Royal Caribbean rises as Obama eases limits on Cuba travel

NEW YORK, April 13 (Reuters) - Shares of Miami-based cruise operator Royal Caribbean (RCL.N) RCL.L jumped on Monday on news that the Obama administration was allowing Cuban Americans to travel more freely to the communist-ruled island.

The news stoked hopes that the No. 2 cruise ship operator and rival Carnival (CCL.N) (CCL.L), could sail to an attractive locale, just 90 miles from the United States.

"Cuba has a high amount of mystique for Americans given that Cuba has been a forbidden destination for so long," said Sharon Zackfia, analyst for William Blair & Company.

She added that because hotels and resorts will take years to develop in Cuba, cruises will become a primary option for travelers.

"If Cuba opens to American visitors, I am certain that both Royal and Carnival will find ways to sail to Cuba," she said.

Royal Caribbean shares gained 8.7 percent to $10.96, while Carnival Corp, the world's largest cruise ship operator, added 2 percent to $26.11. (Reporting by Deepa Seetharaman, editing by Leslie Gevirtz)