By mixing and matching certain features, unforgettable experiences may be available with discount cruises. For example, booking a cruise with stunning restaurants and live performances while opting for an inside cabin without an ocean view window or balcony could be ideal for a traveler who doesn't plan on spending much time in their cabin anyways

What is the cheapest month to take a cruise?

The cheapest month to take a cruise varies based on your destination and the cruise line company that runs the ship. A Caribbean cruise , for example, is generally cheapest in the late summer and early fall since it's the local hurricane season.

Can I cancel my cruise booking?

Yes, you can cancel, but there may be fees for canceling depending on how far in advance you cancel and what kind of booking you have. You can check the specific cruise lines’ cancellation policies in your itinerary on Expedia.com.

Are river cruises worth the money?

River cruises are quite relaxing, with much more varied scenery than you'd experience on an ocean cruise. These ships often also feature several stops along the river, so passengers can enjoy a greater variety of destinations to explore. Viking river cruises are especially adept at providing this unforgettable experience.

What cruises are best for families?

The best family cruises in 2024 / 2025 tend to be Disney cruises with plenty of offerings for kids and adults alike, though MSC cruises are known for their iconic Children Cruise Free promotion. Disney cruises, specifically, are essentially a Disney theme park on a boat with live shows, rides, and attractions with your kids' favorite characters.

How much does a cruise ship cost?

Cruise prices can vary quite a bit, with cheap cruises and especially luxurious all-inclusive cruises available. Budget lines can offer cruise tickets as low as $50 per night in some cases, while the more high-end experiences can reach up to $1,000 per night and more.

What are some of the best cruise lines?

Several different cruise lines have a lot to offer, such as Viking cruises , which are known for traversing oceans and rivers with a style that blends outdoor and indoor splendor. Celebrity cruise line is more upscale with luxurious features like WiFi, included beverages, champagne, and suites with panoramic views. Other top cruise lines include Royal Caribbean International , Carnival Cruise , Disney Cruise , and Norwegian Cruise .

How far in advance do you need to book a cruise?

It's generally best to book a cruise about 6 to 12 months before your cruise departure. That's the safest way to balance availability and affordability. Technically, you can book earlier or later than that, with some last-minute cruise deals occasionally available up to a weekbefore cruise departure.

Are cruise trips affordable?

They can be, and it's especially simple to search for more affordable cruises with Expedia.com. Not only can you filter by cruise length, cruise line, and cabin experience, but you may also sort your results by price to put the more affordable options first on your search results page.

What is it like to go on a cruise?

A cruise is generally designed to offer the most relaxing experience possible. Despite the size of the ship, it's possible to feel the wave. Many passengers report that the movements help them sleep. Additionally, many fun cruises offer live stage performances, several restaurants, and shopping opportunities. When the ship is in international waters, you may even be able to enjoy a bit of tax-free shopping.

Are cruises a good way to travel?

Cruise travel is great if you're looking for some varied fun. Compared to a plane or a train, cruises have their own attractions and can be considered an integral part of cruise vacations. Plus, a cruise can hit several different destinations as well, with plenty of time to enjoy the cruise and scenic locales. It's certainly worth it for a unique experience no other method of travel can match.

Which cruise line is the cheapest?

The actual cheapest cruise available depends on a variety of different factors. Still, Carnival Cruise tends to be very affordable overall, most of the time with great options like the Carnival Sunrise and Carnival Horizon . Royal Caribbean is also another fantastic cruise line offering great deals if you are watching your budget.

How can I get the best cruise deals in 2024 / 2025?

If you're looking for some of the best cruise deals, booking through Expedia.com makes it easy since you can sort your cruise search results by price and have access to special deals. One Key members can earn  OneKeyCash  on all eligible bookings and get instant discounts with Member Prices. Sign up today!

What do I need to know when I book a cruise?

To book a cruise, you'll need to know where you'll be setting off from and where you'll be going, in addition to how many people will be with you and the features of the specific cruise you book. Keep in mind that you'll want to factor in spending money in your budget for the cruise's restaurants and shops in most cases.

Where should I go on a cruise in 2024 / 2025?

Plenty of incredible cruise destinations are accessible such as cruises to the Bahamas and cruises to Mexico . You may also be interested in cruises to Alaska or cruises to Europe for something outside of the Caribbean.

What countries are best to visit by cruise ship?

A lot of countries are accessible via a cruise, but the best include a cruise to Australia . However, a cruise to Australia is quite a long trip at sea and really allows you to take in everything the cruise ship has to offer.

Can I get last-minute cruise deals?

Yes, last-minute cruise deals are often available, and you can find them on Expedia.com by inputting your travel dates in your search and sorting your results by price. The deals will automatically be applied to the price estimates so that the cheapest estimates will show up first on your search results page.

Are cruises all-inclusive?

Cruises aren't always all-inclusive, but they can be. If you're interested in all-inclusive cruises, you can activate a search filter for it to ensure your search results only show cruises that meet your all-inclusive standard.

Is food free on a cruise?

Food is sometimes free on a cruise, but there are often specialty restaurants that aren't included with the general booking that you'll have to pay for separately. Check the details of each cruise before you book in the "What's included" section after clicking the cruise on your search results page.

What cruise lines are adults only?

Several lines offer adults-only cruise experiences, including Viking cruises , Carnival cruises , and Princess cruises . With an adults-only cruise, you can relax in a tranquil and laid-back setting without kids running around and enjoy all the cocktails you want.

What cruise lines are considered to be the most luxurious?

Viking cruises are considered exceptionally luxurious, with smaller ships and larger cabins that make them feel more exclusive, but Celebrity cruises offer luxury cruise lines too. Booking a luxury cruise means you can expect high-end amenities including gourmet restaurants, sizable suites, top-tier performances, massive pools, and much more.

What are the best cruises for couples?

Viking Cruises have much to offer for a more romantic experience. Holland America Line cruises can be quite refined and romantic as well, with an adult-oriented experience that's sophisticated rather than rowdy. Romantic cruises offer exceptional service as well as cozy suites for you and your partner to enjoy that's complemented by delicious food often themed around the cruise destination.

Why should I go on a cruise for my honeymoon?

Going on a cruise is a great way for you and your new spouse to be pampered with luxury while also being able to explore a new destination. Whether you're taking a cruise to Hawaii or a cruise to Bermuda , a particularly romantic experience is almost guaranteed thanks to the sheer number of things to do.

Are there any Christmas cruises?

Yes, quite a few cruise lines operate around Christmas, and you can find them easily by entering travel dates around Christmas into your 2024 cruise search. Some of the most popular Christmas cruises are available with Carnival and Disney.

Do I need a passport to go on a cruise?

Whether or not you need a passport depends on where you're going and the kind of cruise it is. Any US territory like Bermuda and Puerto Rico won't require a passport, of course, but you also don't need one if you're on a closed-loop cruise. This is a cruise that begins and ends at a US cruise terminal, even if there are stops in other countries on the way.

Why should I book a cruise with Expedia.com?

Booking a cruise with Expedia.com makes it easy to find a cruise type that works best for you. You can use the cruise finder and sort by cruise line, type, destination, length, and itinerary. One Key members also earn OneKeyCash on all eligible bookings that can be used to save on future eligible trips.

What happens if a cruise is canceled?

Every cruise has a different cancellation policy, but generally, passengers are entitled to either a full refund or a credit for a future cruise at a later date. Remember that they may automatically change your booking to their rescheduled date, so you may have to contact them if that date doesn't work for your schedule.

*OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia,  Hotels.com  and Vrbo.

Other vacations you might like

• Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Top Cruise Destinations

• Cruises to Alaska
• Cruises to Bahamas
• Cruises to Caribbean
• Cruises to Europe
• Cruises to Hawaii
• Cruises to Mexico

Top US Cruise Departure Ports

• Cruises from Boston
• Cruises from Fort Lauderdale
• Cruises from Galveston
• Cruises from Honolulu
• Cruises from Los Angeles
• Cruises from Miami
• Cruises from New Orleans
• Cruises from New York
• Cruises from Port Canaveral
• Cruises from San Diego
• Cruises from San Juan
• Cruises from San Francisco
• Cruises from Seattle
• Cruises from Tampa

Top Cruise Lines

• Holland America Line

11 Ways to Find a Cheap Cruise: The Secrets of Cruise Discounts in 2024

By Tamara Hinson

May 31, 2024

Bag a shoulder season deal

In travel, shoulder season is the period between peak season and low season, and you’ll find it in cruising, too. Cruise lines don’t only offer consistently lower prices during shoulder season sailings—they’ll typically offer regular flash sales during these times, too. 

“Keep an eye out for flash sales during shoulder seasons,” says Elaine Warren, founder of specialist cruise travel agency FamilyCruiseCompanion.com . “Cruise lines are desperate to fill ships during these times. I've found some real steals by being ready to book as soon as I see a great offer pop up.” 

Bear in mind that different regions have different shoulder seasons. In Alaska, for example, the main shoulder seasons are April and early May, and then at the end of summer between September and mid-October. Europe’s shoulder seasons are April and May, and then again in September to November. For Caribbean cruises, it’s May, June, and July and then in December, January, and March.

Try to book at least six months in advance 

Passionate cruisers Don and Heidi Bucolo, founders of top cruise blog EatSleepCruise.com , say that advance booking can be a key to great deals. 

“Our advice is to book cruises between 6 and 12 months in advance. Typically, cruise prices tend to go up closer to the sail date, especially for newer ships or for more desirable travel dates.”

Consider repositioning cruises 

Repositioning cruises are one-way sailings during which ships relocate from one region to another, like when they switch between summer Europe sailings to a winter Caribbean schedule. Because these voyages typically cross entire oceans, they’re a great way to see multiple regions. 

You’ll need to brush up on shoulder seasons to find the best deals. For example, autumn is when ships based in the Mediterranean are most likely to head to the Caribbean’s sunnier shores, while spring is when ships based in the Middle East often reposition to the Mediterranean. But when you find a good repositioning run the savings can be huge.  

“Repositioning cruises can be 50% cheaper than regular sailings, offering great value and the chance to discover destinations many travelers overlook,” says Jeremy Clubb, founder of Antarctica Cruises .

Consider an itinerary with fewer port days 

On the itinerary of the cruise you’re considering, pay extra attention to the number of in-port days and the number of sea days. Doing so can help make your money go further while also making sure you get the most out of your sailing.  

“I always try to weigh up port days versus sea days based on the [client’s] interests and budget,” says travel advisor Elaine Warren, founder of FamilyCruiseCompanion.com . “Extra time on board means fewer shore excursions, and excursion costs can really add up over a week.”

Leverage your loyalty

If you’re considering booking with a cruise line you’ve sailed with before, ask for a loyalty discount. Remember that it always pays to ask. "Even if your preferred cruise line doesn’t explicitly promote loyalty discounts, there’s absolutely no harm in asking for one,” says Jeremy Clubb at Antarctica Cruises . “More often than not, you’ll be successful because cruise lines prefer to incentivize repeat business rather than spend more attracting new customers.”

Book your next cruise while you’re still aboard

When you’re still on a cruise, you’ll almost always be able to get a discount off future sailings on the same cruise line, and many ships have special booking desks set up expressly to handle new reservations. Some lines will also give you onboard credits to use for expenses on your next voyage. So if you’re planning another vacation with the same cruise line, don’t wait until you’re on dry land.

Ask about special discounts

You may not know that many cruise lines offer fixed discounts to shareholders, military personnel, senior citizens, and members of the armed forces. And the reason you may not know is they’re usually poorly advertised, and when they are, details are often vague at best. 

For example, Royal Caribbean promotes discounts for anyone aged 55 and over ( RoyalCaribbean.com ) but only on selected cruises, while Cunard touts onboard credit offers to members of the armed forces ( Cunard.com/en-us/military ). Norwegian Cruise Line gets bonus points for clearly laying out its discounts for shareholders on a dedicated page ( NCLhltd.com ) although there’s no information relating to other discounts.

It’s important to bear in mind that cruise lines won’t necessarily shout about available discounts—if you don’t ask, you won’t get them.

Don’t hold out for last-minute bargains 

These days, waiting for last-minute cruise discounts can end up costing you more. 

“While cruise lines once used last-minute reductions to fill their ships, there’s not currently any need for them,” says Chris Owen, founder of ChrisCruises.com ). “This is because, currently, post-pandemic, there’s no need as there’s still this huge pent-up demand.”

Hold off booking that expedition cruise

If you dream of exploring Antarctica or gawping at the Galapagos’ sea lions but you’re put off by the high prices associated with this type of cruise, don’t despair. Cruise lines are constructing an ever-growing number of expedition-style ships serving these destinations, and as availability to these regions increases with time, prices are likely to fall. 

“More cruise lines are starting to offer expedition voyages,” say Don and Heidi at EatSleepCruise.com . “In the coming years, there will be an increase in the number of cruises being offered to places once considered remote—destinations like Antarctica, the Arctic Circle and the Galapagos are all becoming more accessible.”

Consider older ships

Only looking at new ships could cost you dearly, and the rewards aren’t necessarily worth it.

 “Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas , the world's largest cruise ship, has cruise fares which are close to double what you might pay for similar sailings on other megaships from the brand's older Oasis-class ships, which were once record-breaking ships and still have loads of onboard attractions and amenities,” says the team behind  EatSleepCruise.com . “To get the most value for your money, we’d suggest looking at ships which are between 5 and 7 years old. These will still offer some of the best on-board options in terms of restaurants, entertainment, and nightlife but will be considerably cheaper than ships which are 1 or 2 years old.”

Use a trusted travel advisor

As tempting as it might be to go it alone, booking through a travel agency—ideally, one specializing in cruises—will frequently result in the best deals. Because they deal with the cruise lines often, travel advisors may know how to find the best discounts, too. 

“Travel advisors can access the best perks, like on-board credit and free gratuities, as well as other promotions in addition to the deals the cruise line might be offering at that time,” say Don and Heidi of EatSleepCruise.com . “Additionally, they’ll be able to help with any issues that may arise before or during your trip.”

If you know the specific line and departure date you want to take but don’t know a good travel agent to book it with,  CruiseCompete.com , which has been running since 2003, allows travelers to obtain free price quotes from multiple travel agents at the same time. Many of them will throw in upgrades or onboard credits to earn your business.

• All Regions
• Australia & South Pacific
• Caribbean & Atlantic
• Central & South America
• Middle East & Africa
• North America
• Washington, D.C.
• San Francisco
• New York City
• Los Angeles
• Arts & Culture
• Beach & Water Sports
• Local Experiences
• Food & Drink
• Outdoor & Adventure
• National Parks
• Winter Sports
• Travelers with Disabilities
• Family & Kids
• All Slideshows
• Hotel Deals
• Car Rentals
• Flight Alerts
• Credit Cards & Loyalty Points
• Cruise News
• Entry Requirements & Customs
• Car, Bus, Rail News
• Money & Fees
• Health, Insurance, Security
• Packing & Luggage
• -Arthur Frommer Online
• -Passportable
• Road Trip Guides
• Alaska Made Easy
• Great Vacation Ideas in the U.S.A.
• Best of the Caribbean
• Best of Mexico
• Cruise Inspiration
• Best Places to Go 2024

• Election 2024
• Entertainment
• Newsletters
• Photography
• Personal Finance
• AP Investigations
• AP Buyline Personal Finance
• AP Buyline Shopping
• Press Releases
• Israel-Hamas War
• Russia-Ukraine War
• Global elections
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East
• Election Results
• Delegate Tracker
• AP & Elections
• Auto Racing
• 2024 Paris Olympic Games
• Movie reviews
• Book reviews
• Personal finance
• Financial Markets
• Business Highlights
• Financial wellness
• Artificial Intelligence
• Social Media

A new agreement would limit cruise passengers in Alaska’s capital. A critic says it falls short

FILE - Cruise ships are docked on June 9, 2023, in downtown Juneau, Alaska. A new agreement between Alaska’s capital city and major cruise lines seeks to cap the daily number of cruise ship passengers arriving in Juneau starting in 2026, but a critic of the cruise industry says the planned limits don’t go far enough. (AP Photo/Becky Bohrer, File)

FILE - Passengers stream off the Norwegian Bliss after the vessel arrived in Juneau, Alaska, April 25, 2022. A new agreement between Alaska’s capital city and major cruise lines seeks to cap the daily number of cruise ship passengers arriving in Juneau starting in 2026, but a critic of the cruise industry says the planned limits don’t go far enough. (AP Photo/Becky Bohrer, File)

FILE - A cruise ship sits docked near downtown Juneau, Alaska, Sunday, June 4, 2017. A new agreement between Alaska’s capital city and major cruise lines seeks to cap the daily number of cruise ship passengers arriving in Juneau starting in 2026, but a critic of the cruise industry says the planned limits don’t go far enough. (AP Photo/Becky Bohrer, File)

• Copy Link copied

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — A new agreement between Alaska’s capital city and major cruise lines seeks to cap the daily number of cruise ship passengers arriving in Juneau starting in 2026, though a prominent critic of the cruise industry said Tuesday the planned limits do not do enough.

The agreement, finalized late last week, seeks a daily limit of 16,000 cruise passengers Sundays through Fridays and 12,000 on Saturdays. However, officials said that doesn’t necessarily mean there will be that many people every day.

Cruise passengers numbers ramped up rapidly after two pandemic-stunted years, hitting a record of more than 1.6 million passengers in Juneau last year. That’s caused tension between businesses that rely on tourism and residents who are fed up with increased traffic, busy trails and the hum of helicopters ferrying visitors to glaciers.

Cruise seasons also have gotten longer, with the first boat this year arriving in Juneau in early April and the last set to arrive in late October. On peak days in the past, passenger numbers have totaled about two-thirds of Juneau’s population of roughly 32,000 people.

A daily limit of five large ships took effect with the current season, as part of a separate agreement signed last year.

Alexandra Pierce, Juneau’s visitor industry director, said Tuesday that the aim with the current agreement is to hold cruise passenger numbers roughly steady, in the 1.6 million range.

“The idea is that the agreement buys everybody time not only to see if it is sustainable but also to build the infrastructure that will help it feel more sustainable,” she said.

Pierce said she expects a number of projects will be completed in the next five years “that will help our current numbers feel less impactful.” She cited plans for a gondola at the city-owned ski area, updates to the downtown sea walk and increased visitor capacity at the popular Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area .

The agreement, which was signed by the city manager and major cruise line executives, also calls for yearly meetings to “review lessons learned, to review and optimize the subsequent season’s operations, and align on community and industry parameters, goals, and opportunities.”

Pierce said city leaders are “trying to balance the needs of our residents, the needs of our economy, the needs of future opportunities for people to stay in our community.”

Karla Hart, a longtime critic of the industry, is skeptical of the new agreement, saying it doesn’t do enough to address concerns many residents have that current tourism levels are unsustainable.

“It feels like we’re just getting led along again, and expansion will continue and more time will pass” and impacts will continue, she said.

Hart is helping push a proposed local ballot initiative that would institute “ship free Saturdays,” with no cruise ships with a capacity of at least 250 passengers allowed to stop in Juneau on Saturdays or on July 4. The signature-review process for the proposed measure is underway. If the measure is certified, it could appear on the October ballot.

Renée Limoge Reeve, vice president of government and community relations for Cruise Lines International Association Alaska, a trade group, said initiatives “remove the opportunity for collaboration and discussion, and I think that that leaves a lot to be desired.”

She said the agreements with Juneau are the first such agreements the industry has signed in Alaska and underscore the cruise lines’ commitment “to being good partners in the communities that we visit.” Juneau and other southeast Alaska communities are popular stops on cruises that leave from Seattle or Vancouver. The much-smaller community of Sitka also has been grappling with the debate over tourism numbers.

Reeve and Pierce also participated Tuesday in a Greater Juneau Chamber of Commerce news conference to discuss the agreement.

Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise ships leave from Baltimore for the first time since the collapse of the Key Bridge

• Cruise ships left the Port of Baltimore for the first time since March 26.
• The port's terminal was blocked after the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed and killed six workers.
• Rebuilding the bridge will take four years and could cost up to $1.9 billion.

Two months after Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed, cruise ships are now taking off from the Port of Baltimore.

A Royal Caribbean ship called Vision of the Seas left from the port on Saturday for a trip to Bermuda. And a Carnival Cruise ship called Pride destined for Greenland and Canada left Baltimore on Sunday.

The two trips are notable as the first cruise ships to leave Baltimore since the port was blocked by the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge on March 26. The bridge collapsed after being hit by a cargo ship, killing six workers. The Francis Scott Key Bridge services about 30,000 people a day.

"We've been working through this process for the past two months," Jonathan Daniels, the director for the Port of Baltimore said in a video posted to X on May 25 by the port.

One week ago, the port's terminal was the headquarters for the recovery operations for the Francis Scott Key Bridge, Daniels added. The terminal is also a massive area of tourism for Maryland, bringing in 440,000 cruise passengers a year, Daniels told the Baltimore Sun.

The project to rebuild the Francis Scott Key Bridge will take four years and is estimated to cost between $1.7 billion and $1.9 billion, a spokesperson for the Maryland Department of Transportation said in May 2023.

Watch: The container ship that destroyed the Francis Scott Key Bridge has crashed before

• Main content

3 Cheap Entertainment Stocks Just Starting to Take Off

T he entertainment stocks are worth checking in on as they continue to roll with the punches of this inflationary environment. Undoubtedly, we’re all sick and tired of inflation and its impact on our spending habits. The good news is inflation is on its way out. However, it may not be soon enough for the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates this summer.

Either way, consumers will start splurging on themselves once they can rebuild their savings. Whether “spaving” (spending more money to take advantage of discounts) ends up in the driver’s seat this summer as some firms backtrack on recent price increases remains to be seen.

Entertainment is becoming more of a need than a want for today’s crowd, many of whom value experiences. Here are three cheap entertainment plays that could stay hot in summer.

Netflix (NFLX)

First, we have top-tier streamer Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX ), which has a good chance of making new highs in the second half. At writing, NFLX stock is on a seemingly unstoppable run, soaring more than 57% in the past year alone. As it turned out, Netflix’s pivot towards an ad-based tier has gone quite smoothly.

Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS ) analyst Benjamin Swinburne sees more good times ahead for the top streaming platform, with a “bull case” price target of $850. Specifically, Swinburne sees a big opportunity for Netflix in the “scaling of its advertising business,”

Not only is Netflix continuing to excel at producing must-binge content regularly, but it’s also on track to build on recent momentum in its ad-based tier. Netflix knows what we want to watch. As it learns more about us, it’ll probably understand what products would also tempt us to buy.

Indeed, don’t bet against Netflix, as it’s already proven to be a high-value entertainment subscription. This is even after countless price hikes and password-sharing crackdowns. Additionally, the recent postponement of the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson boxing match shouldn’t be too big a deal for the coming quarter.

Live Nation (LYV)

Live Nation (NYSE: LYV ) has to be one of my favorite Millennial and Gen Z plays on the market right now. The company has a pretty wide moat around its share of the “experience” market, and I don’t think any credible challengers can narrow such a moat anytime soon. As long as big-name artists continue drawing in big crowds, I simply do not see LYV stock backtracking, especially from today’s modest levels.

Lately, there have been some troubling negative headlines hitting Live Nation. From the recent Ticketmaster hack, which reportedly exposed data from 560 million users to a U.S. regulatory crackdown on Ticketmaster’s “monopolistic practices,” it certainly seems like a nail-biting time to be a shareholder.

In any case, the recent sag in the stock is more of a long-term buying opportunity for investors seeking exposure to an entertainment powerhouse. Recent setbacks could be an overhang for quite some time, but the long-term narrative remains as robust as ever. The stock is still down more than 25% from its early 2022 highs.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines ( RCL )

Royal Caribbean Cruises (NYSE: RCL ) has been a shocking outperformer this year, with RCL stock surging over 25% year to date. With a fresh new all-time high in the record books, I wouldn’t be so fast to jump ship on the name quite yet. Not as bookings continue flowing in after an imposing period of seasonal strength (so-called “wave season”). Sometimes, strength begets strength, and record breakers beget more record breakers.

Looking back, management wasn’t upbeat enough about booking demand for the coming sizzling summer travel season. While seasonality plays a major role in the cruise line plays, RCL stock is worth holding for the long haul as the premier cruise operator cuts back on debt and invests in growth initiatives.

Who knows? Perhaps next year’s booking boom may be even more pronounced as the king of cruising beckons travelers of all ages.

On the date of publication, Joey Frenette did not hold (either directly or indirectly) any positions in the securities mentioned in this article. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer, subject to the InvestorPlace.com   Publishing Guidelines .

Joey Frenette is a seasoned investment writer specializing in technology and consumer stocks. Contributing to the Motley Fool Canada, TipRanks, and Barchart, Joey excels in spotting mispriced stocks with long-term growth potential in a fast-paced market.

More From InvestorPlace

• The #1 AI Investment Might Be This Company You’ve Never Heard Of
• Musk’s “Project Omega” May Be Set to Mint New Millionaires. Here’s How to Get In.
• Legendary Investor Predicts: “Forget A.I. THIS Technology Is the Future”

The post 3 Cheap Entertainment Stocks Just Starting to Take Off  appeared first on InvestorPlace .

Carnival cruise ship rescues 25 people stranded off the coast of Mexico

A Carnival Cruise Line ship responded to a call from the U.S. Coast Guard and rescued 25 people stranded in a small boat off the coast of Mexico, the company announced Saturday.

The 2,984-passenger Carnival Radiance had left Long Beach, California, on Friday and was heading toward Ensenada Mexico for a three-day sailing when the cruise ship's officers were informed by the Coast Guard "about a distress call involving a small vessel," a news release said.

The ship immediately routed toward the location of the vessel, provided by the USCG, and "quickly" rescued all 25 people on board, including three children, the company said.

The U.S. Coast Guard did not immediately respond to USA TODAY's request for comment.

The rescued group was welcomed onto the cruise ship and given food, water, and medical assistance. Carnival coordinated with the Coast Guard to hand off the group.

Learn more: Best travel insurance

The incident did not disrupt the Carnival Radiance's schedule, the company announced.

A roller coaster in the ocean: What Carnival Cruise Line's BOLT ride is like

Another Carnival ship rescued a group of 28 Cuban nationals stuck at sea as it was sailing the Caribbean and saw people signaling for help in late April. The cruise ship was headed from Tampa, Florida, to Roatan in Honduras at the time. Also last month, a Celebrity Cruises ship sailing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to multiple destinations in the Caribbean rescued a small vessel adrift between Mexico and Cuba.

Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. You can reach her at [email protected]

• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

The Very Slow Restart of G.M.’s Cruise Driverless Car Business

An incident that seriously injured a pedestrian in San Francisco led Cruise to take all of its cars off the road. The question now is when they will return.

By Yiwen Lu

Reporting from Warren, Mich., and Mountain View, Calif.

At a sprawling complex in Warren, Mich., General Motors’ hopes for its driverless car future play out in a virtual reality headset offered to visitors.

In a video, the electric and autonomous car drives itself. Wirelessly connected to traffic lights and the surrounding streets, the car avoids collisions and reduces congestion, part of what G.M. calls its “0-0-0” vision — “zero crashes, zero emission, zero congestion.”

At least, that’s the plan. G.M.’s driverless future looks a lot further away today than it did a year ago, when Cruise, G.M.’s driverless car subsidiary, was deep into an aggressive expansion of its robot taxi services, testing in 15 cities across 10 states.

On Oct. 2, a Cruise driverless car hit and dragged a pedestrian for 20 feet on a San Francisco street, causing severe injuries. Weeks later, the California Department of Motor Vehicles accused Cruise of omitting the dragging from a video of the incident that was initially provided to the agency and suspended the company’s license in the state.

In November, Cruise voluntarily paused all operations across the country after facing widespread criticism that it was neglecting safety as it expanded its driverless taxi service. Cruise also pushed out nine executives, its chief executive stepped down , and the company laid off a quarter of its work force.

Now comes the hard part: Rebuilding a ruined reputation. In recent interviews with The New York Times, the three executives now running Cruise say they are in no rush to get back on the road. After learning the hard way about the risks of moving too fast with a cutting-edge technology, Cruise has slowed its breakneck development to a crawl to avoid another major mishap.

“For a long time before, Cruise was really moving fast and other competitors were not,” said Craig Glidden, who became president and chief administrative officer of Cruise in November. Now, he said, safety is Cruise’s “North Star.”

But going slow means the company risks falling far behind its top rivals. Waymo, a subsidiary of Google’s parent company, Alphabet, has had driverless taxis operating in the Phoenix area since 2020 and San Francisco since late 2022 without serious incidents, and it recently expanded to Los Angeles . Zoox , an Amazon subsidiary, has been testing a steering-wheel-free robot taxi in Las Vegas since last June.

“Catching up with Waymo technologically is going to take three to five years at best,” said Alex Roy, a consultant and former executive in the autonomous car industry. He added that it was even harder for Cruise to catch up commercially because Waymo was “generating revenues with trust that Cruise never earned.”

Some industry observers were surprised G.M. didn’t shut down Cruise after its public meltdown late last year. Since acquiring the company in 2016, G.M. has spent over $8 billion on its driverless subsidiary. Cruise lost $3.48 billion last year, and another $519 million over the first three months of 2024.

“I was thinking in the late part of 2023 and into early 2024 that the most likely outcome was that they were going to completely turn off Cruise,” said Reilly Brennan, a partner at Trucks Venture Capital, which invests in the future of transportation.

But after slashing $1 billion from Cruise’s 2024 budget, Mary T. Barra, G.M.’s chief executive, reiterated her commitment to the company during earnings calls. In April, she told investors that Cruise had made “tangible progress,” although G.M. is exploring different options to fund the business, including taking outside investments.

After Cruise’s former chief executive and co-founder Kyle Vogt resigned in November, G.M. appointed two presidents who report to its board: Mo Elshenawy, previously the company’s executive vice president of engineering, and Mr. Glidden, who also serves as G.M.’s general counsel. In February, Cruise hired Steve Kenner, a veteran product safety executive, as chief safety officer.

The three executives all decide on safety decisions, such as when to take the next step in deployment. Those calls, Mr. Kenner said, have to be unanimous.

So far, Cruise has taken baby steps back to the road. In April, it picked Phoenix, the home to its operations center, to be the first city to restart testing with human drivers. On May 13, after a month of driving a handful of vehicles in order to understand local road features, Cruise transitioned into supervised autonomous testing , with two safety drivers per vehicle.

Cruise used to say its robot taxis were, on average, safer than a human driver. But so-called edge cases — incidents like road construction or erratic cyclists that humans can intuitively react to — bedeviled the robot taxis. Mr. Elshenawy said the cars had improved their navigation of construction zones and how they deal with emergency vehicles.

Cruise hopes to offer driverless ride-hailing service in one city by the end of 2024, while operating with safety drivers in fewer than five cities, Mr. Glidden said. That is, if the edge case issue can be improved.

While Mr. Elshenawy’s engineering team works to improve the technology, Mr. Glidden and Mr. Kenner have been traveling across the country to meet with regulators. Cruise has met with local officials and state regulators in Arizona, Texas and California, as well as with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It has also spoken with several cities in the Southeast where it previously tested its fleet.

In California, Cruise has answered questions from state regulators about driverless testing, but it is unclear if or when it could regain a permit. The talent pool in Silicon Valley is essential to Cruise’s business, so executives say they are committed to staying in the state.

Whether Cruise’s cautious approach restores faith in the company among regulators is an open question. Dave Cortese, a California state senator representing Silicon Valley, said the autonomous vehicle industry’s aggressive testing on public roads in the past had “created tension and distrust.”

For the company to win over regulators, it needs a “profound demonstration of transparency” to demonstrate that an incident like Oct. 2 will not happen again, said Mr. Roy, the consultant.

“We may not agree, but I think there are lots of places where we do agree,” said Tilly Chang, executive director of San Francisco County Transportation Authority. “But it is also unclear to us what it would take for them to get reinstated.”

Yiwen Lu reports on technology for The Times. More about Yiwen Lu

Driverless Cars and the Future of Transportation

A Very Slow Restart: An incident that seriously injured a pedestrian in San Francisco led Cruise, G.M.’s driverless car subsidiary, to take all of its cars off the road. The question now is when they will return .

An Appetite for Destruction: A wave of lawsuits argue that Tesla’s Autopilot software is dangerously overhyped. What can its blind spots teach us about Elon Musk, the company’s erratic chief executive ?

Along for the Ride: Here’s what New York Times reporters experienced during test rides in driverless cars operated by Tesla , Waymo  and Cruise .

The Future of Transportation?: Driverless cars, once a Silicon Valley fantasy, have become a 24-hour-a-day reality in San Francisco . “The Daily” looked at the unique challenges of coexisting with cars that drive themselves .

Stressing Cities: In San Francisco and Austin, Texas, where passengers can hail autonomous taxis, the vehicles are starting to take a toll on city services , even slowing down emergency response times.