Royal Caribbean Group Stock Price, News & Analysis

Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL) has unveiled the 'Perfecta Program', a new three-year financial initiative targeting ambitious growth through 2027. The program aims for a 20% compound annual growth rate in Adjusted Earnings per Share compared to 2024 and Return on Invested Capital in the high teens.

Building on the success of their previous Trifecta Program, which achieved its goals 18 months ahead of schedule, Perfecta focuses on moderate capacity growth, yield growth, and strong cost control. The company plans to expand through new ships and private destinations, including Star of the Seas, Legend of the Seas, a fourth Icon Class ship, Celebrity Xcel, Perfect Day Mexico, and two Royal Beach Clubs in Nassau and Cozumel.

The initiative emphasizes maintaining a target leverage ratio below 3.0x while committing to reducing carbon intensity by 15% or greater compared to 2024. RCL plans to implement strategic investments, competitive dividends, and opportunistic share repurchases while maintaining investment grade balance sheet metrics.

Royal Caribbean has unveiled its 2026-27 short Caribbean getaway lineup, featuring 11 ships offering 2- to 5-night vacations. The program is headlined by four Oasis Class vessels - Utopia, Wonder, Harmony, and Oasis - operating from Florida ports.

The itineraries include visits to Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas and the exclusive beach destination in Labadee, Haiti. New additions include the Royal Beach Club Collection, with Royal Beach Club Paradise Island opening December 2025 and Royal Beach Club Cozumel debuting late 2026.

Ships will operate from various homeports including Port Canaveral, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Galveston, and Tampa, offering year-round and seasonal sailings. Destinations span the Eastern and Western Caribbean, featuring stops at popular ports like Puerto Plata, Basseterre, Cabo San Lucas, and more.

Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL) has begun implementing its previously announced $1.0 billion share repurchase program. The company has already completed $100 million worth of share purchases through open market transactions. This initiative, which was disclosed last week, represents a significant capital allocation decision by the cruise line operator.

Royal Caribbean has announced its third Icon Class ship, Legend of the Seas, set to debut in July 2026. The vessel will initially offer 7-night Western Mediterranean cruises from Barcelona, followed by year-round Caribbean sailings from Fort Lauderdale starting November 2026.

The ship will feature eight neighborhoods with over 40 dining and drinking venues, including attractions like Crown's Edge (a combination skywalk, ropes course, and thrill ride) and Category 6, the largest waterpark at sea. The vessel will offer seven pools, including Royal Bay (the largest pool at sea), Swim & Tonic swim-up bar, and an adults-only infinity pool.

Legend of the Seas will be the company's fourth LNG-powered vessel, advancing Royal Caribbean's goal of introducing a net-zero cruise ship by 2035. Caribbean itineraries will include 6-night Western Caribbean and 8-night Southern Caribbean voyages, with stops at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL) has announced two significant shareholder-focused initiatives. The company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.75 per common share, representing a 36% increase, payable on April 4, 2025, to shareholders of record as of March 7, 2025.

Additionally, RCL's Board of Directors approved a $1 billion share repurchase program to be executed over the next twelve months. CEO Jason Liberty highlighted that nearly $500 million in dividends have been paid or declared in the past four months, attributing these shareholder-friendly actions to the company's strong performance and robust balance sheet position.

Celebrity Cruises has unveiled 'The Bazaar,' a revolutionary multi-level space debuting on Celebrity Xcel. This transformational venue blends four unique Caribbean destination-inspired festivals with entertainment, culinary experiences, and activities to extend guests' shore experience while on board.

The three-story space features the Market at The Bazaar, showcasing local artisans and crafts, and new dining concepts including Mosaic, an open kitchen serving region-inspired dishes, and Spice, a casual dining venue. The ship will also introduce Celebrity's first destination-inspired cooking school, Chef's Studio at Mosaic.

Celebrity Xcel will sail seven-night itineraries from Fort Lauderdale, visiting various Caribbean destinations, before heading to Europe in Summer 2026 for Mediterranean voyages. The Bazaar will adapt its festivals and experiences to reflect Mediterranean destinations during European sailings.

Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL) reported strong 2024 results with EPS of $10.94 and Adjusted EPS of $11.80, exceeding guidance due to robust pricing and onboard revenue. The company projects 2025 Adjusted EPS of $14.35-$14.65, representing 23% growth despite a $0.65 headwind from foreign exchange and fuel rates.

Key 2024 highlights include: total revenues of $16.5 billion, Net Income of $2.9 billion, and Adjusted EBITDA of $6.0 billion. The company experienced a record-breaking WAVE season start, with strong bookings and higher rates. Net Yields increased 11.6% in Constant Currency for 2024.

The company announced expansion into river cruising through Celebrity River Cruises, with an initial order of 10 ships planned to sail in 2027. For 2025, RCL expects Net Yields to increase 2.5-4.5% in Constant Currency, with capacity growth of 5.4% compared to 2024.

Celebrity Cruises has announced its entry into river cruising with Celebrity River Cruises, starting operations in 2027. The company has placed an initial order for 10 ships that will operate in Europe, bringing the Edge Series ocean ships' design and sophistication to river cruising.

According to Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty, approximately half of their guests have experienced or shown interest in river cruising. The expansion aims to meet growing demand for intimate, culturally enriching travel experiences while leveraging loyalty programs across their three brands to enhance customer engagement.

The new river cruise line will focus on premium experiences, offering locally inspired cuisine, unique shore excursions, and 360-degree views of historic cities. The vessels will incorporate design elements from Celebrity's Edge Series ships, emphasizing elevated hospitality and sophisticated styling. Specific details about destinations, fleet specifications, and excursions will be announced in the coming months.

Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL) has signed an agreement with Chantiers de l'Atlantique to order a sixth Edge Series ship for Celebrity Cruises, scheduled for delivery in 2028. The new vessel, known as Edge 6 or 'Xcel 2', will be a sister ship to Celebrity Xcel, which launches in November 2024.

The Edge Series, which began with Celebrity Edge in 2018, includes Celebrity Ascent, Celebrity Beyond, Celebrity Apex, and the upcoming Celebrity Xcel. These ships feature innovative designs like the Magic Carpet® floating platform and Infinite Veranda® staterooms that blur the lines between ship and shore.

This order adds to Royal Caribbean Group's newbuild pipeline of eight ships. The company will welcome two new vessels in 2024: Royal Caribbean International's Star of the Seas and Celebrity Xcel. The agreement is subject to customary conditions, including financing.