Key Takeaways RCL posted Q2 EPS of $4.38, up 36% y/y and above guidance by $0.33.Q2 Load factor reached 110%, with millennials and Gen Z making up half of RCL's guest base.Star of the Seas and Celebrity Xcel launches are boosting pricing power for RCL.Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCL) is entering a pivotal stage as its Perfecta financial plan gains momentum. Designed to deliver a 20% compound annual EPS growth rate through 2027 and return on invested capital in the high teens, Perfecta has become the compa ...

Core Insights - Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCL) reported mixed second-quarter 2025 results, with adjusted earnings exceeding estimates while revenues fell short, although both metrics showed year-over-year growth [1][10] Booking Updates - The second quarter of 2025 saw a strong booking environment for Royal Caribbean, driven by robust consumer demand across all brands and itineraries, with a notable acceleration in bookings compared to the previous quarter [2] - Approximately 75% of travelers plan to spend the same or more on leisure travel in the next 12 months, indicating positive consumer sentiment [2] - A shift in booking behavior was observed, with over half of travelers now booking closer to their departure date than in previous years [2] Financial Performance - For 2025 and 2026, Royal Caribbean's booked position aligns with historical levels but at higher average per diems, indicating strong demand and pricing power [3] - Onboard spending and pre-cruise purchases have exceeded prior-year levels, enhancing yield performance [3] New Assets and Experiences - The strength in bookings extends to Royal Caribbean's newest ships, such as Star of the Seas and Celebrity Xcel, which have shown solid booking volumes and pricing [4] - Early demand for the newly launched Royal Beach Club Paradise Island has been described as "incredibly strong," supporting the company's strategy of offering premium destination-led experiences [4] Outlook - For the third quarter of 2025, Royal Caribbean expects depreciation and amortization expenses to be between $425 million and $435 million, with adjusted EPS projected in the range of $5.55 to $5.65 [6] - The company anticipates net yields to increase by 2.3% to 2.8% on a reported basis year-over-year [6] - For 2025, depreciation and amortization expenses are expected to be between $1.70 billion and $1.71 billion, with adjusted EPS anticipated between $15.41 and $15.55, an increase from previous expectations [7] - Net yields for 2025 are projected to rise by 3.5% to 4% on a reported basis year-over-year [7]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported adjusted earnings per share of $4.38 for the second quarter, which was 36% higher year over year and exceeded guidance by $0.33 [7][22] - Net yield grew by 5.2%, 70 basis points higher than guidance, driven by better-than-expected demand across key itineraries [6][20] - Adjusted EBITDA margin was 41%, 300 basis points better than last year, with operating cash flow reaching $1.7 billion [22][26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company delivered over 2.3 million vacations in the second quarter, with new-to-cruise guests accounting for approximately 60% of total guests, more than half of whom were millennials or younger [21] - Load factor was reported at 110%, two percentage points higher than the previous year, indicating strong demand for the company's brands [7][20] - Onboard revenue increased across all key categories, with approximately half of onboard spend booked before sailing [21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Caribbean represents 57% of the company's deployment for the year, while Europe accounts for 15% and Alaska for 6% [23][24] - Bookings have accelerated, particularly for close-in sailings, with 75% of consumers intending to spend the same or more on leisure travel over the next twelve months [8][10] - The company is seeing strong demand across demographics, particularly among millennials, who represent half of the customer base [11][12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to introduce seven new ships by 2028, including Star of the Seas and Celebrity XL, to support moderate capacity growth and enhance its global reach [16][19] - The strategic focus includes expanding destination experiences with new Royal Beach Clubs and enhancing digital capabilities to improve customer engagement and loyalty [17][18] - The company aims to close the gap with land-based vacations, targeting a significant share of the $2 trillion global vacation market [5][38] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the strong demand environment, noting that consumers are financially secure and willing to spend on leisure travel [10][19] - The outlook for 2025 is positive, with expected adjusted earnings per share growth of 31% and net yield growth of 3.5% to 4% [13][25] - Management emphasized the importance of operational excellence and customer trust as they ramp up new destinations and experiences [90] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with $7.1 billion in liquidity and received investment-grade ratings from all three major credit agencies [28][29] - The company is committed to maintaining a competitive dividend yield and opportunistically buying back shares as part of its capital return strategy [30][45] Q&A Session Summary Question: Could you elaborate on the continued acceleration in demand and July booking trends? - Management noted an overall acceleration in closing demand, with strong consumer confidence and spending behavior observed across various markets [34][35] Question: What is embedded for close-in demand in the back half of the year? - Management indicated that further acceleration in closing demand could create upside potential for the second half of the year, with a focus on moderate capacity and yield growth [43][44] Question: How do you view the impact of new ships and dry dock days on yield? - Management explained that the timing of new ship deliveries and dry dock days would impact yield, with a quantifiable drag of approximately 90 basis points expected [72] Question: What are the operational expectations for the Royal Beach Club? - Management reported strong pre-booking activity and high interest in the Royal Beach Club, with a thoughtful ramp-up strategy to ensure operational excellence [87][90]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported adjusted earnings per share of $4.38 for Q2 2025, a 36% increase year over year, exceeding guidance by $0.33 [8][25] - Net yield grew by 5.2%, which was 70 basis points higher than guidance, driven by strong demand across key itineraries [7][22] - Load factor reached 110%, two percentage points higher than the previous year, indicating strong demand for the company's brands [8][22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company delivered over 2,300,000 vacations in Q2, with approximately 60% of guests being new to cruise or new to the brand, and more than half of these guests were millennials or younger [22][23] - Onboard revenue increased across all key categories, with about half of onboard spend booked before sailing [22][23] - Capacity increased by 6% for the year, with a projected 10% growth in Q4 due to the full operation of new ships [26][30] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Caribbean accounted for 57% of deployment for the year, while Europe and Alaska represented 15% and 6% of total capacity, respectively [26] - The company noted that 75% of consumers intend to spend the same or more on leisure travel over the next twelve months, with a significant portion booking closer to departure dates [9][12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a strategic initiative called "Perfecta," aiming for a 20% compound annual growth rate in adjusted earnings per share through 2027 [16][46] - Plans include launching seven new ships and expanding private destinations, which are expected to enhance competitive positioning and drive significant growth [18][19] - The company is investing in digital innovation and AI to improve customer experience and operational efficiency [20][43] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the strong demand environment, noting that consumers are financially secure and willing to spend on leisure travel [11][12] - The outlook for 2025 has been revised to expect adjusted earnings per share growth of 31%, reflecting better-than-expected performance in Q2 [14][29] - Management highlighted the importance of operational excellence and customer trust in new destination launches, emphasizing a gradual ramp-up strategy [96] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with $7.1 billion in liquidity and received investment-grade ratings from all three major credit agencies [31][32] - The company is committed to maintaining a competitive dividend yield and opportunistically buying back shares as part of its capital return strategy [32][47] Q&A Session Summary Question: Could you elaborate on the continued acceleration in demand and July booking trends? - Management noted an overall acceleration in closing demand, with strong consumer confidence and spending behavior observed across various demographics [36][37] Question: What have you embedded for close-in demand in the back half of the year? - Management indicated that further acceleration in closing demand could create upside potential for the second half of the year, with a focus on moderate capacity and yield growth [45][46] Question: How should we interpret the change in the top end of the yield range? - Management explained that the range was expanded due to geopolitical noise, and the current guidance reflects a return to normal forecasting practices [81][86] Question: Is growth in onboard spend still higher than growth in ticket price? - Management confirmed that growth in onboard spend is strong and similar to ticket price growth, with increasing pre-cruise sales activities contributing to overall spend [88]

Financial Performance - Royal Caribbean Group reported second quarter 2025 EPS of $4.41 and Adjusted EPS of $4.38, exceeding guidance due to strong demand and lower costs [1][4] - Net Income for the second quarter was $1.2 billion, compared to $0.9 billion in the same period last year, with total revenues of $4.5 billion and Adjusted EBITDA of $1.9 billion [4][42] - The company increased its full year 2025 Adjusted EPS guidance to a range of $15.41 to $15.55, driven by better-than-expected second quarter performance [1][11] Operational Highlights - Capacity for the second quarter increased by 5.8% year-over-year, serving 2.3 million guests, a 10% increase from the previous year [5][43] - Gross Margin Yields rose by 11.0% and Net Yields increased by 5.3% year-over-year, with a load factor of 110%, up two percentage points [5][11] - Bookings for new ships Star of the Seas and Celebrity Xcel are performing well, with strong early demand for Royal Beach Club Paradise Island [7][8] Strategic Outlook - The company is on track to achieve its Perfecta financial targets by the end of 2027, with plans for new ships and differentiated destinations [3][9] - Royal Caribbean Group aims to capture a larger share of the $2 trillion global vacation market by adapting to evolving consumer preferences [9][10] - The third quarter is expected to see a capacity increase of 2.9% compared to the same period last year, with anticipated Net Yield growth of 2.3% to 2.8% [10][11] Liquidity and Financing - As of June 30, 2025, the company's liquidity position was $7.1 billion, reflecting a strong financial position and investment-grade ratings from major credit agencies [16][17] - The company amended and upsized its revolving credit facilities to $6.4 billion, extending the maturity of one facility to October 2030 [17] Capital Expenditures - Capital expenditures for 2025 are expected to be approximately $5 billion, primarily for new ship orders and land-based initiatives [18][19] - Capacity changes for 2025 are projected at 5.5%, with further increases expected in subsequent years [19]

Financial Performance - Royal Caribbean Group reported second quarter 2025 EPS of $4.41 and Adjusted EPS of $4.38, exceeding guidance due to strong demand and lower costs [1][4][6] - Net income for the second quarter was $1.2 billion, compared to $0.9 billion in the same period last year, with total revenues of $4.5 billion and Adjusted EBITDA of $1.9 billion [4][42] - The company increased its full year 2025 Adjusted EPS guidance to a range of $15.41 to $15.55, driven by better-than-expected second quarter performance [1][11] Operational Highlights - Capacity for the second quarter increased by 5.8% year-over-year, serving 2.3 million guests, a 10% increase from the previous year [5][43] - Gross Margin Yields rose by 11.0% and Net Yields increased by 5.3% year-over-year, with a load factor of 110%, up two percentage points from the prior year [5][11] - Bookings for new ships Star of the Seas and Celebrity Xcel are performing well, with strong early demand for Royal Beach Club Paradise Island [8][9] Future Outlook - The company anticipates a 2.9% increase in capacity for the third quarter of 2025, with expected Net Yields growth of 2.3% to 2.8% [10][11] - Full year 2025 capital expenditures are projected to be approximately $5 billion, primarily for new ship orders and land-based initiatives [18][19] - The company aims to achieve its Perfecta financial targets by the end of 2027, with a focus on growth through new ships and differentiated destinations [3][33] Liquidity and Financing - As of June 30, 2025, the company's liquidity position was $7.1 billion, reflecting strong financial health and investment-grade ratings from major credit agencies [16][17] - The company amended and upsized its unsecured revolving credit facilities to $6.4 billion, extending the maturity of one facility to October 2030 [17] Market Strategy - The company is focused on delivering exceptional value to guests and shareholders, adapting to evolving consumer preferences for more frequent and experience-driven travel [2][9] - The strategy includes a robust pipeline of new ships and investments in technology and loyalty programs to enhance guest experiences [3][9]

Core Points - Royal Caribbean is set to launch the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in The Bahamas, offering an all-inclusive beach day experience starting December 2025 [1][2][12] - The beach club will feature amenities such as pristine beaches, pools, the world's largest swim-up bar, and various dining options, all infused with Bahamian culture [2][8] Summary by Category Beach Club Features - The Royal Beach Club will include two beaches, three pools, and the Floating Flamingo swim-up bar, providing a vibrant atmosphere for guests [8] - Unique offerings include the Ultimate Family Cabana, a two-story private retreat accommodating up to 12 guests, featuring a whirlpool, frozen drink machine, and a slide [4][10] Dining and Beverage Options - Guests can enjoy a variety of dining experiences across three beach grills and 10 bars, with all-inclusive day passes available [8][9] - Day pass pricing starts at $169.99 for adults with various options for different age groups, including free access for children under 3 [11] Booking and Availability - Bookings for the Royal Beach Club experience are now open for guests sailing to Nassau starting late December 2025 [1][12] - The beach club is part of Royal Caribbean's expansion of exclusive destinations, with future locations planned in Cozumel, Lelepa, and Mexico [12]

Core Viewpoint - Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCL) reported mixed first-quarter 2025 results, with adjusted earnings exceeding expectations while revenues fell short, although both metrics showed year-over-year growth [1][3]. Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) for Q1 2025 were $2.71, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.53 by 7.1%, compared to $1.77 in the prior-year quarter [3]. - Quarterly revenues reached $4 billion, missing the consensus mark by 0.2%, but up 7.3% from $3.72 billion year-over-year [3]. - Passenger ticket revenues increased to $2.74 billion from $2.54 billion in the prior-year quarter, aligning with estimates [4]. - Onboard and other revenues rose to $1.26 billion from $1.19 billion year-over-year, exceeding estimates [4]. - Total cruise operating expenses were $2.08 billion, up 1.1% year-over-year, below estimates [4]. Cost and Yield Metrics - Net yields increased by 5.6% on a constant currency basis and 4.7% on a reported basis compared to Q1 2024 [5]. - Net cruise costs, excluding fuel, per Available Passenger Cruise Day (APCD) decreased by 0.1% on a constant currency basis and 0.3% on a reported basis year-over-year [5]. Balance Sheet and Cash Flow - As of March 31, 2025, cash and cash equivalents were $386 million, slightly down from $388 million at the end of 2024 [6]. - Long-term debt decreased to $17.99 billion from $18.47 billion at the end of 2024, with the current portion of long-term debt also declining [6]. Booking Trends - The company experienced strong booking trends during the WAVE season, with April bookings surpassing the same period last year [7]. - Customer deposits as of March 31, 2025, were $6.33 billion, up from $5.5 billion in the prior-year period [8]. Management Outlook - Management expressed optimism regarding ongoing consumer enthusiasm for new offerings, which is expected to drive yield growth throughout 2025 [9]. - For Q2 2025, the company anticipates adjusted EPS between $4 and $4.10, with net yields projected to increase by 4.4-4.9% on a reported basis [10][11]. - For the full year 2025, adjusted EPS is expected to be between $14.55 and $15.55, an increase from previous expectations [12].

Core Viewpoint - Royal Caribbean is launching a new lineup of short getaway cruises for 2026-27, offering 2- to 5-night vacations across the Caribbean, featuring multiple ships and destinations [1][3][4] Group 1: Cruise Offerings - The new offerings include 11 Royal Caribbean ships, with highlights being the Oasis Class ships: Utopia, Wonder, Harmony, and Oasis of the Seas [1] - Destinations include Port Canaveral, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale, with a focus on both Eastern and Western Caribbean locations [1][4] - The lineup features a variety of experiences, from adrenaline-pumping activities at Perfect Day at CocoCay to relaxing beach days at the upcoming Royal Beach Club Paradise Island [3][4] Group 2: Unique Features - Utopia of the Seas will offer over 40 dining and entertainment options, along with numerous pools and attractions like the 10-story Ultimate Abyss dry slide [2][8] - The cruise line's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, will continue to be a key attraction, providing unique experiences such as the world's largest swim-up bar [2][4] - New Royal Beach Club locations are set to debut, including Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in December 2025 and Royal Beach Club Cozumel in late 2026 [4][8] Group 3: Year-Round Availability - Royal Caribbean will provide year-round 3- and 4-night getaways, ensuring vacationers can enjoy short escapes throughout the year [8] - Specific ships will operate from various ports, including Freedom of the Seas from Miami and Mariner of the Seas from Galveston, catering to diverse traveler preferences [8][9] - The cruise line aims to maximize vacation experiences with a mix of adventure and relaxation options available on each cruise [3][8]