Royal Caribbean Group Stock Price, News & Analysis

On July 4, 2021, Celebrity Cruises resumed operations in the Galapagos Islands with the launch of its luxury mega yacht, Celebrity Flora. The seven-night itineraries offer unique experiences like hiking, snorkeling, and gourmet dining. Following Celebrity Flora, Celebrity Xpedition will set sail on July 24, and Celebrity Xploration on September 18. Health protocols include a fully vaccinated crew and passenger requirements for U.S. guests. The company emphasizes safety and luxury, highlighting its environmental focus and commitment to unique travel experiences.

Royal Caribbean International celebrates its return to U.S. cruising with the Freedom of the Seas, marking the first cruise from PortMiami in nearly 16 months. With 93% of passengers vaccinated, the ship set sail for a summer series of short cruises to Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau. The cruise line plans to reintroduce nine more ships by August, with full fleet operations expected by year-end. The Freedom has undergone a $116 million renovation featuring new attractions and amenities, emphasizing health measures in collaboration with the CDC.

Royal Caribbean Group docked the Explorer of the Seas at PortMiami to provide free housing for search and rescue teams responding to the Surfside condo collapse. This collaboration with the Florida Division of Emergency Management supports around 600 emergency workers, offering staterooms, meals, and laundry services. The initiative, praised by local officials, highlights the company's community commitment. The ship is set to host these teams for approximately a month, aiding their recovery during grueling 12-hour shifts.

On June 26, 2021, Celebrity Cruises celebrated a significant milestone with the launch of Celebrity Edge, the first cruise ship to set sail from a U.S. port in over a year. Departing from Ft. Lauderdale, this seven-night Caribbean cruise symbolizes a hopeful return to normalcy for the cruise industry. The ship, led by Captain Kate McCue, has implemented new health and safety measures to ensure passenger safety. Eight of the 14 Celebrity ships are set to resume sailing in 2021, emphasizing the company's commitment to revitalizing luxury cruising experiences.

Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL) announced the closing of its private offering of $650 million in 4.250% senior unsecured notes due 2026. Proceeds will primarily fund the redemption of approximately $619.8 million in 7.25% senior secured notes due 2025 issued by Silversea Cruise Finance Ltd. This strategic move is aimed at optimizing the company’s debt structure and supporting general corporate purposes. The notes will be governed by an Indenture with The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, and are offered primarily to qualified institutional buyers under Rule 144A.

Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL) has appointed Silvia Garrigo as Senior Vice President and Chief Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Officer, effective June 28, 2021. She will report to Chairman and CEO Richard Fain. Garrigo's role involves developing a companywide ESG framework and strategy, building partnerships, and integrating ESG issues into governance. With extensive experience in sustainability and legal counsel, Garrigo aims to meet the increasing expectations for ESG performance. This appointment underscores RCL's commitment to leadership in ESG within the cruise industry.

Sharecare and Forbes Travel Guide have partnered with Celebrity Cruises, making it the first cruise line to adopt the Sharecare Health Security VERIFIED™ system. This initiative aims to enhance safety protocols and mitigate COVID-19 risks on its ships. The program supplements Celebrity's existing 'Healthy at Sea' measures, providing real-time tracking of health compliance. Each ship will be continuously verified before passenger boarding to ensure rigorous health standards. This collaboration marks a significant step in restoring traveler confidence and setting new industry standards for health security.

Celebrity Cruises has appointed Michael Scheiner as the new Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, effective July 12, 2021. Reporting to Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, Scheiner aims to enhance customer acquisition, brand loyalty, and global e-commerce. Previously, he was the Global CMO at Tommy Hilfiger and has extensive marketing experience in the fashion industry. His appointment comes as Celebrity Cruises prepares for a full service return and expansion with its new ships, Celebrity Apex and Celebrity Beyond.

Royal Caribbean International commenced construction of its first Icon Class ship, named Icon of the Seas, on June 14, 2021, at Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland. This ship, set to debut in fall 2023, represents a significant advancement towards a cleaner cruise industry, being powered by LNG (liquefied natural gas). The company emphasizes its commitment to sustainability and reducing carbon footprints through various innovative technologies. The ship's design promises game-changing features that will be revealed at a later date.