Carnival vs Royal Caribbean (CCL vs RCL)
Carnival (CCL) vs Royal Caribbean (RCL) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.
Carnival (CCL) and Royal Caribbean (RCL) compete in travel, leisure and gaming. Here are Carnival and Royal Caribbean side by side with their real figures as of November 4, 2026: what sets them apart, which fits each kind of investor and the most common questions, without telling you whether to buy Carnival or Royal Caribbean.
Carnival vs Royal Caribbean: the figures
| Figure | Carnival | Royal Caribbean |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $31.32 (November 4, 2026) | $333.15 (November 4, 2026) |
| Market cap | $42.1 billion | $89.1 billion |
| P/E (TTM) | 13.8x | 19.7x |
| Forward P/E | 12.2x | 16.3x |
| Revenue growth (quarter) | +3.5% | +8.8% |
| Net margin (TTM) | 11.4% | 23.8% |
| Net debt / EBITDA | 3.3x | 3.1x |
| Dividend yield | 1.54% | 1.92% |
| Beta | 2.46 | 1.86 |
Carnival and Royal Caribbean figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that Carnival or Royal Caribbean figure is not available, and we never estimate it.
3 key differences between Carnival and Royal Caribbean
- Profitability: for every 100 of sales, Royal Caribbean keeps 23.8 as net profit and Carnival keeps 11.4.
- Valuation: Royal Caribbean trades at 19.7x its annual earnings and Carnival at 13.8x; the market pays more for each dollar of Royal Caribbean profit, usually because it expects more growth.
- Volatility: Carnival stock moves more (beta 2.46) than Royal Caribbean (beta 1.86); the higher the beta, the more it amplifies market swings.
Carnival or Royal Caribbean: which fits your profile
- If you want growth: Royal Caribbean is growing faster today, so it fits better with investors who put business growth first, usually accepting a higher P/E and a bumpier ride.
- If you want income (dividends): Royal Caribbean pays the higher dividend relative to its price.
- If you prefer caution: Royal Caribbean has less debt relative to its profit, which usually gives more room in a bad year.
- If price is what matters most to you: Carnival trades on the lower P/E; check first whether that is an opportunity or a sign of a business that grows less.
Neither Carnival nor Royal Caribbean wins on everything, and owning both is also an option: spreading money across several companies or an index fund reduces what rides on each one.
How Carnival and Royal Caribbean make money
Carnival (CCL)
Carnival Corporation runs a portfolio of cruise lines including Carnival Cruise Line, Princess, Holland America, AIDA, Costa and P&O Cruises. Its segments are North America and Australia, the larger one, and Europe. Revenue comes from cruise fares and from onboard spending on drinks, shore excursions, casinos and shops. Full Carnival analysis.
Royal Caribbean (RCL)
Royal Caribbean Group sells cruises under the Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea brands. Ticket sales make up most revenue, with the rest from onboard spending on drinks, specialty dining, shore excursions and casinos. It also runs private destinations such as Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas. Full Royal Caribbean analysis.
Frequently asked questions: Carnival vs Royal Caribbean
Is Carnival or Royal Caribbean the better stock?
Choosing between Carnival and Royal Caribbean depends on what you are looking for. Royal Caribbean is growing faster right now, and Carnival trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy Carnival or Royal Caribbean: it shows you the differences so you can decide.
Which pays a higher dividend, Carnival or Royal Caribbean?
As of November 4, 2026, Royal Caribbean yields 1.92% and Carnival yields 1.54%. Also check how much of their profit Carnival and Royal Caribbean pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.
Which is more expensive, Carnival or Royal Caribbean?
On P/E, Royal Caribbean (19.7x) is more expensive than Carnival (13.8x) as of November 4, 2026. A higher P/E can be justified if earnings grow faster, so compare it with each company's growth in the table.
Can I own both Carnival and Royal Caribbean?
Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as Carnival and Royal Caribbean, or use index funds so they do not depend on just one. If you are starting out, decide how much you want to invest and for how long before buying Carnival or Royal Caribbean.
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- Delta Air Lines vs Royal Caribbean
More companies like Carnival and Royal Caribbean: travel, leisure and gaming stocks. Educational content about Carnival and Royal Caribbean, not investment advice.