China-South Korea cruise blow may be short-term

A UBS analyst said tensions between China and South Korea may have a short-term impact on cruise demand for the New York-listed giants.

But China's role as the hottest growth market for the industry remains intact, said analyst Robin Farley, who covers leisure stocks for the investment bank.

Under pressure from Beijing officials, major Chinese tour groups are reportedly halting sales of future sales of tours to South Korea, a move that would impact cruises calling in the country.

Tensions