Investors ended 2023 in a jubilant mood. Equity markets recovered nicely, with the S&P 500 gaining better than 24% after losing more than 19% in 2022. Shareholders of Carnival (CCL -3.25%) enjoyed a much better performance. Its stock price gains dwarfed the overall market, rising by 130%. That does present a dilemma for current and prospective investors, however.Does Carnival's stock still represent a buying opportunity, or are there better opportunities elsewhere for long-term investors? Sailing the seas a ...