Royal Caribbean Is Booming as Cruise Demand Hits All-Time Highs

It’s been a massive year for Royal Caribbean, and their latest earnings report leaves no doubt about it. As more travellers return to the seas and bookings soar, the cruise line is enjoying a wave of success that shows no signs of slowing down.

So what does all this mean if you’re a cruiser, investor, or just someone planning a future getaway? Let’s break it down.

Ships Are Full and Then Some

In the second quarter of 2025, Royal Caribbean welcomed more than 2.3 million guests on board. That’s a 10 percent jump compared to the same period last year.

But here’s the standout stat: most ships were sailing at 110 percent capacity. That doesn’t mean guests were squeezing into hallways. It means cabins were fully booked and plenty of people were bunking up in extra berths. That kind of demand is rare in travel and shows just how popular cruising has become again.

What’s fuelling it? A mix of exciting new ships, destination exclusives like Perfect Day at CocoCay, and a growing desire for holidays that combine ease with luxury. People aren’t just booking cruises earlier. They’re also spending more on drink packages, excursions, dining, and onboard extras.

Big Profits and Stronger Than Expected Growth

Royal Caribbean Group, which includes Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea, reported a net income of 1.21 billion dollars this quarter. That’s a huge leap from the 854 million they earned during the same time last year.

They also beat analysts’ expectations with adjusted earnings per share of 4.38 dollars, well above the forecast of 4.08. Revenue came in just shy of projections at 4.54 billion, but it’s still a solid year-on-year increase of more than 10 percent.

The key numbers:

• Guests onboard: 2.3 million

• Occupancy: 110 percent

• Adjusted earnings per share: 4.38 dollars

• Total revenue: 4.54 billion dollars

• Free cash and liquidity: 7.1 billion dollars

Looking Ahead at What’s Coming

Royal Caribbean has now raised its full-year earnings forecast. The company is aiming for between 15.41 and 15.55 dollars per share, up from earlier estimates.

They expect demand to stay strong through the rest of the year, even with rising fuel costs putting some pressure on quarter three. Analysts may have hoped for slightly higher projections, but the fundamentals are clear. Bookings remain strong and onboard spending continues to climb.

With Star of the Seas getting ready to launch and the new Royal Beach Club opening in Nassau before the end of the year, the company is focused on offering premium experiences that guests are happy to pay for.

What It Means for Cruisers

If you’re thinking of cruising, whether you’ve sailed before or are considering your first trip, this report gives a clear picture of what to expect:

• Book early. Ships are filling quickly and suites are being snapped up well in advance.

• Look forward to new experiences. From private island clubs to next-generation ships, Royal Caribbean is raising the bar.

• Prices are likely to stay high. With demand strong, don’t expect big discounts, but the value is still there with top-tier entertainment, dining, and service.

• The cruise industry is thriving. After a few challenging years, the recovery is complete and the growth is real.

Final Thoughts

Royal Caribbean’s second-quarter results send a strong message. Cruising is not just back on track, it’s thriving. Ships are full, guests are spending more, and the future is packed with innovation.

For travellers, this means even more reasons to look ahead. New ships, exciting destinations, and unforgettable moments at sea are all part of what’s to come. If you’ve been thinking about your next cruise, there’s never been a better time to plan it.