Royal Caribbean Charts Course for Record Growth as Cruise Demand Hits New Highs
Royal Caribbean Group has raised its financial sails, reporting stronger-than-expected earnings for 2025 and projecting double-digit growth in both revenue and profit for the coming year. The announcement sent the company's shares upward, underscoring a powerful resurgence in demand for seafaring vacations.
The Miami-based cruise giant announced earnings per share of $15.61 for 2025, surpassing analyst forecasts. The performance was driven by robust ticket pricing, onboard spending, and gains from its joint ventures.
"2025 was an outstanding year, and the momentum is further accelerating into 2026," said Jason Liberty, Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group. "We expect another strong year of financial performance with both revenue and earnings growing double digits."
The company's optimism is anchored not only in attracting first-time cruisers but also in deepening loyalty among its repeat guests. To meet the soaring demand, Royal Caribbean plans to deploy two new vessels starting in 2029, with four additional ships on the drawing board for future years.
This bullish outlook reflects a dramatic turnaround for the cruise sector, which faced near-total paralysis during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Industry forecasts now point to a record-breaking 2026. AAA Travel projected last October that 21.7 million Americans would take a cruise this year, a jump of one million from 2025.
"These numbers reflect the growing demand for ocean cruises among U.S. travelers," said Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel. "Whether it's an anniversary trip to relax in the Caribbean or a family reunion to explore Alaska, ocean cruises offer variety, convenience, and lifelong memories."
However, the voyage isn't without its occasional rough seas. In January, the company extended its suspension of sailings to its private destination in Haiti through 2026, citing persistent safety and security concerns in the nation—a reminder of the operational challenges that can arise even in a period of strong growth.
Passenger Perspectives
Michael Torres, 52, Frequent Cruiser from Florida: "The value and experience are unbeatable. We've already booked two trips for next year. The new ship announcements show they're investing in the future, which gives me confidence."
David Chen, 38, Financial Analyst from New York: "The numbers are impressive, clearly a post-pandemic boom. The key will be sustaining this momentum without compromising service quality or facing cost overruns on new ship builds."
Sarah Jennings, 45, Travel Blogger from California: "It's great to see the industry thriving, but let's not forget the environmental footprint of these floating cities. Record growth needs to be matched with record investment in sustainable fuels and waste management. The 'convenience' comes at a cost we're not fully accounting for."
Robert Flynn, 67, Retired Teacher from Ohio: "My wife and I returned to cruising last year after a long hiatus. The ships are magnificent, but the crowds have grown noticeably. I hope this expansion doesn't sacrifice the tranquility many of us seek on the open water."