UBS: Reopening of the Strait of Hormuz boosts cruise stocks.

UBS analysts, citing a recent conversation with a large American cruise sales company in a research report, said that the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East have little impact on the demand for cruises. However, the sales company pointed out in the conversation that he knew not all sales companies were as optimistic as he was. As of now, performance in the past 30 to 40 days has been mixed, with Caribbean cruise lines performing extremely well and Alaskan cruise lines benefiting from demand shifting. These analysts said that there has been some hesitancy in demand for Eastern Mediterranean routes, prompting cruise companies to increase promotional efforts. They added that these promotions are adding non-cash value, such as providing airline miles, rather than simply discounting prices. Cruise stocks rose on Friday after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi announced the opening of the Strait of Hormuz.