Cruise Operator Stocks Rally After U.S. Moves To Normalize Relations With Cuba

Shares of cruise operators rallied in midday trade Wednesday, in the wake of news that U.S. was moving to normalize relations with Cuba. Royal Caribbean's stock climbed 3.9%, and was on course for an all-time closing high. The stock has now run up 17% over the past month. Carnival Corp.'s stock surged 3%. The intraday high of $44.76 was the highest level seen since Feb. 18, 2011. And Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings' stock rose 1.7%, to within 2.2% of the record closing high. Meanwhile, shares of marine fuel logistics company Aegean Marine Petroleum Network , which is one of Royal Caribbean's top suppliers, rose 1.9%.