Bookings for 2025 have “remained on track,” Royal Caribbean President and CEO Jason Liberty said in its recent earnings report, in a positive sign for the travel industry amid global uncertainty.
The company cited record bookings during the key Wave season and sustained strength in April demand — including a notable uptick in close-in reservations. The cruise operator said onboard spending and pre-cruise purchases continued to surpass pre-pandemic levels, supported by both higher participation and elevated pricing.
The Miami-based company pointed to stable load factors in line with historical norms, though it widened its forward guidance to reflect increased uncertainty in the broader macroeconomic environment.
“Bookings for 2025 have remained on track, cancellation levels are normal, and we continue to see excellent close-in demand” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. “This year continues our guest experience innovation with the debut of Star of the Seas, Celebrity Xcel, and the opening of Royal Beach Club Paradise Island by year-end – all of which continue to generate consumer excitement.”
Royal Caribbean is adding a new beach club in The Bahamas later this year, with the planned Royal Beach Club on Paradise Island in The Bahamas, just across Nassau Harbor from the increasingly popular Nassau Cruise Port.
The company said yield growth will follow the anticipated timeline of new ship deployments. The debut of Star of the Seas in late summer is expected to influence load factor ramp-up patterns typical of newly launched vessels.
Looking ahead to the second quarter, Royal Caribbean anticipates a 6 percent year-over-year increase in capacity, driven by reduced dry dock activity and a full quarter of operations for Utopia of the Seas
“Our strong first quarter results are a testament to the enduring appeal and attractive value proposition of our leading brands and the incredible vacations they deliver,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. “As we navigate the complexities of the current macroeconomic landscape, we remain focused on what we can control — delivering the best vacation experiences, optimizing revenue, and managing costs, while continuing to invest in our future and drive further differentiation,” Liberty said.
