Royal Caribbean CEO says younger travelers are driving cruise bookings

Financial Performance & Guidance - Royal Caribbean shares are up more than 100% over the last 12 months [1] - Second quarter earnings came in higher than expected, and guidance was raised [1] - Initial investor reaction saw shares declining, potentially due to high expectations for continued outperformance [1] - Performance in the first and second quarters was driven by close-in demand, which was not fully incorporated into forward-looking guidance [3] Demand & Consumer Behavior - Travelers are booking cruises closer to the departure date than traditionally [4] - Approximately half of the guests are now millennials or younger, contributing to closer-in booking trends [5] - Strong demand for remaining cabins in the weeks leading up to sailing, with customers willing to pay considerably more [6] - Loyalty programs are important for incentivizing guests within the ecosystem [8] Competition & Brand - Royal Caribbean competes with all experiences, including land-based travel destinations and events [7][8] - Delivering exceptional experiences and building trust are crucial for guest retention [9] - The company aims to create a "lifetime of vacations" through its brands [11] International Travel & Market Flexibility - There has been some pullback from international guests traveling to the US, particularly from Canada and Western Europe [12][13] - Royal Caribbean operates global brands supported by yield management systems that seek the highest paying guests worldwide [14] - The company is flexible in adapting to customer origin and willingness to pay [14] - A rebound of international travelers coming to the US is beginning [15]