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CCL vs NCLH
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Carnival Corporation (CCL) vs. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Carnival Corporation (CCL) delivered record third-quarter revenue and net income in its latest report, while Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) is contending with declining net yields and softer booking trends.
- Both companies remain exposed to fuel costs and geopolitical uncertainty, but their recent momentum and market positioning have diverged meaningfully.
- CCL trades at a lower valuation multiple and is actively reducing debt, whereas NCLH carries higher relative leverage and faces greater European demand risk.
- Analyst sentiment has shifted more favorably toward CCL's operational trajectory, while NCLH received a notable downgrade ahead of its next earnings report.
- For more detail on each name, explore CCL Major News and CCL Today's Price Move, as well as NCLH Major News and NCLH Today's Price Move.
- To see how automated strategies are positioning across this sector, explore Trending AI Robots.
Introduction
Investors tracking the cruise and leisure travel sector often compare CCL and NCLH as two ways to gain exposure to the same demand cycle. Carnival Corporation is the world's largest cruise operator, while Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings runs a smaller, more premium-oriented fleet across three brands. Because the two companies share similar macroeconomic drivers—consumer spending, fuel prices, and geopolitical conditions—their relative performance offers a useful lens on both company-specific execution and broader industry sentiment. This stock comparison is most relevant to traders evaluating momentum and to longer-term investors assessing balance-sheet quality, pricing power, and booking momentum across the cruise space.
CCL Overview and Recent Performance
Carnival Corporation (CCL) is the largest global cruise company, operating a portfolio of brands including Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, and several European lines. In its most recent quarterly report, the company posted record revenue of roughly $8.44 billion (up about 3.5% year over year) and record net income near $1.9 billion, with adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.43 that exceeded consensus estimates. Management also reported record customer deposits of about $7.6 billion, a signal of strong forward demand.
Recent weeks have highlighted Carnival's continued deleveraging, with total debt reduced to below $24 billion from a 2023 peak of roughly $36 billion, alongside an investment-grade credit rating. Booking trends for 2027 are described as at record levels for both occupancy and pricing. Sentiment has been supported by cost discipline and fuel-efficiency gains, though higher fuel expenses and residual booking disruption from earlier geopolitical tensions remain headwinds. Shares have been volatile, trading below their 52-week high despite the favorable earnings print.
NCLH Overview and Recent Performance
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) operates a three-brand portfolio—Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas—with a greater emphasis on premium and luxury itineraries, including a large European footprint. Its recent quarters have reflected a more challenging demand environment. In its latest reported quarter, revenue rose to about $2.64 billion, but management guided net yields lower, citing softer demand, company-specific execution gaps, and geopolitical pressures, particularly in European itineraries.
Unlike Carnival, Norwegian has described its booking position as below its optimal range, with a meaningful share of European capacity sourced from U.S. travelers who have grown more cautious about transatlantic travel. The company has announced cost-savings initiatives to protect margins, but full-year adjusted EPS guidance has been reduced from an earlier level. Heading into its next earnings report, Norwegian received a downgrade from at least one major bank citing downside risk to its 2027 yield recovery. The stock trades closer to the lower end of its 52-week range.
Trending AI Robots
Tickeron operates hundreds of AI trading bots that collectively trade thousands of different tickers, each with its own trading style, strategy, timeframe, performance record, and set of covered securities. Rather than presenting every bot, Tickeron curates only the strongest performers and those best suited to current market conditions into a dedicated Trending AI Robots section. This curated view helps traders filter through the noise and focus on strategies demonstrating consistency and adaptability. If you are evaluating how automated systems are currently positioned across consumer discretionary and cruise names, reviewing the Trending AI Robots page can provide a data-driven starting point for your own analysis.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Although both companies operate in the same sector, their profiles differ in several important ways. Carnival is larger and more diversified across mass-market and premium brands, giving it broader geographic and demographic exposure. Norwegian is more concentrated, with a heavier tilt toward premium cruising and Europe—a region currently facing greater demand headwinds.
In terms of recent momentum, Carnival has posted record revenue, record deposits, and rising yields, while Norwegian has guided yields lower and cut its full-year EPS outlook. On the balance sheet, Carnival is actively deleveraging and has reached investment-grade status; Norwegian maintains higher net leverage relative to earnings and has not yet signaled the same pace of balance-sheet repair.
Risk factors also differ in emphasis. Both face fuel-cost volatility, but Carnival's scale and cost-discipline initiatives have partially offset that pressure. Norwegian's risk is more concentrated in European itinerary demand and its reliance on U.S.-sourced customers for that region. From a valuation standpoint, Carnival trades at a lower forward price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple, while Norwegian carries a higher beta (a measure of volatility relative to the broader market), reflecting more pronounced price swings.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors—trend consistency, stability, balance-sheet momentum, and the direction of catalysts—Tickeron's AI would currently lean toward Carnival Corporation (CCL) as the more favorably positioned name in this comparison. Carnival's record results, rising yields, record deposits, and ongoing debt reduction suggest a more consistent and resilient fundamental trend. Norwegian's declining net yields, reduced guidance, and concentrated European demand exposure introduce greater near-term uncertainty. That said, this assessment is probabilistic rather than definitive, and relative positioning could shift quickly with new earnings data, fuel-price changes, or a stabilization in European travel demand.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is CCL is a Buy and NCLH is a Hold.
Aroon Indicator for CCL shows an upward move is likely
CCL's Aroon Indicator triggered a bullish signal on October 30, 2026. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor detected that the AroonUp green line is above 70 while the AroonDown red line is below 30. When the up indicator moves above 70 and the down indicator remains below 30, it is a sign that the stock could be setting up for a bullish move. Traders may want to buy the stock or look to buy calls options. A.I.dvisor looked at 276 similar instances where the Aroon Indicator showed a similar pattern. In 222 of the 276 cases, the stock moved higher in the days that followed. This puts the odds of a move higher at 80%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 26, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on CCL as a result. In 54 of 68 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 79%.
CCL moved above its 50-day moving average on October 02, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
The 10-day moving average for CCL crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 09, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 12 of 15 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 80%.
Following a +3.96% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where CCL advanced for three days, in 218 of 286 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 76%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator has been in the overbought zone for 1 day. Expect a price pull-back in the near future.
The Stochastic Oscillator has been in the overbought zone for 2 days. Expect a price pull-back in the near future.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where CCL declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 77%.
CCL broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 27, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 33 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating outstanding price growth. CCL’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 40 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 50 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 59 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (2.783) is normal, around the industry mean (0.525). P/E Ratio (12.590) is within average values for comparable stocks, (24.517). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.769) is also within normal values, averaging (1.617). Dividend Yield (0.021) settles around the average of (0.190) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (1.178) is also within normal values, averaging (2.686).
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 65 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 84 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. CCL’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 78, placing this stock worse than average.
NCLH in upward trend: 10-day moving average broke above 50-day moving average on October 28, 2026
The 10-day moving average for NCLH crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 28, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 15 of 16 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 90%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 27, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on NCLH as a result. In 60 of 79 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 76%.
NCLH moved above its 50-day moving average on October 27, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
Following a +15.68% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where NCLH advanced for three days, in 220 of 284 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 77%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 186 of 247 cases where NCLH Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 75%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for NCLH moved out of overbought territory on October 30, 2026. This could be a bearish sign for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 37 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 29 of the 37 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 78%.
The Stochastic Oscillator has been in the overbought zone for 2 days. Expect a price pull-back in the near future.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where NCLH declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 80%.
NCLH broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 28, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 28 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating very strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 48 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. NCLH’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 60 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (3.136) is normal, around the industry mean (0.525). P/E Ratio (10.521) is within average values for comparable stocks, (24.517). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.195) is also within normal values, averaging (1.617). Dividend Yield (0.000) settles around the average of (0.190) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (0.699) is also within normal values, averaging (2.686).
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 80 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to worse than average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 100 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. NCLH’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 78, placing this stock worse than average.
CCL | NCLH | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 42 | 28 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 59 Fair valued | 60 Fair valued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 84 | 100 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 40 | 28 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 33 | 48 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 65 | 80 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 50 | n/a |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
CCL's Valuation (59) in the Hotels Or Resorts Or Cruiselines industry is in the same range as NCLH (60). This means that CCL’s stock grew similarly to NCLH’s over the last 12 months.
CCL's Profit vs Risk Rating (84) in the Hotels Or Resorts Or Cruiselines industry is in the same range as NCLH (100). This means that CCL’s stock grew similarly to NCLH’s over the last 12 months.
NCLH's SMR Rating (28) in the Hotels Or Resorts Or Cruiselines industry is in the same range as CCL (40). This means that NCLH’s stock grew similarly to CCL’s over the last 12 months.
CCL's Price Growth Rating (33) in the Hotels Or Resorts Or Cruiselines industry is in the same range as NCLH (48). This means that CCL’s stock grew similarly to NCLH’s over the last 12 months.
CCL's P/E Growth Rating (65) in the Hotels Or Resorts Or Cruiselines industry is in the same range as NCLH (80). This means that CCL’s stock grew similarly to NCLH’s over the last 12 months.
| CCL | NCLH | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 74% | 3 days ago 78% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 76% | 3 days ago 80% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 79% | 3 days ago 76% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | N/A | N/A |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 79% | 3 days ago 79% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 77% | 3 days ago 80% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 76% | 4 days ago 77% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 10 days ago 77% | 10 days ago 80% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 77% | 3 days ago 75% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 80% | 3 days ago 75% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
CCL’s FA Score shows that 1 FA rating(s) are green while NCLH’s FA Score has 1 green FA rating(s).
- CCL’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
- NCLH’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
CCL’s TA Score shows that 5 TA indicator(s) are bullish while NCLH’s TA Score has 5 bullish TA indicator(s).
- CCL’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 4 bearish.
- NCLH’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 4 bearish.
Price Growth
CCL (@Consumer Sundries) experienced а +10.42% price change this week, while NCLH (@Consumer Sundries) price change was +16.36% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Consumer Sundries industry was +1.84%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +2.35%, and the average quarterly price growth was +5.11%.
Reported Earning Dates
CCL is expected to report earnings on Dec 18, 2026.
NCLH is expected to report earnings on Mar 02, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Consumer Sundries (+1.84% weekly)Consumer sundries companies make products that usually do not have another classification, such as lawn and garden products, pest-control products, pet food and pet products like leashes, collars, and harnesses. Central Garden & Pet Company and Dogness (International) Corporation are examples of companies operating in this industry.
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NCLH and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, NCLH has been closely correlated with CCL. These tickers have moved in lockstep 82% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if NCLH jumps, then CCL could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To NCLH | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCLH | 100% | -3.57% | ||
| CCL - NCLH | 82% Closely correlated | -0.03% | ||
| RCL - NCLH | 75% Closely correlated | -1.08% | ||
| VIK - NCLH | 65% Loosely correlated | -2.30% | ||
| TNL - NCLH | 58% Loosely correlated | +0.25% | ||
| EXPE - NCLH | 44% Loosely correlated | +1.13% | ||
More | ||||
| 1 Day | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| ETFs / NAME | Price $ | Chg $ | Chg % |
| WBIY | 36.89 | 0.22 | +0.59% |
| WBI Power Factor High Dividend ETF (WBIY) | |||
| INMU | 23.73 | 0.07 | +0.30% |
| iShares Intermediate Muni Income Active ETF (INMU) | |||
| SMLL | 22.10 | 0.01 | +0.05% |
| Harbor Active Small Cap ETF (SMLL) | |||
| EFG | 118.55 | -1.89 | -1.57% |
| iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF (EFG) | |||
| GLOF | 59.31 | -1.14 | -1.89% |
| iShares Global Equity Factor ETF (GLOF) | |||