Latest news with #RoyalCaribbeanGroup
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Royal Caribbean makes controversial change, again
Royal Caribbean makes controversial change, again originally appeared on Come Cruise With Me. Many 'loyal to Royal' cruisers have learned over the years that careful planning and early booking are a must if you want to secure the itinerary, stateroom type, and add-on amenities you want for your vacation. These days, most experienced cruisers know that booking early will usually help you secure the lowest price for your cruise, days of scoring a last-minute cruise deal are mostly gone, with only a few exceptions this year like some of this summer's Mediterranean and Alaska cruises. Despite the higher prices that usually come with last-minute cruise bookings, Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty revealed during the company's Q1 earnings call that the cruise line has noticed more last-minute booking behavior recently. So rather than discount last-minute cruises, Royal Caribbean has been raising prices on near-departure cruises to drive higher profits. This trend in last-minute bookings could also be a factor in the cruise line's controversial decision to continue to make changes to this summer's launch schedule for its next Icon Class ship. These launch schedule changes have opened up some enticing opportunities for cruisers to add somewhat last-minute summer cruises on board Royal Caribbean's highly anticipated Star of the Seas, which will debut in August from Port Canaveral, loyal Royal Caribbean cruisers who are diligent about planning their vacations far in advance were quick to book this summer's inaugural sailing for Star of the Seas when it opened for booking back in December 2023. Most of those cruisers wanted to be the first to sail on the new megaship, which will offer seven-night Caribbean cruises designed to compete with Orlando's theme park vacations. Originally, Star of the Seas' first cruise was scheduled for Aug. 17, 2025, but Royal Caribbean later pushed the inaugural sailing back to Aug. 31, citing a delay in the ship's expected delivery. But early this year, it became clear that Star of the Seas would be ready to sail earlier in August after than change the date of the inaugural voyage again, Royal Caribbean decided to add two shorter 'showcase sailings' before it. For some Royal Caribbean cruisers who didn't plan early enough to secure the ship's inaugural sailing, this was great news. But at the same time, it frustrated some of the careful planners who booked the inaugural cruise to be the first to sail on the new ship on its full seven-night maiden voyage. Some of those cruisers took the opportunity Royal Caribbean offered to switch their booking to the first showcase sailing so they could still be the first on board, but then, a few weeks later, the cruise line changed the launch schedule March, the cruise line announced that Star of the Seas would be ready to sail even earlier, and added another short showcase sailing on the ship departing on Aug. 20, 2025. And now, they've done it again. It turns out Star of the Seas will be delivered according to its original timeline after all, and now it will even debut one day earlier than the previously planned Aug. 17 inaugural voyage.'To officially kick off our inaugural season, we have added in an additional 4-Night Star Showcase Cruise to Perfect Day [at CocoCay] on August 16, 2025, because we simply can't wait to debut the world's best family vacation,' the cruise line wrote in an email to travel partners. So now, while the Aug. 31 Star of the Seas cruise is the first full-length sailing and still considered the inaugural voyage, there are a total of four short showcase sailings happening before it. Although that may be a bit disappointing for some passengers who chose to stay on the original inaugural sailing, it's sure to bring higher revenue for Royal Caribbean as it capitalizes on this year's last-minute cruise booking trend with new sailings on a brand-new ship. (The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.) , or email Amy Post at or call or text her at 386-383-2472. This story was originally reported by Come Cruise With Me on May 29, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Forget Nassau, Royal Caribbean, Carnival find new island homes
As a long-time cruiser and Florida resident, I've visited my fair share of Bahamas cruise ports — from multiple private cruise line destinations to the busy Nassau cruise hub. Although I'm very familiar with The Bahamas and what its beautiful islands offer to visitors, one Bahamian cruise destination really took me by surprise when I visited for the first time last Nassau, this cruise port has gotten a bad rap – mostly because it's not the kind of Bahamian port where you can walk off the ship and right onto a beach. The island is home to a number of stunning beaches, however. You just need transportation to get to them from the port. To improve your overall cruise port experience in this Bahamian destination, booking a shore excursion is a good call — whether you're looking for a relaxing resort-style beach day or an adventure to explore the wonders of the island's impressive national park. But with a burst of new development projects aimed at attracting more cruise passengers to this underrated Bahamian island, experiencing the charms of the destination is about to get much Cruise Line was the first to recognize Grand Bahama's potential as a cruise destination, signing an agreement with the island's government back in 2017 to build its flagship cruise destination there. It took quite a while for the cruise line's vision for the destination to come to life, however. The highly anticipated new $600 million cruise destination, Celebration Key, finally opens this July. Although it's intended to feel like a cruise line private island, Celebration Key is located in a secluded part of Grand Bahama, about 20 miles from the island's existing Freeport cruise port. Royal Caribbean has long been interested in Grand Bahama, too, but past plans to develop a resort-style cruise destination on the island fell finally this April, Royal Caribbean Group moved forward with a new plan to acquire a 40-acre Grand Bahama resort property with intentions to develop it into a private destination for Celebrity Cruises, according to local Tribune Business media reports. Also in the plans for Grand Bahama is a project that will build a new cruise port and water park at the Freeport Harbour, developed as a partnership between Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises. First announced in 2020, that port project once included plans for Royal Caribbean to purchase a Bahamian government-owned resort property, but the deal later fell through due to government concerns about the timeline and years later, the Bahamian government finally reached a deal to sell that Grand Bahama resort property to be developed into a cruise destination, just not by Royal Caribbean. On May 15, Concord Wilshire Capital signed a deal with the Bahamian government to acquire Grand Bahama's Grand Lucayan Resort, a 56-acre beachfront resort and 160-acre Reef Golf Course, for $120 million. The Miami-based developer will invest a total of $827 million to transform the property into a 36-acre cruise ship destination resort with a capacity of 10,000 passengers per to be completed in 2028, the new cruise destination will be open to all cruise lines, resort guests, and local residents. It will feature much of what cruise passengers can find at an exclusive cruise line destination like a water park, adult lagoon, private club with premium amenities, dining options, beach access, water activities, entertainment venues, and more. The new Grand Lucayan Resort will also include a free-standing, indoor and poolside casino, a branded hotel and residential resort, a new Greg Norman Championship Signature Golf Course, and a mega-yacht marina. (The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.) , or email Amy Post at or call or text her at 386-383-2472.
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
I've been to Royal Caribbean's private islands 3 times. It's no surprise the cruise line is taking nearly all its Caribbean sailings there.
I've been to Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay private resort three times over the years. Cruise lines are all in on these private island resorts: Passengers love them, and they're insanely profitable. Royal Caribbean is set to debut three new resorts through 2027. Royal Caribbean's land-based portfolio is growing alongside its famous fleet of cruise ships. Three new private ports in Mexico and the Bahamas are set to debut in the coming years alongside three new Icon Class ships At first glance, it may seem ironic for a vacation-at-sea company to invest millions into land-based destinations. But after visiting Royal Caribbean's land-based attraction for myself — three times — I can see exactly why they fit perfectly into the cruise giant's plans. To understand Royal Caribbean's real estate conquest, look at the accomplishments of its first private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay. Jason Liberty, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, told analysts in October 2024 that its continued success can be partly attributed to its highest-rated port, Perfect Day at CocoCay. I've visited the in-demand destination three times since 2022. It's no surprise the 5½-year-old Bahamian retreat has become the inspiration for the company's quickly growing private port-folio. I love the thrill of ultra-planned, stress-inducing travel — but I also love indulging and relaxing at the beach. This wasn't a physically exhausting or emotionally taxing trip. Visiting here is a mushy-brained break where I get to rot on the beach and indulge in frivolous luxuries like guiltless naps and sugary beverages. That about sums up why cruisers love Royal Caribbean's private island. Some travelers criticize CocoCay for being an inauthentic Bahamian experience. That may be true in some cases, but was also never its promise. The island was designed as an extension of Royal Caribbean's ships — a beach resort on steroids. CocoCay is for people who crave the conveniences of an all-inclusive resort: secure confinement, glittery beaches, and plenty of snacks The island has options for every type of traveler. And much like going on a cruise, there's no need for planning as part of your visit (save for excursions like entry to its beach clubs). It's all set out for you. For kids, CocoCay has a waterpark, a zipline, a water playground, and easygoing activities like ping-pong tables. For adults, the island has two pool clubs: a boozy Vegas-style party at Hideaway Beach and a pricier high-end retreat at Coco Beach Club. For traditionalists seeking a no-frills beach day, CocoCay's sandy waterfront is lined with innumerable lounge chairs and slow-sloping banks. The island feels relatively safe. Several popular cruise ports are in destinations where the US Department of State has issued travel advisories, such as Mexico's Ensenada, Baja (Level 3 — "reconsider travel" ) and Manzanillo, Colima (Level 4 — "do not travel"). The agency also suggests travelers "exercise increased caution" when visiting the Bahamas, home of CocoCay. The island felt like one of the safest places I've recently visited. CocoCay is only accessible by Royal Caribbean Group's ships. As such, the only people there are its staff and the ship's crew and guests. My biggest fear there? Getting a sunburn. That's great news for concerned parents traveling with children or folks who may have read one too many cruise-related horror stories. That means it's a proverbial goldmine for Royal Caribbean. Travelers love splurging during their daylong visit. The island doesn't require third-party excursion operators, allowing Royal Caribbean to maximize profits from activities. Sections like the waterpark and beach clubs cost money to enter, from about $100 per person for the former to upward of $300 for Coco Beach Club. Free parts of the island also have rentals, such as snorkeling equipment and costly cabanas. Expect more opportunities to spend big at Royal Caribbean's coming properties. Liberty told analysts in 2024 that the cruise giant is "very mindful of having sizable significant returns" as it relates to its private properties. (It recently acquired the land for Perfect Day Mexico for $292 million.) The company is using what it learned from CocoCay to design the Mexico location, which would also have free and paid amenities. The same can't be said for the coming Royal Beach Club Collection. The inaugural Paradise Island resort will accommodate about 4,000 guests a day. All would have to pay to enter, which would it a strong revenue driver. For travelers, CocoCay is convenient, safe, amenity-rich, and beloved. For Royal Caribbean, the island is a source of demand and increased revenue. These private ports are a win-win all around, although competition could soon be stiff. Carnival Corp is also racing to expand its private port portfolio. The competing cruise giant plans to debut its $600 million private resort, Celebration Key, in 2025 and expand its existing private island, RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, in 2026. It's already selling 2026 itineraries that include both destinations, starting at about $350 per person for a four-day sailing. Norwegian Cruise Line's Great Stirrup Cay, in the Bahamas, is currently in the middle of an upgrade. The company is building a new pool and pier to keep up with all the competition for private resorts. Read the original article on Business Insider Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Royal Caribbean Group announces upsizing and extension of revolving credit facilities
MIAMI, May 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL) (the "Company") today announced that it has amended and upsized its two unsecured revolving credit facilities. The amendments increased commitments by $2.28 billion, equally distributed between each facility, bringing the combined revolving credit facilities commitments to $6.35 billion. The amendments also extended the maturity of the three-year facility maturing in October 2026 to October 2030. The other credit facility matures in October 2028. "The upsizing of the revolving credit facilities highlights the strength of our credit profile and the robust support from our lending partners," said Naftali Holtz, chief financial officer. "This enhanced financial flexibility, coupled with strong cash flow generation, positions us well to execute on our strategic growth initiatives and deliver long term shareholder value." About Royal Caribbean Group:Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL) is a vacation industry leader with a global fleet of 67 ships across its five brands traveling to all seven continents. With a mission to deliver the best vacations responsibly, Royal Caribbean Group serves millions of guests each year through its portfolio of best-in-class brands, including Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea; and an expanding portfolio of land-based vacation experiences through Perfect Day at CocoCay and Royal Beach Club collection. The company also owns a 50% joint venture interest in TUI Cruises, which operates the German Brands Mein Schiff and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. With a rich history of innovating, Royal Caribbean Group continually delivers exciting new products and guest experiences that help shape the future of leisure travel. Learn more at or Forward-Looking StatementsCertain statements in this press release constitute forward-looking statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements relate to, among other things, the company's credit profile, cash flow generation, strategic growth initiatives, and liquidity. Forward-looking statements reflect management's current expectations and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied in those forward-looking statements. Factors that could affect our results include, among others, those discussed under the caption "Risk Factors" in our most recent quarterly report on Form 10-Q, as well as our other filings with the SEC, copies of which may be obtained by visiting our Investor Relations website at or the SEC's website at Undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements in this release, which are based on information available to us on the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Royal Caribbean Group
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Royal Caribbean follows Carnival with new island development move
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Generate Key Takeaways Attracted by its natural island beauty and proximity to Florida ports, The Bahamas has long held the eye of cruise lines. Some Bahamian islands have received much more attention than others, however. Related: Popular Caribbean port delivers major blow to cruise industry Until now, Royal Caribbean's investments in The Bahamas have mainly focused on its private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, which the cruise line upgraded with a $250 million transformation in 2019, as well as popular Paradise Island, near Nassau, where the cruise line is developing its first Royal Beach Club. But as Royal Caribbean Group expands its fleet across all three of its cruise brands — Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises — its need for more Bahamian destinations that can accommodate more ships and offer passengers more exclusive vacation experiences is growing, too. But rather than develop another private island (like MSC Cruises plans to do near its existing private island, Ocean Cay), Royal Caribbean is now taking steps to join Carnival in developing a new private beach resort experience on a somewhat overlooked cruise destination — Grand Bahama Island. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter to save money on your next (or your first) cruise. Carnival Cruise Line will open an exclusive cruise destination on Grand Bahama Island this summer. Image source: Carnival Cruise Line Both Royal Caribbean, Carnival invest in Grand Bahama In July, Carnival Cruise Line will open Celebration Key, its new flagship cruise destination in Grand Bahama, a $600 million investment that's been in the works for several years. Although Grand Bahama's Freeport cruise port is regularly visited by Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Margaritaville at Sea cruise ships, the port hasn't been a huge draw for cruisers, mainly because of its distance from the island's beaches. Celebration Key is located in a secluded area on the south side of Grand Bahama, about 20 miles from the Freeport cruise port. The new cruise destination is set to bring considerable attention to Grand Bahama's pristine, lesser-known beaches. Related: Royal Caribbean cruisers demand key ban extend to all cruise lines Royal Caribbean has also recognized the opportunity that Grand Bahama's beaches present, and it recently obtained approval from the Bahamian government to acquire a 40-acre Grand Bahama resort property, according to a local Tribune Business media report. A $348 million investment, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises received government permission to proceed with the acquisition of '40 acres of privately-owned land for the development of recreational and entertainment facilities.' Be the first to see the best deals on cruises, special sailings, and more. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter. Iconic Grand Bahama resort may become Celebrity Cruises destination Tribune Business reports that multiple sources confirmed the site is Freeport's long-closed Xanadu Beach Hotel and surrounding land, which is intended to be developed into a private destination for Celebrity Cruises. Neither Royal Caribbean Group nor Celebrity Cruises has made any formal announcement about the plan yet. The Xanadu, an iconic beachfront hotel that once hosted legendary entertainers like the Rat Pack, has been on Royal Caribbean's radar for some time. Once redeveloped by Royal Caribbean, the site could become the first-ever exclusive private beach destination for Celebrity Cruises — perhaps a Celebrity Cruises take on the new Royal Beach Club Collection. Related: Royal Caribbean CEO reveals key trend that's costing cruisers This is not the first investment Royal Caribbean has made in Grand Bahama, either. Royal Caribbean is also involved in a project with MSC Cruises to develop a new cruise port and water park at the Freeport Harbour. MSC Cruises also recently made a move to join Royal Caribbean and Carnival in their joint venture that's currently expanding the Grand Bahama Shipyard to support cruise ship maintenance and repair, according to another Tribune Business report. All of these new developments combined are to set bring new energy and economic growth to Grand Bahama while putting the island on the map as a top cruise destination in the Caribbean. (The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.) Make a free appointment with Come Cruise With Me's Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel, or email Amy Post at amypost@ or call or text her at 386-383-2472.
