How to Buy Carnival (CCL) Stock

Invest in CCL stock today with Interactive Brokers as your trusted online brokerage.

Carnival Corporation (NYSE and LSE: CCL) is the leader in the cruise line industry. The industry records annual revenues of $25.1 billion and services an estimated 31.7 million annual passengers. 

Like entertainment stocks, cruise line stocks have a special dynamic and can present opportunities for the right investor. Carnival has been a leader in the industry since the mid-1970s and is the largest company of its kind in the world today.

Take a look at how to buy Carnival stock to start your investment in the cruise line industry. 

How You Can Buy Carnival Stock Now

You can buy Carnival Corp. stock now if you already have a funded stock brokerage account with a broker that has access to buy NYSE traded stocks.

If you don’t have a brokerage account, then you should consider your options for opening an online account with a reputable stockbroker. Note that CCL stock is dually listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). 

Step 1: Pick a Broker

Have a good idea of what your needs are before you decide which broker to use. While some brokers offer commission-free trading, others require a certain level of activity in your trading account or an inactivity fee is charged. 

You may want to choose a broker like Interactive Brokers if you have experience trading. Interactive Brokers offers a top-level trading platform and the ability to trade in multiple assets and markets.

On the other hand, a broker like E*TRADE might be a better fit since they both have a user-friendly trading interface. E*TRADE also provides banking services to clientele. Keep in mind that how you buy Carnival stock is just as important as where you trade, so make sure you pick the right broker.

Check out a few of our top picks for the best online brokers for beginners below.

Step 2: Open Demo Accounts to Assess Trading Platforms

Most online brokers provide virtual or demo accounts so you can check out platforms and services. This type of account lets you trade in real market conditions without risking any of your money.

You might want to open several of these accounts to see which one best fits your needs. Demo accounts can also be used to test a trading strategy.

Step 3: Fund an Account

You’re ready to deposit funds into an account once you’ve selected a broker and trading platform. Different brokers have different funding methods, so check with your broker to make sure you follow the right procedure for funding your account.

Step 4: Start Buying CCL Stock

Once your trading account has officially been funded, you can place a bid on the amount of CCL stock you wish to buy. You might want to watch the stock trade for a session or two to evaluate the best price levels to place your bid. 

Technical analysis can help you determine an optimum entry point for your purchase. Once you’ve determined a good level to buy, you can place a bid at that price for the amount of stock you want. 

Best Online Stock Brokers

If you're in search of a reliable online broker to invest in Carnival, check out our recommendations.

Carnival History and Stock Performance

Carnival Corp. is the holding company for Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line and Cunard Line, among others. The company was originally named Carnival Cruise Line when it was founded in Miami, Florida in 1972. Its U.S. headquarters remain in Miami, and it’s also based in London and Singapore.

Carnival Cruise Line’s initial public offering (IPO) occurred for 20% of the company’s stock in 1987 at $3.875, adjusted for 2 subsequent stock splits. Its IPO allowed the company to begin expanding through acquisitions that started with the Holland America Line in 1989, Seabourn in 1992, Italian Costa Cruises in 1997 and Cunard Line in 1998. 

Carnival Corp. merged with P&O Cruises in 2003 to make it the world’s 1st global cruise operator with 12 highly-visible brands. Today Carnival is world's largest leisure travel company. It has a fleet of more than 85 ships and visits more than 700 ports around the globe.

5-year price chart of CCL stock with earnings, dividends and volume below. Source: tradingview.com

Future Outlook for Carnival

Carnival Cruise Line appears promising, as the company continues to adapt to changing consumer preferences and industry trends. With an increasing emphasis on health and safety protocols post-pandemic, Carnival has invested in enhanced sanitation measures and upgraded health screenings to reassure travelers. Additionally, the introduction of innovative technologies such as contactless check-ins and mobile apps for smoother experiences is set to attract tech-savvy customers.

Carnival is also expanding its fleet with the addition of new ships featuring modern amenities and sustainable practices, catering to the growing demand for eco-friendly travel options. This focus on innovation and safety positions Carnival well to capture market share as more travelers return to cruising.

With rising interest in unique travel experiences, Carnival is exploring various destinations beyond traditional ports, including immersive cultural experiences and adventure travel. As the company targets a broader demographic, including millennials and Gen Z travelers, Carnival's marketing strategies are evolving to resonate with younger audiences, emphasizing social experiences and onboard activities.

Why You Might Want to Buy

• Industry leader. Carnival rose to the top among world-class cruise ship operators with 10 highly-recognizable brands. The company leads the industry and will remain in that position for the foreseeable future.
• Recovery potential: As travel rebounds post-pandemic, Carnival could see significant growth. This may lead to stock price appreciation and potential returns for investors.
• Dividend history: Before suspending dividends due to the pandemic, Carnival had a track record of paying dividends. If the company recovers, it may reinstate dividends, providing income for shareholders.

Considerations Before You Buy

• Pandemic vulnerability: The cruise industry is particularly susceptible to health crises and travel restrictions. Future outbreaks or variants could severely impact Carnival's operations and financial performance.
• High debt levels: Carnival took on significant debt to survive the pandemic shutdown. This debt burden could limit future growth and profitability, potentially impacting stock performance.
• Environmental concerns: Cruises face increasing scrutiny for their environmental impact. Regulatory changes or shifts in consumer preferences could negatively affect Carnival's business model and stock value.

Is CCL Stock for You?

Cruise line stocks like Carnival Corp. tend to follow economic trends, so if you have a bullish outlook on the global economy, then you might want to invest in CCL stock.

No matter what, Carnival remains the leader in its industry, and its stock has recently sold off significantly. This could present an opportunity for a long-term investor or trader willing to pick up some stock on dips.

Starting to build your investment portfolio? Check out Benzinga's guides on the best online brokers, how to start investing in stocks, an how to create an investment strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions