One is that lower interest rates boost the economy, since people and businesses can borrow money more easily. People who have been putting their dream cruise on hold are more likely to splurge in a more active, lower-interest-rate economy. Carnival is more likely to keep up its strong demand in the looser economy.

Shares of Carnival and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings are sailing higher Monday after Truist Securities analysts raised their price targets and projected smooth seas ahead for the cruise companies. Carnival rose 2.

The combination of improved consumer confidence and increased travels is playing out bullishly for the cruise line industry, notably Norwegian Cruise Line (NCLH). In October, Norwegian Cruise Lines released its latest earnings results.