Before a ship’s debut, employees kick the tires in what’s known as a “shakedown.”WSJ’s Jacob Passy boarded the Celebrity Xcel to watch the final preparations. 🔗 https://t.co/HhMGSASMSp https://t.co/SoF25jjjiG ...

Key Takeaways RCL posted mixed Q3 results with EPS beating estimates and revenues coming in slightly below expectations.Strong bookings, higher capacity and solid onboard spending supported RCL's year-over-year growth.Rising costs, fuel expenses and increased dry dock activity pose near-term pressure for RCL.Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCL) reported mixed third-quarter 2025 results on Oct. 28, with adjusted EPS surpassing expectations and revenues coming in slightly below. The company posted year-over-yea ...

Accessibility StatementSkip Navigation The groundbreaking ship introduces seven all-new experiences alongside beloved Edge Series favorites, delivering a premium vacation like no other. MIAMI, Nov. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ --Â The happy place of vacationers has officially arrived. Celebrity Xcel has arrived in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, introducing seven brand-new experiences designed to offer guests endless possibilities on their dream vacation. The fifth ship in Celebrity Cruises' groundbreaking Edge Series, ...

Core Insights - Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCL) is experiencing strong demand across its vacation offerings, with record booked load factors for 2025 and 2026, driven by higher pricing and robust consumer interest [1][8] - The company is seeing a trend of increased bookings through digital channels, indicating a more engaged guest base and supporting ongoing yield performance [1][8] - The positive booking momentum is expected to sustain the company's growth trajectory, supported by strong pricing and consumer sentiment [3] Company Performance - RCL reported record booked load factors for both 2025 and 2026, with bookings accelerating and rate growth at the high end of historical ranges [1][8] - The company highlighted strong interest in new offerings such as Star of the Seas and Celebrity River, which are designed to attract both repeat and new guests [2] - RCL's shares have gained 4.8% over the past six months, contrasting with a 0.5% decline in the industry [6] Financial Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for RCL's earnings implies a year-over-year increase of 32.5% for 2025 and 14.6% for 2026, with EPS estimates for 2025 having risen in the past 60 days [10] - RCL currently trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 15.02X, which is below the industry average of 16.32X, indicating potential valuation upside [14] Industry Context - Other industry players like Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) and Carnival Corporation are also experiencing solid demand trends, with Norwegian focusing on premium experiences and Carnival benefiting from strong bookings and pricing [4][5] - The overall industry is seeing improved guest engagement and higher onboard spending, contributing to a positive outlook for cruise operators [4][5]

Core Insights - Celebrity Cruises has announced its 2027 and 2028 itineraries, featuring voyages across the Caribbean, Asia, and South America, covering 131 destinations in 42 countries [2][16]. Caribbean Itineraries - Eight ships will operate from four Florida ports, visiting 65 destinations, providing guests with access to some of the world's best beaches and landscapes [4]. - Year-round, seven-night sailings on Celebrity Beyond will include a dedicated program to Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos, and visits to Perfect Day at CocoCay, Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao [5]. - Celebrity Xcel will offer seven-night sailings throughout the eastern and western Caribbean, with unique experiences at ports like Grand Cayman and St. Thomas [7]. Asia Itineraries - Celebrity Solstice will embark on its second season in Asia, featuring overnight stays in major cities like Hong Kong, allowing guests to experience local culture and nightlife [2][11]. - The itineraries will include 123 port days with over 10 hours of exploration time in various Asian destinations [7][11]. - Guests can enjoy modernized offerings on Celebrity Solstice, with sailings to 49 destinations across seven countries, including Indonesia and Singapore [10]. South America and Antarctica Itineraries - From November 2027 to February 2028, Celebrity Equinox will offer 14-night itineraries to 17 destinations across seven countries in South America and Antarctica [12]. - The itineraries will feature breathtaking landscapes, including the Chilean Fjords and Iguazu Falls, along with unique culinary experiences [13][14]. - Guests will have opportunities for outdoor activities and cultural experiences, such as Patagonian-style barbecue and whale watching [14]. Unique Experiences - The Bazaar will provide guests with local cuisine, entertainment, and activities inspired by the ports visited [8]. - Celebrity Cruises emphasizes immersive connections to destinations both on and off the ship, enhancing the overall guest experience [2][7].

Group 1 - The stock price of Royal Caribbean Cruises (RCL.US) fell over 8% to $294.6 despite better-than-expected Q3 earnings and an upward revision of annual guidance, as revenue and outlook for the next quarter and new fiscal year fell short of market expectations [1] - Carnival Corporation (CCL.US) dropped over 4.7%, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCLH.US) fell over 4.8%, and Viking Holdings (VIK.US) decreased over 2.5% due to the decline in Royal Caribbean's stock [1] - In Q3, key operational metrics improved with passenger capacity, number of passengers, and average cruise days increasing year-over-year; total revenue grew 4.3% to $5.14 billion, slightly below market consensus of $5.17 billion [1] Group 2 - The company reported a Q3 EPS of $5.75, an 11% year-over-year increase, and adjusted EBITDA of $2.3 billion, a 7% increase year-over-year, benefiting from controlled labor, dining, and fuel costs [1] - Ending liquidity was $6.8 billion, a slight decrease from $7.1 billion in the previous quarter, sufficient to cover upcoming debt obligations; however, due to increased debt, the annual interest expense guidance was raised from $930-940 million to $945-955 million [1] Group 3 - For Q4, Royal Caribbean expects a 10.3% increase in capacity driven by the delivery of the "Star of the Seas" and the inaugural sailing of "Celebrity Xcel," while costs are anticipated to decrease by 5.7%-6.2% year-over-year [2] - The company projects adjusted Q4 EPS of $2.74–$2.79, nearly doubling from last year but below market estimates of $2.90 [2] - Annual earnings guidance was raised to $15.58–$15.63 (previously $15.41–$15.55), still below market expectations of $15.69; CEO Jason Liberty expressed confidence in strong bookings for 2026 and beyond, forecasting EPS over $17 for that year, although market consensus for 2026 is higher at over $18.21 [2]

Core Viewpoint - Royal Caribbean's stock price fell over 8% despite better-than-expected Q3 earnings and an upward revision of annual guidance, primarily due to revenue and outlook for the next quarter and new fiscal year falling short of market expectations [1][2] Group 1: Q3 Performance - Royal Caribbean reported a 4.3% increase in total revenue to $5.14 billion, slightly below market consensus of $5.17 billion [1] - Key operational metrics improved, with passenger capacity, number of passengers, and average cruise days all rising compared to last year [1] - Earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter increased to $5.75, an 11% year-over-year growth, exceeding market expectations by $0.07 [1] - Adjusted EBITDA reached $2.3 billion, a 7% year-over-year increase [1] - Liquidity at the end of the quarter was $6.8 billion, down from $7.1 billion in the previous quarter, but sufficient to cover upcoming debt obligations [1] - The company raised its full-year interest expense guidance from $930-940 million to $945-955 million due to increased debt [1] Group 2: Q4 and Future Outlook - For Q4, Royal Caribbean expects a 10.3% increase in capacity driven by the delivery of the "Star of the Seas" and the inaugural sailing of "Celebrity Xcel" [2] - The company anticipates a year-over-year cost reduction of 5.7%-6.2% [2] - Adjusted EPS for Q4 is projected to be between $2.74 and $2.79, nearly doubling from last year but below market estimates of $2.90 [2] - Full-year earnings guidance has been raised to $15.58-$15.63, up from $15.41-$15.55, but still below market expectations of $15.69 [2] - CEO Jason Liberty expressed confidence in strong booking trends, projecting EPS of over $17 for 2026, although market consensus for 2026 is higher at over $18.21 [2]

Core Insights - Celebrity Cruises has taken delivery of its newest ship, Celebrity Xcel, and announced the construction of its sixth Edge Series ship, Celebrity Xcite, which is expected to set sail in 2028 [1][5][8] Group 1: Ship Deliveries and Announcements - Celebrity Xcel officially joins the Celebrity Cruises fleet, marking a significant milestone celebrated by executives and crew members [3] - The construction of Celebrity Xcite commenced with a steel cutting ceremony, indicating the brand's commitment to innovation and excellence in premium cruising [5][6] Group 2: Design and Guest Experience - Celebrity Xcel has been designed with guest input through the Xcel Dream Makers program, aiming to enhance the vacation experience [2] - The Edge Series ships, including Celebrity Xcel and Xcite, are focused on redefining premium travel with elevated design and unique experiences [2][6] Group 3: Inaugural Seasons and Itineraries - Celebrity Xcel will begin its inaugural season in November, offering seven-night itineraries to destinations such as The Bahamas, Mexico, and the Caribbean [7] - In Summer 2026, Celebrity Xcel will embark on its inaugural European season with journeys from Barcelona and Athens, including overnight stays in Madeira, Portugal [7]

Core Insights - Carnival Corporation and Royal Caribbean Cruises are both positioned strongly for 2025, driven by resilient demand and strategic investments in destination-led growth [1] - The two companies have different approaches to expansion and value creation, with Carnival focusing on cost efficiency and balance sheet repair, while Royal Caribbean emphasizes premium product leadership and innovation [1][22] Carnival Corporation (CCL) - Carnival's transformation is gaining traction through a destination-led growth model, emphasizing yields and cost efficiency [2] - The debut of Celebration Key is attracting strong guest satisfaction and premium pricing, expected to be a significant revenue driver [3] - Fleet modernization initiatives, such as AIDA Evolutions, are aligning with consumer preferences, enhancing wellness, dining, and entertainment options [4] - Financially, Carnival is improving its balance sheet through deleveraging and refinancing, with over half of next year's bookings secured at higher prices [5] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Carnival's fiscal 2025 sales and EPS indicates year-over-year increases of 6.5% and 51.4%, respectively [12] - Carnival's stock has increased by 56.8% over the past six months, outperforming the industry and S&P 500 [17] - Carnival is trading at a forward P/E ratio of 12X, below the industry average of 17.48X [20] - The company is positioned for sustained margin expansion and potential capital distributions, earning a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) [24][25] Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCL) - Royal Caribbean is implementing its "Perfecta" strategy, focusing on sustained earnings growth and innovation-led guest experiences [6] - The addition of new ships like Star of the Seas and Celebrity Xcel is enhancing the fleet with sustainable technology and improved guest amenities [7] - Royal Caribbean's destination projects, such as Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, are expected to elevate guest experiences and strengthen pricing [8] - The company is advancing digital transformation, with nearly half of onboard purchases made through its mobile app, enhancing convenience and revenue [9] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Royal Caribbean's 2025 sales and EPS suggests year-over-year increases of 9.1% and 32.5%, respectively [15] - Royal Caribbean shares have gained 54.9% in the past six months [17] - The company is trading at a forward P/E ratio of 16.89X, which is higher than Carnival's [20] - Near-term profitability challenges include elevated operating expenses and cost pressures from new ship launches [11][24]

Core Insights - Celebrity Xcel is set to launch in November 2025, offering an extensive range of entertainment options designed to enhance guest experiences onboard [1][2][7] - The ship will feature over 75 resident performers and a variety of shows, including three new theatre productions and two interactive club shows, utilizing advanced technology for immersive experiences [2][3] Entertainment Offerings - The Theatre will host three spectacular production shows, featuring a large cast and cutting-edge technology such as a 110-foot curved kinetic LED screen and pyrotechnics [2][3] - Interactive shows in The Club include "Mainstage," a live music concert celebrating iconic music festivals, and "Between Takes," which immerses guests in a 1920s Hollywood backlot experience [3] - Additional entertainment includes "Chapters," a journey through nature and self-discovery, and a comedic "whodunit" performance titled "HOTEL" [3] Unique Experiences - The Bazaar will host four unique festivals celebrating the cultures of various destinations, featuring regional entertainment and hands-on activities [5] - The Xcel Dream Makers program allows guests to participate in finalizing onboard entertainment, including costume selections and programming themes [6] Itineraries and Future Plans - Celebrity Xcel will operate seven-night itineraries from Fort Lauderdale, visiting The Bahamas, Mexico, Cayman Islands, and Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten [7] - In Summer 2026, the ship will embark on its inaugural European season with journeys out of Barcelona and Athens, including overnight stays in Madeira, Portugal [7] Additional Entertainment Features - Live music and dance parties will be available, including a country music party at the "Saddle Up Saloon" and a candlelit concert experience celebrating classic rock [9] - New game shows and interactive experiences will be introduced, such as "High Stakes," "Brain Spin," and an escape room-style game [10]