Royal Caribbean is expecting another bumper year for bookings in 2024, hot on the heels of what was a record-breaking 12 months for the cruise giant in 2023.
WAVE season has gotten off to a record start, the group said, with booked load factors and rates higher than all prior years.
The cruise group – which owns the Royal Caribbean, Silversea Cruises, Celebrity Cruises and (half of) TUI Cruises brands – has posted a full-year net income of $1.7bn for 2023; representing a swing back into profit after suffering a $2.2bn loss in 2022.
Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO, Jason Liberty, said: “2023 was an exceptional year, propelled by unmatched demand for our brands from new and loyal guests.”
“With the wind in our sails and record-breaking bookings, 2024 is poised to be another robust year, and we expect to achieve two of our Trifecta goals one year early. With our industry-leading global brands combined with the most innovative fleet and destinations, we remain intensely focused on delivering a lifetime of vacations and priceless memories for our guests while delivering exceptional long-term shareholder value.”
Market response to the company’s new ships – particularly Icon of the Seas – existing fleet and the expansion of its Perfect Day at CocoCay island has been “excellent” and “further positions the company for strong yield and earnings growth in 2024.”
Mr Liberty added: “Demand for our brands continues to outpace broader travel as a result of consumer spend further shifting toward experiences and the exceptional value proposition of our products. We have exciting new vacation experiences in 2024; including the game-changing Icon of the Seas, and have entered the year in a record booked position at significantly higher prices, further positioning us for a strong 2024.”
