| By Andy Swan Welcome to Wave Season. Running from January to March each year, Wave Season is THE prime time for cruise deals and bookings, when prices are the lowest and consumers are most likely to hit that “book” button. Think of it as a sort of Black Friday for cruise lines – when companies put up their best promotions, and consumers pony up for their next big vacation. This post-winter holiday splurge is an extremely valuable window for investors to understand future travel demand. And LikeFolio's consumer insights machine captures it all in real time, straight from the group that matters most. Wave Season 2025: The Best Yet? Cruising is a one-size-fits-most experience that transcends generations and cuts the hassle of extensive airline travel and finding lodging. The industry at large is rebounding healthily from pandemic-era dips in demand: In 2023, passenger volumes exceeded pre-pandemic levels, and growth projections for the next decade suggest this momentum will continue. In fact, this year, we could see a record 37.1 million consumers take to the seas. 
Source: Statista As they do, our data suggests one cruise liner is in prime position – handily outperforming its competitors with unmatched consumer interest, a strong financial position, and rising appeal among younger travelers. Royal Caribbean Sails Ahead Of all the cruise liners out there, Royal Caribbean (RCL) has proven most effective at harnessing the growing demand for cruises AND cranking up the spend once consumers are on board. It’s currently capturing the highest forward-looking consumer interest in the industry, according to LikeFolio metrics, which show RCL’s digital traffic gaining 13% year over year, while peers Carnival Corp. (CCL) and Norwegian Cruise Line (NCLH) stall: 
This demand strength isn't new for RCL. Its stock price has surged 82% over the last year, significantly ahead of CCL's +37% and NCLH’s +42%. But it is promising that Royal Caribbean has been able to sustain its lead… and bodes well for its stock. The company reported $4.9 billion in revenue, a 17.5% increase year over year in the most recent quarter, driven by higher passenger volumes and increased onboard spending. Investments in new ships and enhanced itineraries ensure Royal Caribbean continues to meet evolving consumer preferences. For example, its Icon of the Seas ship has garnered tremendous levels of consumer interest. Launched in January 2024, Icon is the world's largest cruise ship, accommodating up to 7,600 passengers across 20 decks. 
It features eight unique neighborhoods, including Thrill Island with the largest waterpark at sea and the Hideaway with a suspended infinity pool, offering 7-night Caribbean itineraries from Miami. Younger Travelers Drive Long-Term Growth Younger travelers are reshaping the cruise market, with Millennials and Gen Zers now comprising half of RCL’s passengers. These groups prioritize memorable experiences over goods – and they’re increasingly budget conscious, often seeking out the shorter, more affordable trips cruises provide. 
It’s a win-win situation for RCL: These generations drive demand while also amplifying brand visibility through social media. As consumers share their experiences through social channels, they organically boost awareness and interest in cruise vacations, while bringing sustainable, long-term opportunities for RCL. Better yet, many first-time cruisers in these age groups are likely to return, fostering a pipeline of loyal customers. And Royal Caribbean is well equipped to capture their dollars. RCL’s loyalty program participation increased 20% year over year, highlighting its success in converting first-time travelers into repeat customers. Bottom line: RCL’s ability to outperform competitors, capitalize on industry recovery, and attract younger travelers positions it as the leader in the evolving cruise market. If you were to bet on one travel stock, RCL makes a fantastic choice. But going by TradeSmith’s seasonality tool, your optimal time to buy may not be during Wave Season – but actually on August 27. It shows RCL has a seasonal pattern of surging an average of 18.09% between August 27 and November 15: 
And that pattern has proven accurate 93.33% of the time over the last 15 years. We’ve been touting this seasonality tool for weeks now – you've seen what it can do. And tomorrow at 10:00 a.m., my good friend, TradeSmith CEO Keith Kaplan, will show you exactly how YOU can use it in 2025 to find the best stocks to buy on their very best days of the year. Trust me, you won’t want to miss this. Until next time, 
Andy Swan
Founder, LikeFolio LikeFolio’s 2025 Predictions Are Here! Check out our hottest predictions for the new year in a just-released three-part series… ✓ 2025 Prediction No. 1: Prepare for the Crypto Boom with This Top Pick ✓ 2025 Prediction No. 2: Embrace the Trump Bump with One Big Bet ✓ 2025 Prediction No. 3: Ride the AI Resurgence with a Proven Winner
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