ROYAL CARIBBEAN GROUP REPORTS FIRST QUARTER RESULTS THAT EXCEEDED EXPECTATIONS AND PROVIDES AN UPDATE TO FULL YEAR GUIDANCE
Rhea-AI Summary
Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL) reported Q1 2026 adjusted EPS of $3.60 and GAAP EPS of $3.48, beating prior guidance on stronger revenue, lower costs and JV performance. Q1 revenue was $4.5 billion (+11% YoY) and Adjusted EBITDA was $1.7 billion. The company returned ~$1.1 billion to shareholders and increased full‑year Adjusted EPS guidance to $17.10–$17.50, while flagging higher fuel costs of ~$1.3 billion (net of hedging).
Positive
- Adjusted EPS of $3.60 in Q1 (beat vs. company guidance)
- Revenue grew 11% YoY to $4.5 billion
- Returned ~$1.1 billion to shareholders (repurchases $836M; dividends $270M)
- Liquidity of $6.9 billion as of March 31, 2026
Negative
- Full‑year fuel cost increase of ~$1.3 billion (adds ~$0.62 per share vs prior guidance)
- Second quarter NCC ex‑fuel expected to rise 4.9%–5.4% as‑reported
- Geopolitical events moderated bookings for Mediterranean and West Coast of Mexico itineraries
- Q2 cost pressure from increased drydock days and elevated crew movement costs
News Market Reaction – RCL
On the day this news was published, RCL gained 3.84%, reflecting a moderate positive market reaction. Argus tracked a peak move of +5.7% during that session. Our momentum scanner triggered 54 alerts that day, indicating high trading interest and price volatility. This price movement added approximately $2.79B to the company's valuation, bringing the market cap to $75.45B at that time.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
RCL slipped -0.73% while key travel peers were mixed: BKNG +5.74%, ABNB +2.94%, CCL -1.65%, CUK -1.50%, TCOM nearly flat. The reaction appears company‑specific rather than a broad travel move.
Previous Earnings Reports
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 28 | Q3 2025 earnings | Positive | -8.5% | Strong Q3 EPS $5.75 and higher 2025 EPS guidance with solid demand. |
| Jul 29 | Q2 2025 earnings | Positive | -5.0% | Q2 EPS beat and raised 2025 EPS outlook on robust demand, lower costs. |
| Apr 29 | Q1 2025 earnings | Positive | +0.1% | Q1 EPS beat, higher 2025 guidance, record bookings and strong liquidity. |
| Oct 29 | Q3 2024 earnings | Positive | +3.2% | Q3 EPS and adjusted EPS beat with guidance raised on strong pricing. |
Earnings releases have generally been positive on fundamentals but have produced an average move of -2.55%, with past reports often seeing initial selling despite raised guidance.
Over the past earnings cycles, Royal Caribbean consistently reported strong EPS and raised full‑year guidance, with Q3 2024, Q1, Q2, and Q3 2025 all highlighting solid demand, high load factors near or above 110%, and rising adjusted EPS targets. Despite these upbeat updates, share reactions often leaned negative or muted, suggesting investors had high expectations. Today’s Q1 2026 beat and higher $17.10–$17.50 EPS outlook extend that pattern of operational strength and guidance upgrades.
Historical Comparison
In the past four earnings releases, RCL’s average move was -2.55% despite repeated beats and guidance increases, so a modest move on this Q1 2026 beat would fit that pattern.
Earnings reports from late 2024 through 2025 showed rising adjusted EPS, higher full‑year targets, and strong load factors, setting up the current Q1 2026 beat and an increased $17.10–$17.50 EPS outlook under the Perfecta growth program.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement highlighted a Q1 2026 EPS beat, with Adjusted EPS of $3.60, strong revenue growth to $4.5 billion, and load factor of 109%. Management raised full‑year Adjusted EPS guidance to $17.10–$17.50 while flagging higher fuel costs and geopolitical impacts on certain itineraries. Historically, earnings reports have often been strong fundamentally, with an average move of -2.55% around similar releases. Investors may focus on demand trends, cost control, and execution of the Perfecta program targets.
Key Terms
adjusted eps financial
adjusted ebitda financial
net yields financial
available passenger cruise days ("apcd") technical
net cruise costs ("ncc") financial
constant currency financial
ebitda financial
gross margin yield financial
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
"Our strong first quarter results and record WAVE season demonstrate the exceptional appeal and compelling value proposition of our trusted brands, industry-leading ships, and destinations," said Jason Liberty, Chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. "Demand for our experiences continues to be strong, and we remain focused on delivering the best vacations responsibly, accelerating revenue growth, and managing costs, all while continuing to invest in our future and drive further differentiation. We expect another year of double-digit revenue and earnings growth, driven by consumers' preference for our leading brands and expanding portfolio - all supported by our strong booked position, leading margin profile, and fortified balance sheet."
"We continue to execute on our innovation pipeline and broaden our vacation ecosystem in ways that further strengthen our long-term growth trajectory," Liberty added. "We are expanding our portfolio through the recent launch of Royal Beach Club Santorini, the upcoming delivery of Legend of the Seas, and the recent orders for Icon VI and Icon VII. Of particular note are the steps we are taking to enhance our loyalty ecosystem, including the recent introduction of the Royal ONE credit card. This is one further step to deepen guest engagement and to position us to capture a greater share of the large and growing global vacation market."
First Quarter 2026:
- Total revenue was
$4.5 billion 11% increase year over year. Load factor in the first quarter was109% . - Gross Margin Yields increased
6.9% as-reported. Net Yields increased3.6% as-reported and2.0% in Constant Currency. - Gross Cruise Costs per Available Passenger Cruise Days ("APCD") decreased
1.0% as-reported. Net Cruise Costs ("NCC"), excluding Fuel, per APCD increased0.6% as-reported and decreased0.5% in Constant Currency. - Net Income was
$0.9 billion $3.48 $1.0 billion $3.60 $1.7 billion
Full Year 2026 Outlook:
- Revenue is expected to grow roughly
10% year over year. Net Yields are expected to increase2.3% to3.3% as-reported and1.5% to2.5% in Constant Currency, driven by recent geopolitical developments which affected Mediterranean and West Coast ofMexico itineraries. - NCC, excluding Fuel, per APCD are expected to increase approximately
0.5% as-reported and be approximately flat in Constant Currency. - Fuel costs, based on current at-the-pump rates, net of hedging, are expected to be approximately
$1.3 billion $0.62 59% hedged for the remainder of 2026 at below market rates. - Adjusted EPS is expected to be in the range of
$17.10 $17.50 11% year over year growth, and a21% CAGR over the first two years of the company's Perfecta program, which targets a20% earnings CAGR from 2024 to 2027 and ROIC in the high teens by 2027.
First Quarter 2026 Results
Net Income for the first quarter of 2026 was
Capacity for the first quarter was up
Gross Cruise Costs per APCD decreased
Update on Bookings and Onboard Revenue
The overall demand environment remains strong, and during April, bookings continued to exceed the same period last year, including continued strength in close-in bookings. As a result, the company's booked position enjoys record prices with volumes within historical ranges. Bookings for high-yielding Mediterranean itineraries, which began the year on an exceptionally strong trajectory, moderated following recent geopolitical developments late in the first quarter, partially driven by increased air travel costs, airline capacity reductions, and flight disruptions. In recent weeks, bookings for Mediterranean itineraries have been rebounding for the limited remaining inventory. These factors mainly affect the second and third quarters when these high-yielding itineraries represent a larger share of deployment. Bookings for West Coast of
Onboard revenue trends remain strong, with onboard spending continuing to exceed prior‑year levels. This is driven by both guests' growing demand for onboard and destination experiences and the company's continued expansion of product offerings both on ship and at destinations. These trends are also supported by more effective and targeted engagement, ensuring the right experiences are matched with the right guests.
"Demand for our vacations remains healthy, with consumers continuing to prioritize experiences even as they navigate the impact of global events," said Naftali Holtz, Chief Financial Officer, Royal Caribbean Group. "Travel remains a priority for consumers, with guests becoming more selective and value‑focused in how and where they choose to travel. That dynamic aligns well with the attractive value proposition of our experiences, which is why we have done so well historically, even during times of uncertainty."
Second Quarter 2026
Net Yields are expected to increase approximately
NCC, excluding Fuel, per APCD, is expected to increase
Based on current fuel pricing, interest rates, currency exchange rates and the factors detailed above, the company expects second quarter Adjusted EPS to be in the range of
Fuel Expense
Bunker pricing, net of hedging, for the first quarter was
The company does not forecast fuel prices and its fuel cost calculations are based on current at-the-pump prices, net of hedging impacts. Based on current fuel prices, the company has included
Forecasted consumption is
The company provided the following guidance for the second quarter and full year 2026:
FUEL STATISTICS | Second Quarter 2026 | Full Year 2026 |
Fuel Consumption (metric tons) | 423,000 | 1,755,000 |
Fuel Expenses | ||
Second Quarter 2026 | Remainder of Year 2026 | |
Percent Hedged (fwd. consumption) | 60.0 % | 59.0 % |
GUIDANCE | As-Reported | Constant Currency |
Second Quarter 2026 | ||
Net Yields vs. 2025 | Approximately | Approximately |
Net Cruise Costs per APCD vs. 2025 | ||
Net Cruise Costs per APCD ex. Fuel vs. 2025 | ||
Full Year 2026 | ||
Net Yields vs. 2025 | ||
Net Cruise Costs per APCD vs. 2025 | Approximately | Approximately |
Net Cruise Costs per APCD ex. Fuel vs. 2025 | Approximately | Approximately flat |
GUIDANCE | Second Quarter 2026 | Full Year 2026 |
APCDs | 13.6 million | 56.9 million |
Capacity change vs. 2025 | 4.9 % | 6.7 % |
Depreciation and amortization | ||
Net Interest, excluding loss on extinguishment of debt | ||
Adjusted EPS | ||
SENSITIVITY | Second Quarter 2026 | Full Year 2026 |
Second Quarter 2026 | Remainder of Year 2026 | |
100 basis pt. Change in SOFR | ||
Exchange rates used in guidance calculations | ||
GBP | ||
AUD | ||
CAD | ||
EUR | ||
Liquidity
As of March 31, 2026, the Group's liquidity position was
In February 2026, the company issued
Also during the quarter, the company purchased 2.9 million of its shares for a total of
The company noted that as of March 31, 2026, the scheduled debt maturities for 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030 were
"With a very strong financial position underpinned by an investment grade balance sheet, ample liquidity, and strong cash flow generation, we are well positioned to continue investing in the business while navigating a dynamic environment," said Naftali Holtz, Chief Financial Officer, Royal Caribbean Group.
Capital Expenditures and Capacity Guidance
Capital expenditures for the full year 2026 are expected to be approximately
Capacity changes for 2026 are expected to be
Conference call scheduled
The company has scheduled a conference call at 10 a.m. Eastern Time today. This call can be heard, either live or on a delayed basis, on the company's investor relations website at www.rclinvestor.com.
Definitions
Selected Operational and Financial Metrics
Adjusted Earnings per Share ("Adjusted EPS") is a non-GAAP measure that represents Adjusted Net Income attributable to Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (as defined below) divided by weighted average shares outstanding or by diluted weighted average shares outstanding, as applicable. We believe that this non-GAAP measure is meaningful when assessing our performance on a comparative basis.
Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure that represents EBITDA (as defined below) excluding certain items that we believe adjusting for is meaningful when assessing our profitability on a comparative basis. For the periods presented, these items included (i) other income; and (ii) restructuring charges and other initiative expenses.
Adjusted EBITDA Margin is a non-GAAP measure that represents Adjusted EBITDA (as defined above) divided by total revenues.
Adjusted Gross Margin represents Gross Margin, adjusted for payroll and related, food, fuel, other operating, and depreciation and amortization expenses. Gross Margin is calculated pursuant to GAAP as total revenues less total cruise operating expenses, and depreciation and amortization.
Adjusted Net Income attributable to Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. is a non-GAAP measure that represents Net Income attributable to Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., excluding certain items that we believe adjusting for is meaningful when assessing our performance on a comparative basis. For the periods presented, these items included (i) loss on extinguishment of debt and inducement expense; (ii) restructuring charges and other initiatives expenses; and (iii) the amortization of the Silversea intangible assets resulting from the Silversea acquisition.
Adjusted Operating Income is a non-GAAP measure that represents operating income including income from equity investments and provision for income taxes but excluding certain items for which we believe adjusting for is meaningful when assessing our operating performance on a comparative basis. We use this non-GAAP measure to calculate ROIC (as defined below).
Available Passenger Cruise Days ("APCD") is our measurement of capacity and represents double occupancy per cabin multiplied by the number of cruise days for the period, which excludes canceled cruise days and cabins not available for sale. We use this measure to perform capacity and rate analysis to identify our main non-capacity drivers that cause our cruise revenue and expenses to vary.
Constant Currency is a significant measure for our revenues and expenses, which are denominated in currencies other than the
EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure that represents Net Income attributable to Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. excluding (i) interest income; (ii) interest expense, net of interest capitalized; (iii) depreciation and amortization expenses; and (iv) provision for income taxes. We believe that this non-GAAP measure is meaningful when assessing our operating performance on a comparative basis.
Gross Cruise Costs represent the sum of total cruise operating expenses plus marketing, selling and administrative expenses.
Gross Margin Yield represent Gross Margin per APCD.
Invested Capital represents the most recent five-quarter average of total debt (i.e., Current portion of long-term debt plus Long-term debt) plus the most recent five-quarter average of Total shareholders' equity. We use this measure to calculate ROIC (as defined below).
Net Cruise Costs and Net Cruise Costs excluding Fuel are non-GAAP measures that represent Gross Cruise Costs excluding commissions, transportation and other expenses, and onboard and other expenses and, in the case of Net Cruise Costs excluding Fuel, fuel expenses. In measuring our ability to control costs in a manner that positively impacts net income, we believe changes in Net Cruise Costs and Net Cruise Costs excluding Fuel to be the most relevant indicators of our cost performance. For the periods presented, Net Cruise Costs and Net Cruise Costs excluding Fuel excludes restructuring charges and other initiative expenses.
Net Yields represent Adjusted Gross Margin per APCD. We utilize Adjusted Gross Margin and Net Yields to manage our business on a day-to-day basis as we believe that they are the most relevant measures of our pricing performance because they reflect the cruise revenues earned by us net of our most significant variable costs, which are commissions, transportation and other expenses, and onboard and other expenses.
Occupancy ("Load factor"), in accordance with cruise vacation industry practice, is calculated by dividing Passenger Cruise Days (as defined below) by APCD. A percentage in excess of
Passenger Cruise Days ("PCD") represent the number of passengers carried for the period multiplied by the number of days of their respective cruises.
Perfecta Program refers to the multi-year Adjusted EPS and ROIC goals we are seeking to achieve by end of 2027. Under our Perfecta Program, we are targeting
Return on Invested Capital ("ROIC") represents Adjusted Operating Income divided by Invested Capital. We believe ROIC is a meaningful measure because it quantifies how efficiently we generated operating income relative to the capital we have invested in the business.
For additional information see "Adjusted Measures of Financial Performance" below.
About Royal Caribbean Group
Royal Caribbean Group is a leading global vacation company spanning cruise, exclusive destinations, and land-based vacation experiences. The company operates 69 ships sailing to more than 1,000 destinations across all seven continents through its three wholly owned brands -Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea - and a
The Group is expanding its portfolio of private destinations from three to eight by 2028 through its Perfect Day and Royal Beach Club collections, and the company will enter river cruising in 2027 with Celebrity River Cruises. Powered by innovative brands, advanced technology, and an industry-leading loyalty program, the company has built a connected vacation ecosystem, turning the vacation of a lifetime into a lifetime of vacations.
Named to the Fortune World's Most Admired Companies 2026 list and to Forbes' 2026 Best American Companies lists, Royal Caribbean Group is guided by its mission to deliver the best vacations responsibly. For more information, visit www.royalcaribbeangroup.com.
Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release relating to, among other things, our future performance estimates, forecasts and projections constitute forward-looking statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include, but are not limited to: statements regarding revenues, costs and financial results for 2026 and beyond; anticipated timing for launch of private destinations; our progress toward achievement of our Perfecta program; demand for our brands; expectations on timing for river cruise offerings; future capital expenditures; and expectations regarding our credit profile and fuel expenses. Words such as "anticipate," "believe," "committed," "could," "driving," "estimate," "expect," "goal," "intend," "may," "plan," "encouraged," "project," "shaping up," "position," "allows," "seek," "should," "will," "would," "considering," and similar expressions are intended to help identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements reflect management's current expectations, are based on judgments, are inherently uncertain and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, which 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. Examples of these risks, uncertainties and other factors include, but are not limited to, the following: the impact of the economic and geopolitical environment, including changing tariffs and the related uncertainty thereof, on key aspects of our business, such as the demand for cruises, passenger spending, and operating costs; changes in operating costs; the unavailability or cost of air service; disease outbreaks and increased concern about the risk of illness on our ships or when travelling to or from our ships, which could cause a decrease in demand, guest cancellations, and ship redeployments; incidents or adverse publicity concerning our ships, port facilities, land destinations and/or passengers or the cruise vacation industry in general; the effects of weather, climate events and/or natural disasters on our business; risks related to our sustainability activities; the impact of issues at shipyards, including ship delivery delays, ship cancellations or ship construction cost increases; shipyard unavailability; unavailability of ports of call; vacation industry competition and increase in industry capacity and overcapacity; inability to manage our cost and capital allocation strategies; the uncertainties of conducting business globally and expanding into new markets and new ventures, including potential acquisitions; issues with travel advisers that sell and market our cruises; reliance on third-party service providers; potential unavailability of insurance coverage; the risks and costs related to cyber security attacks, data breaches, protecting our systems and maintaining data integrity and security; uncertainties of a foreign legal system as we are not incorporated in
More information about factors that could affect our operating results is included under the caption "Risk Factors" in our most recent annual report on Form 10-K, as well as our other filings with the SEC, copies of which may be obtained by visiting our Investor Relations website at www.rclinvestor.com or the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. 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.
Adjusted Measures of Financial Performance
This press release includes certain adjusted financial measures defined as non-GAAP financial measures under Securities and Exchange Commission rules, which we believe provide useful information to investors as a supplement to our consolidated financial statements, which are prepared and presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, or
The presentation of adjusted financial information is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for, or superior to, the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with
A reconciliation to the most comparable
ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD. | |||
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) | |||
(unaudited, in millions, except per share data) | |||
Quarter Ended | |||
March 31, | |||
2026 | 2025 | ||
Passenger ticket revenues | $ 3,021 | $ 2,744 | |
Onboard and other revenues | 1,431 | 1,255 | |
Total revenues | 4,452 | 3,999 | |
Cruise operating expenses: | |||
Commissions, transportation and other | 564 | 522 | |
Onboard and other | 212 | 200 | |
Payroll and related | 400 | 340 | |
Food | 264 | 239 | |
Fuel | 265 | 277 | |
Other operating | 542 | 500 | |
Total cruise operating expenses | 2,247 | 2,079 | |
Marketing, selling and administrative expenses | 582 | 562 | |
Depreciation and amortization expenses | 461 | 412 | |
Operating Income | 1,162 | 945 | |
Other income (expense): | |||
Interest income | 5 | 2 | |
Interest expense, net of interest capitalized | (278) | (249) | |
Equity investment income | 84 | 48 | |
Other income | 2 | 5 | |
Income before income taxes | 976 | 751 | |
Provision for income taxes | (26) | (16) | |
Net Income | 950 | 736 | |
Less: Net Income attributable to noncontrolling interest | 8 | 6 | |
Net Income attributable to Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. | $ 941 | $ 730 | |
Earnings per Share: | |||
Basic | $ 3.49 | $ 2.71 | |
Diluted | $ 3.48 | $ 2.70 | |
Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding: | |||
Basic | 270 | 269 | |
Diluted | 271 | 276 | |
Comprehensive Income (Loss) | |||
Net Income | $ 950 | $ 736 | |
Other comprehensive income (loss): | |||
Foreign currency translation adjustments | — | (17) | |
Change in defined benefit plans | (2) | (4) | |
Gain on cash flow derivative hedges | 221 | 128 | |
Total other comprehensive income | 220 | 107 | |
Comprehensive Income | 1,170 | 842 | |
Less: Comprehensive Income attributable to noncontrolling interest | 8 | 6 | |
Comprehensive Income attributable to Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. | $ 1,161 | $ 837 | |
__________________________________________________ |
Certain amounts may not add or calculate due to use of rounded numbers. |
ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD. | |||
STATISTICS | |||
(unaudited) | |||
Quarter Ended | |||
March 31, | |||
2026 | 2025 | ||
Passengers Carried | 2,509,672 | 2,241,673 | |
Passenger Cruise Days | 14,873,199 | 13,768,332 | |
APCD | 13,702,703 | 12,657,992 | |
Occupancy | 108.5 % | 108.8 % | |
ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD. | |||
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS | |||
(in millions, except share data) | |||
As of | |||
March 31, | December 31, | ||
2026 | 2025 | ||
(unaudited) | |||
Assets | |||
Current assets | |||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ 512 | $ 825 | |
Trade and other receivables, net | 479 | 317 | |
Inventories | 271 | 264 | |
Prepaid expenses and other assets | 719 | 690 | |
Derivative financial instruments | 223 | 115 | |
Total current assets | 2,204 | 2,211 | |
Property and equipment, net | 35,884 | 35,696 | |
Operating lease right-of-use assets | 611 | 620 | |
Goodwill | 808 | 808 | |
Other assets | 2,483 | 2,284 | |
Total assets | $ 41,990 | $ 41,619 | |
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity | |||
Current liabilities | |||
Current portion of long-term debt | $ 1,448 | $ 3,180 | |
Current portion of operating lease liabilities | 79 | 90 | |
Accounts payable | 1,010 | 953 | |
Accrued expenses and other liabilities | 1,968 | 2,026 | |
Derivative financial instruments | 12 | 67 | |
Customer deposits | 6,548 | 5,739 | |
Total current liabilities | 11,065 | 12,055 | |
Long-term debt | 19,666 | 18,165 | |
Long-term operating lease liabilities | 599 | 600 | |
Other long-term liabilities | 632 | 554 | |
Total liabilities | 31,962 | 31,374 | |
Shareholders' equity | |||
Preferred stock ( | — | — | |
Common stock ( | 3 | 3 | |
Paid-in capital | 7,867 | 7,964 | |
Retained earnings | 6,460 | 5,925 | |
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (385) | (604) | |
Treasury stock (35,631,237 and 32,631,826 common shares at cost, at March 31, 2026 and December 31, | (4,135) | (3,251) | |
Total shareholders' equity attributable to Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. | 9,810 | 10,037 | |
Noncontrolling Interest | 218 | 208 | |
Total shareholders' equity | 10,028 | 10,245 | |
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity | $ 41,990 | $ 41,619 | |
ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD. | |||
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW | |||
(unaudited; in millions) | |||
Three Months Ended March 31, | |||
2026 | 2025 | ||
Operating Activities | |||
Net Income | $ 950 | $ 736 | |
Adjustments: | |||
Depreciation and amortization | 461 | 412 | |
Net deferred income tax benefit | (1) | (1) | |
Loss (Gain) on derivative instruments not designated as hedges | 8 | (2) | |
Share-based compensation expense | 38 | 53 | |
Equity investment income | (84) | (48) | |
Amortization of debt issuance costs, discounts and premiums | 53 | 23 | |
Loss on extinguishment of debt and inducement expense | 60 | 10 | |
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | |||
Increase in trade and other receivables, net | (173) | (77) | |
(Increase) decrease in inventories | (7) | 9 | |
Increase in prepaid expenses and other assets | (25) | (112) | |
(Decrease) increase in accounts payable | (8) | 22 | |
Decrease in accrued expenses and other liabilities | (279) | (151) | |
Increase in customer deposits | 809 | 838 | |
Other, net | 32 | (85) | |
Net cash provided by operating activities | 1,834 | 1,627 | |
Investing Activities | |||
Purchases of property and equipment | (500) | (428) | |
Cash received on settlement of derivative financial instruments | 17 | — | |
Cash paid on settlement of derivative financial instruments | (3) | (2) | |
Investments in and loans to unconsolidated affiliates | (38) | (26) | |
Cash received on loans from unconsolidated affiliates | — | 4 | |
Other, net | (5) | 12 | |
Net cash used in investing activities | (529) | (440) | |
Financing Activities | |||
Debt proceeds | 2,807 | 480 | |
Debt issuance costs | (21) | (3) | |
Repayments of debt | (3,084) | (1,221) | |
Repurchase of common stock | (836) | (241) | |
Dividends paid | (270) | (148) | |
Payments of withholding tax on stock awards | (185) | (60) | |
Other, net | (28) | 2 | |
Net cash used in financing activities | (1,617) | (1,191) | |
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | (1) | 2 | |
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents | (313) | (2) | |
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | 825 | 388 | |
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $ 512 | $ 386 | |
Supplemental Disclosure | |||
Cash paid during the period for: | |||
Interest, net of amount capitalized | $ 320 | $ 279 | |
Non-cash Investing Activities | |||
Purchase of property and equipment included in accounts payable and accrued expenses and other liabilities | $ 145 | $ 42 | |
ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD. | |||||
NON-GAAP RECONCILING INFORMATION | |||||
(unaudited) | |||||
Gross Margin Yields, Net Yields and Adjusted Gross Margin per PCD are calculated as follows (in millions, except | |||||
Quarter Ended March 31, | |||||
2026 | 2026 On a | 2025 | |||
Total revenues | $ 4,452 | $ 4,386 | $ 3,999 | ||
Less: | |||||
Cruise operating expenses | 2,247 | 2,226 | 2,079 | ||
Depreciation and amortization expenses | 461 | 465 | 412 | ||
Gross Margin | 1,744 | 1,695 | 1,508 | ||
Add: | |||||
Payroll and related | 400 | 400 | 340 | ||
Food | 264 | 264 | 239 | ||
Fuel | 265 | 265 | 277 | ||
Other operating | 542 | 530 | 500 | ||
Depreciation and amortization expenses | 461 | 465 | 412 | ||
Adjusted Gross Margin | $ 3,675 | $ 3,619 | $ 3,276 | ||
APCD | 13,702,703 | 13,702,703 | 12,657,992 | ||
Passenger Cruise Days | 14,873,199 | 14,873,199 | 13,768,332 | ||
Gross Margin Yields | $ 127.29 | $ 123.69 | $ 119.09 | ||
Net Yields | $ 268.23 | $ 264.08 | $ 258.83 | ||
Adjusted Gross Margin per PCD | $ 247.12 | $ 243.30 | $ 237.96 | ||
ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD. | |||||
NON-GAAP RECONCILING INFORMATION | |||||
(unaudited) | |||||
Gross Cruise Costs, Net Cruise Costs and Net Cruise Costs excluding Fuel are calculated as follows (in millions, except | |||||
Quarter Ended March 31, | |||||
2026 | 2026 On a | 2025 | |||
Total cruise operating expenses | $ 2,247 | $ 2,226 | $ 2,079 | ||
Marketing, selling and administrative expenses | 582 | 575 | 562 | ||
Gross Cruise Costs | 2,830 | 2,800 | 2,641 | ||
Less: | |||||
Commissions, transportation and other | 564 | 556 | 522 | ||
Onboard and other | 212 | 211 | 200 | ||
Net Cruise Costs including other costs | 2,053 | 2,033 | 1,919 | ||
Less: | |||||
Restructuring charges and other initiatives expenses (1) | 3 | 3 | 2 | ||
Net Cruise Costs | 2,050 | 2,031 | 1,917 | ||
Less: | |||||
Fuel | 265 | 265 | 277 | ||
Net Cruise Costs excluding Fuel | $ 1,786 | $ 1,766 | $ 1,640 | ||
APCD | 13,702,703 | 13,702,703 | 12,657,992 | ||
Gross Cruise Costs per APCD | $ 206.51 | $ 204.36 | $ 208.68 | ||
Net Cruise Costs per APCD | $ 149.63 | $ 148.19 | $ 151.44 | ||
Net Cruise Costs excluding Fuel per APCD | $ 130.32 | $ 128.88 | $ 129.54 | ||
(1) | These amounts are included in Marketing, selling and administrative expenses within our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). |
ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD. | ||||
NON-GAAP RECONCILING INFORMATION | ||||
(unaudited) | ||||
EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin are calculated as follows (in millions, except | ||||
Quarter Ended March 31, | ||||
2026 | 2025 | |||
Net Income attributable to Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. | $ 941 | $ 730 | ||
Interest income | (5) | (2) | ||
Interest expense, net of interest capitalized | 278 | 249 | ||
Depreciation and amortization expenses | 461 | 412 | ||
Provision for income taxes | 26 | 16 | ||
EBITDA | 1,701 | 1,405 | ||
Other income | (2) | (5) | ||
Restructuring charges and other initiative expenses (1) | 3 | 2 | ||
Adjusted EBITDA | $ 1,702 | $ 1,402 | ||
Total revenues | $ 4,452 | $ 3,999 | ||
APCD | 13,702,703 | 12,657,992 | ||
Net Income attributable to Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. per APCD | $ 68.71 | $ 57.66 | ||
Adjusted EBITDA per APCD | $ 124.21 | $ 110.73 | ||
Adjusted EBITDA Margin | 38.2 % | 35.1 % | ||
(1) | These amounts are included in Marketing, selling and administrative expenses within our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). |
ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD. | |||
NON-GAAP RECONCILING INFORMATION | |||
(unaudited) | |||
Adjusted Net Income attributable to Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., and Adjusted Earnings per Share are calculated as follows (in millions, except | |||
Quarter Ended March 31, | |||
2026 | 2025 | ||
Net Income attributable to Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. | $ 941 | $ 730 | |
Loss on extinguishment of debt and inducement expense (1) | 29 | 10 | |
Restructuring charges and other initiative expenses (2) | 3 | 2 | |
Amortization of Silversea intangible assets resulting from the Silversea acquisition (3) | 2 | 2 | |
Adjusted Net Income attributable to Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. | $ 975 | $ 744 | |
Earnings per Share - Diluted (4) | $ 3.48 | $ 2.70 | |
Adjusted Earnings per Share - Diluted (5) | $ 3.60 | $ 2.71 | |
Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding - Diluted | 271 | 276 | |
(1) | For 2026, includes the loss on extinguishment of debt associated with redemptions of the senior notes maturing in 2026. For 2025, includes |
(2) | These amounts are included in Marketing, selling and administrative expenses within our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). |
(3) | Represents the amortization of the Silversea intangible assets resulting from the 2018 Silversea acquisition. |
(4) | For 2025, Diluted EPS includes the add-back of dilutive inducement and interest expense related to our convertible notes of |
(5) | For 2025, Adjusted Diluted EPS includes the add-back of dilutive interest expense related to our convertible notes of |
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SOURCE Royal Caribbean Group