Viking shares rise 6.00% after-hours as sector-wide cruise demand signals boost stock following Royal Caribbean's strong results.

Viking Holdings Ltd. (VIK) surged 5.99% in after-hours trading following a sector-wide rally driven by Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.'s (RCL) upbeat earnings outlook. The cruise operator reported record booking trends, with its highest seven-week booking period in history, signaling robust demand for future cruises. This positive sentiment lifted shares of industry peers, including Viking, Carnival, and Norwegian Cruise Line. Viking's stock, already volatile with 12 moves exceeding 5% in the past year, rose further as the market priced in optimism about sustained consumer demand for luxury travel. The move aligns with Viking’s niche focus on European and Mediterranean itineraries, which contrasts with mass-market Caribbean routes, but the broader sector’s strength overshadowed company-specific factors. Analysts noted divergent valuation targets, with some banks raising price targets to $80, reflecting confidence in the cruise industry’s recovery and Viking’s execution potential.