Royal Caribbean Blog

One thing Royal Caribbean is doing extremely well is giving its fans plenty of reasons to cruise again and again.

Royal Caribbean Group executives talked during Thursday's earnings call about the impact loyalty has had on its business, which is making a major impact on its bottom line.

Based on the latest numbers, the changes the company has made to spur loyalty is working.

Royal Caribbean Group reported total revenue of $4.5 billion, an 11% increase year over year.

Executives revealed that repeat customers now make up a significantly larger share of their business than in the past, a shift that helps explain not just strong bookings, but also why passengers are spending more once they're onboard.

Shift in who's cruising

The balance of who is cruises is changing.

For years, Royal Caribbean has operated with what executives described as a "third, a third, a third" mix of customers , which refers to roughly one-third repeat cruisers, one-third new-to-cruise, and one-third new-to-brand guests.

"As we look at our business… we’re getting more and more repeat customers inside of our ecosystem," said Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty during the earnings call. "At this point, about 40% of our customers are coming from our current customer base."

That's a pretty large leap from the traditional 33% mark, and it signals what they're doing to get fans to cruise again is working.

"I think that’s a reflection of all the things that we’re doing around loyalty, all the investments we’ve made on AI and other technology that helps curate and engage with our guests," he said.

Deeper loyalty changes

Mr. Liberty mentioned the things they're doing around loyalty, and that's been a three-pronged effort to make it easier than ever to cruise across any of the Royal Caribbean Group brands,

The company just launched its first tri-branded Royal ONE credit cards, which allow customers to earn points to use on Royal Caribbean International, Silversea, or Celebrity Cruises.

That came hot on the heels of Points Choice, which introduced a way to finally earn points from any brand sailing back to the loyalty program of your choice.

This means Royal Caribbean fans could try a Silversea cruise and still earn Crown & Anchor Society points.

In addition, there is true status matching across all the brands that was introduced in 2024.  

All of these upgrades for consumers have essentially freed them to sail more and expand their offerings without losing out on the perks, benefits, and point totals they want.

Each piece is designed to keep customers within the Royal Caribbean ecosystem instead of losing them to competitors.

"Things to continue to incentivize and recognize our guests to stay inside that," Liberty said.

Repeat cruisers are more valuable

Enabling cruisers with better perks is good public relations, but it also translates to their bottom line too.

In fact, repeat cruisers are spending more than first-timers.

"They tend to sail on us more often… but they also tend to spend about 25% more than new-to-cruise or first-to-brand," Liberty explained.

That higher spending shows up across the entire cruise experience, from drink packages and specialty dining to shore excursions and onboard purchases.

In general, Royal Caribbean Group is seeing onboard revenue remains strong across the board. Guests are buying up things for their cruise before they sail.''

"More than half of onboard revenue is booked before guests ever step on board," Mr. Liberty explained, adding that "the vast majority of those purchases [are] made digitally."

Technology is also making it easier to stay "loyal to Royal"

Royal Caribbean is leaning heavily on technology to strengthen guest loyalty.

Mr. Liberty talked about a "unified intelligence layer" that connects every stage of the vacation experience.

"Our focus is on a unified intelligence layer that delivers seamless, relevant experiences," he said.

The company has already seen a major shift in how customers interact with its platforms.

"Digital penetration of bookings has more than doubled since 2019," Liberty said, as he talked about the surging app usage.

Why this matters to you

An upward trend among repeat customers could have an impact on your upcoming cruises.

On the one hand, the company is actively engaged in making changes that entice you to cruise again.  Increased loyalty perks and simpler transitions between lines are designed to reduce friction in deciding to book another cruise.

But on the other hand, more people returning to cruise means higher overall demand that drives up cruise prices. It also means increased competition for the best cabins and sailings.

Royal Caribbean has already signaled that demand is strong enough to support higher pricing.

During the call, executives said bookings remain at "record prices," with limited inventory left for many sailings.

An ultra-low-cost carrier with a strong presence across major Florida airports abruptly shut down operations.

Spirit Airlines, America's eighth-largest carrier, filed for bankruptcy for the second time in August 2025, facing significant financial challenges for years. 

The airline had hoped to exit bankruptcy as a restructured airline this summer. However, a recent 80% increase in the price of jet fuel shattered those plans. 

The Trump administration recently proposed a $500 million bailout package, but a key group of creditors pushed back, CNN reported. This would have seen the government take up to a 90% equity stake in the airline. 

Consequently, Spirit began to wind down its operations on Saturday, May 2, 2026. They are the first major U.S. airline to go out of business because of financial problems in over two decades. 

The decision impacts over 17,000 workers — including thousands of Spirit employees and contractors — and leaves countless travelers stranded, scrambling to find alternative travel plans.

"We regret to inform you that all Spirit flights have been cancelled, effective immediately. Guests with previously confirmed Spirit tickets should not go to the airport... For more information about the wind-down process, please visit spiritrestructuring.com," reads a pop-up notice on the Spirit mobile app. 

(Credit: Hayley Robertson)

Spirit added that they can't help passengers rebook flights on another airline. However, they will automatically issue refunds to flyers who bought tickets directly through the airline with a credit or debit card. 

"We are proud of the impact of our ultra-low-cost model on the industry over the last 34 years and had hoped to serve our guests for many years to come," Spirit Airlines said in a statement. 

How Spirit Airlines' closure impacts cruise passengers

Spirit Airlines has long had a strong presence at major Florida airports like Orlando International Airport (MCO), Miami International Airport (MIA), and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). 

It built a large network of low-cost routes to popular cities with frequent departures, making it a go-to option for budget-conscious travelers.

Spirit's closure will likely impact thousands of cruise passengers, many of whom rely on affordable, convenient flights into Florida's major cities and cruise hubs like Port Canaveral, Port Everglades, and PortMiami. 

For example, when booking flights to MCO for a seven-night cruise from Port Canaveral, I have personally seen just how big the price gap could be. Recently, I chose Spirit over American Airlines, which wanted over $480 per person. In comparison, the round-trip Spirit Airlines flight was just $239, including a checked bag. 

For a family of four, that cost difference amounts to nearly $1,000 in savings, which could go toward add-ons like shore excursions, drink packages, specialty dining, or even a higher stateroom category. 

Not only that, but the airline's sudden closure comes as the busy summer season ramps up. Flight prices are already higher than usual thanks to the higher fuel prices caused by the war in Iran. With fewer low-cost seats available and demand for flights surging, last-minute fares will be costly.

Read more: The new rules of cruising from Orlando you need to follow

There's also a chance that Spirit’s closure will affect airfare competition across key markets in the months to come, likely leading to higher ticket prices. The industry is already highly consolidated, with four major carriers — United, American, Delta, and Southwest — controlling nearly 80% of flights available to passengers. 

Moving forward, Spirit's creditors will liquidate the airline's assets to recoup their costs. This means they will sell everything from the famed bright yellow planes to leases, gates, ground equipment, and even office furniture. 

Airline fuel costs have risen amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, making summer travel difficult for many consumers. However, Royal Caribbean noted that the higher airfare prices aren't stopping vacationers from going on cruises. 

Domestic economy ticket prices are up 21% from a year earlier to an average of $570, while premium-seat prices rose 17% to an average of $1,444 per trip, according to Airlines Reporting Corp. (ARC) data released April 16. 

CBS News also reported that airfare prices were up nearly 15% in March compared to the same time last year. Continuing, the article states that, as of April 13, the average domestic round-trip flight cost $358, up 18%, or about $55, from the same period a year ago.

Spirit Airlines is feeling the pressure, too. The ultra-low-cost carrier said they only have enough cash to continue operations for days, not weeks, according to 6abc. There had been ongoing discussions about a $500 million government bailout, but they've since stalled. 

The carrier has been struggling ever since the pandemic, and if forced to liquidate, it would become the first significant U.S. airline in over two decades to completely halt operations due to financial problems. 

Despite the troubling times for the airline industry, cruise demand has remained resilient

Would you believe it if I told you that a round-trip flight from Charlotte, North Carolina, to London, England, was around $1,700 per person on American Airlines? Despite the astronomical cost, my partner and I still have plans to travel to Europe this summer and take a five-night cruise aboard Liberty of the Seas. To us — and many other travelers right now — higher airfare is simply the reality of traveling today, whether to Florida, Texas, or beyond. 

"[W]e've seen a slight impact, obviously, because when the airfares go up, it does have an impact. [T]he great thing is we've got a phenomenal global infrastructure," explained Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, during the company's Q1 earnings call on April 30, 2026. 

"[T]he North American consumer, as we see it and as we commented in our remarks, is very strong. And at least for our customers in terms of where their balance sheets are, where their level of employment is..., and their propensity to vacation and their propensity to cruise with us is, is really... at the highest levels that we have seen in the past," Jason Liberty, CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, added. 

Certain external factors did create short-term hesitation, particularly when it came to European cruises and longer-haul flights; however, demand quickly stabilized. 

"In recent weeks, bookings for Mediterranean itineraries have been rebounding for the limited remaining inventory," the company said in its press release. 

The company had a strong first quarter, too, despite all the ups and downs, reporting total revenue of $4.5 billion, an 11% increase year over year, along with net income of $0.9 billion.

Hassle of airport travel

According to Liberty, the issues go far beyond the cost of airfare itself. Instead, it is more about the growing frustration travelers associate with the overall airport experience, ranging from hectic security lines to flight delays and cancellations. 

However, those who don't want to deal with major airports can choose to drive to cruise ports, which adds a layer of flexibility and convenience that benefits the cruise industry.

For example, those driving from the Atlanta area to Fort Lauderdale or Miami during the government shutdown didn't have to worry about traveling through the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), where, according to ABC News, some travelers faced TSA security lines stretching up to four hours in late March.

Orlando International Airport (MCO), which is already a hectic airport due to its proximity to the major theme parks in Florida, also experienced longer-than-usual lines, further highlighting the appeal and convenience of skipping the airport altogether and driving to the cruise port instead. 

"[A]s you can see in our, in our first quarter results... while we saw some of that [hesitation]... we also saw the consumer break through on that, and we saw a little bit more of our drivable markets kind of lift up," Liberty added. 

Read more: Fly in same day? Why it's a mistake to fly the same day as your cruise

Vacations are still a top priority, and cruises remain one of the best bangs for your buck

Although factors like rising airfare costs, reduced airline capacity, and flight disruptions created initial hesitation among travelers, they haven't derailed the broader desire to vacation.

"Travel remains a priority for consumers, with guests becoming more selective and value-focused in how and where they choose to travel," said Naftali Holtz, Chief Financial Officer, Royal Caribbean Group.

"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."

"Our performance reflects consistently strong execution by our teams and the compelling value proposition and differentiated experiences our brands offer consumers who continue to prioritize experiences," Liberty added. 

That shift toward value and differentiated experience plays directly into cruising's strengths, which helps to sustain demand as broader travel challenges persist globally. 

Read more: I always do 6 things before I book a cruise if I have to fly there

Hundreds of guests who had been looking forward to their perfect day at the Royal Beach Club in Nassau were disappointed when they arrived to find alcohol sales had been banned for the day.

Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is the newest addition to the cruise line's private destination portfolio. It's got everything from dreamy stretches of beaches to resort-style pools, diverse dining options, private cabanas, and more. 

Admission isn't included in the cost of your cruise fare. There are multiple types of day passes available for purchase, including those that include unlimited alcoholic beverages (since drink packages and Diamond vouchers don't work at the club). 

The open bar day pass with unlimited alcoholic beverages and dining starts at around $170 per person, before any pre-cruise discounts through the Cruise Planner. Comparatively, the base price for the non-alcoholic day pass starts at around $130 for guests 13+.

(Credit: @disneysherpas / TikTok)

However, on Thursday, April 30, the pricier pass was essentially useless as alcohol service was suspended for the entire day due to the ongoing national elections.

"Pursuant to section 99 of the Parliamentary Elections Act (Chapter 7), the Parliamentary Commissioner hereby informs the general public that all licenses issued under the provisions of the Business Licence Act (No. 25 of 2010) for the sale of any intoxicating liquour shall be suspended during the hours of the day on which a poll is being held for a general election (including the Advanced Poll)," reads a public notice issued by the Commonwealth of The Bahamas' Ministry of National Security. 

The dates and hours included on the public notice are Thursday, April 30, and Tuesday, May 12, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. 

(Credit: BIS Bahamas / Facebook)

"...[A]ny person selling or exposing or offering for sale any intoxicating liquor during such hours shall be deemed doing so while not holding a licence under the provisions of the Business Licence Act," the notice continues. 

Guests flocked to social media to express their frustration, with many questioning why they weren’t notified in advance.

"We are at Royal Caribbean's Royal Beach Club today and they can't serve alcohol because of the local election!!! Needless to say it's a very quiet day," wrote @disneysherpas on TikTok. 

"We're on Allure right now too. What an experience this morning was lol. Crazy part is nobody told us until we got into [the Royal Beach Club]. Our cabana attendant was the first to mention it. Thought he was joking. He was indeed not joking lol," commented one TikTok user. 

Someone else added, "Currently on allure and this was the most quiet I've ever seen Nassau."

Allure of the Seas, an Oasis Class ship measuring 225,282 gross tons, was the only Royal Caribbean vessel in port on April 30, according to Nassau Cruise Port.

She departed from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on a three-night cruise to The Bahamas (Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay) on April 29. Allure is expected to return to Florida on Saturday, May 2, per Cruise Mapper. 

Full refunds offered

In response to the unexpected disruption, Royal Caribbean provided full refunds to guests who had purchased the alcoholic passes.

"Earlier today, we were informed of a public notice issued by the Ministry of National Security in The Bahamas that prohibits the distribution of alcohol during national elections where advanced polling stations are located," the letter given to impacted passengers begins.

It continues, "As a result, alcoholic beverages could not be served during your visit [to the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island] due to this nationwide restriction that applies throughout The Bahamas... While this may not have matched your expectations, especially while enjoying your day ashore, guests continued to have full access to the beach, amenities, and all other aspects of the Royal Beach Club experience during the stay." 

As such, the cruise line issued automatic refunds in the form of Onboard Credit to guests, with no action required on their part.

The credits can be used anywhere onboard, with remaining funds being refunded to the card on file within 14 business days after final debarkation. 

Alcohol won't be served at the Royal Beach Club on May 12, either

According to the public notice, Royal Caribbean is not permitted to distribute alcohol on May 12, since it is a general election day in The Bahamas. 

Consequently, guests visiting the Royal Beach Club on May 12 should expect similar restrictions, with alcohol service suspended during the election window. 

According to Cruise Mapper, there's just one Royal Caribbean ship expected to dock in Nassau that day: Utopia of the Seas. MSC Seaside and Caribbean Princess will also be in the Bahamian capital, but guests cannot visit the private Royal Caribbean beach club. 

Read more: I visited Royal Caribbean's Royal Beach Club Paradise Island. The heated pools and all-inclusive pass fixed a long-standing problem

We have our first hint how big Royal Caribbean's new Discovery Class cruise ships will be.

The cruise line announced in January that it will build a new kind of cruise ship, but provided very little detail about it.

What we do know is Royal Caribbean had been planning the Discovery Class as a replacement for its smaller, aging ships, but the exact size was a mystery.

While Royal Caribbean hasn't made any further official announcements regarding anything about these new ships, their filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission provides a glimpse of what we can expect.

A big ship that isn't as big as others

According to Royal Caribbean Group's form 10-Q filing with the SEC, we now know the passenger count for the Discovery Class ships.

Because Royal Caribbean Group is a publicly traded company and new cruise ships are financed and are quite expensive, they have to disclose certain details to investors. It outlines their debt commitments, so investors can get a better sense of the company's financial state.

In their filings, Royal Caribbean Group lists two unnamed Discovery Class ships on the order books at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard with an approximate passenger count (berths) of 4,300.

This appears to be the ship's double occupancy limit, as the other berths listed for unbuilt Icon and Oasis Class ships reflect their respective double occupancy limit, as opposed to the maximum limit.

Legend of the Seas is listed at approximately 5,600 on the SEC filing.  We already know that ship's exact limit is 5,610, but it could go up to 7,600 when you add in every possible third, fourth, or fifth passenger into a cabin.

Where Discovery Class fits

To put this in perspective, the passenger count makes this ship have roughly the same capacity as a Quantum Class ship.

For comparison:

• Icon Class ships carry over 5,600 passengers at double occupancy
• Oasis Class ships accommodate around 5,400 passengers
• Quantum Class ships come in closer to 4,100 passengers
• Freedom Class ships carry roughly 3,900 passengers

Odyssey of the Seas, which launched in 2021, accommodates 4,198 guests at double occupancy and up to 5,510 at maximum capacity.

Freedom of the Seas is a bit smaller, with a passenger capacity of 3,926 guests at double occupancy and up to 4,515 at maximum capacity.

The filing also says the first ship will be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2029.  Keep in mind delivery date and first sailing aren't the same thing.

When a new cruise ship is delivered, it means it's construction is complete.  But the ship still needs to be furnished, incorporate crew members, and generally prepare the ship.

When Icon of the Seas debuted, it went to Spain for a few weeks to provision the ship, before heading to Puerto Rico to load up all the crew members.  There were then a series of preview sailings leading up to the inaugural voyage.  

The first ship in any class will always require more prep time.

When the second Discovery Class ship launches, it will be ready in the second quarter of 2032.

This filing doesn't tell the whole story

One thing to keep in mind is filings with the SEC are estimates, and it's not the total picture of what this ship will be.

When the Icon Class first was announced, Royal Caribbean didn't market it as the new biggest ship in the world. In fact, SEC filings made it seem to be larger than a Quantum Class but smaller than an Oasis Class.

However, the design of the ship later revealed a different reality.

Moreover, we still don't have any indication on what a Discovery Class ship would look like, or other key features.

The one thing this SEC filing does confirm is that it won't be a very small ship by Royal Caribbean standards.

In 2024, Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty talked about how its smaller vessels are becoming outdated.

"We're looking at smaller ships that will replace some of those older ships," Liberty said, touching on the cruise line's next project.

That lead some to assume the Discovery Class could be roughly the same size or capacity as an aging Vision Class ship, which are approaching 30 years in age.

What we still don’t know

While the new SEC filing tells us more than we knew before, there are still many unanswered questions for these new ships.

Royal Caribbean has not yet confirmed:

• Gross tonnage
• Ship length or design specifics
• Onboard features or neighborhood concepts
• Launch timeline beyond initial order announcements

The company has only said that Discovery Class will be a new platform, suggesting it won't simply be a scaled-down version of existing ships.

Royal Caribbean is ready to build its massive new private destination in Mexico.

Although still over a year from its grand opening, construction plans are moving right along for Royal Caribbean's newest private destination in the Caribbean. 

Perfect Day Mexico is the cruise line's next-gen private destination that's designed to build on the success of its existing Perfect Day at CocoCay experience in The Bahamas. 

Once completed, it — along with the Royal Beach Club Cozumel — will expand Royal Caribbean's private portfolio in the Western Caribbean. 

The immersive resort-like destination will feature private beaches, pools, and thrilling attractions tailored for all types of travelers. 

Michael Bayley, Royal Caribbean International's President and CEO, provided an update during the company's recent Q1 earnings call on April 30, 2026. He emphasized that both projects are progressing and will open in late 2027 and 2028. 

"[W]e'll be having a soft opening in Q4 '27 [and] as we move into '28, we'll be fully opening the whole experience, which is, you know, in many ways very similar to often how we open up big attractions or big events or new ships, for example," he explained. 

This is a reassuring update, as the cruise line faced a small hiccup earlier as it battled with environmental groups in the area. However, they're now continuing on track with support from the local government, and any concerns of a delay related to environmental paperwork have been taken care of, according to Bayley. 

He added that they will have the "biggest, best, most attractive destination experience for that whole Gulf region." 

"The project is really exciting. I mean, I think what we've got planned is epic in its nature. It's really going to be a stunning experience."

"We're expecting to own the Texas market"

Enhancing their Western Caribbean offerings isn't a random decision. With the addition of Perfect Day Mexico and Royal Beach Club Cozumel, Royal Caribbean plans on "owning" the Texas market with sailings out of Galveston. 

"[I]f you look at the opportunity that exists in Texas, it's a market which is much larger than Florida, and its penetration rate is much lower than Florida. So we're expecting to... own the Texas market as it relates to cruising," Bayley remarked. 

"It's also increasing a catchment area for the drivable market. And it's also going to unlock... more potential in the West, you know, really kind of west of the Mississippi, as the cost... to get to Houston and so forth is less than other parts of the country. So we're super excited about it," Jason Liberty, CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, chimed in.

That push didn’t start overnight. The foundation was laid back in 2022, when Royal Caribbean opened its $125 million cruise terminal in Galveston and homeported an Oasis Class ship in the Gulf for the first time. 

Most recently, the cruise line announced that it is finally deploying an Icon Class vessel to Galveston in 2027. Measuring around 248,000 gross tons, Icon of the Seas is one of the world's largest cruise ships and is essentially a massive floating resort that's packed with distinctive neighborhoods, entertainment venues, and innovative amenities designed for all ages.

When you combine a ship of that scale and popularity with exclusive, purpose-built destinations like Perfect Day Mexico, the result is a highly integrated vacation experience. 

Read more: Texas is about to be home to one of the world's largest cruise ships

In other words, guests can enjoy everything that comes with sailing aboard a mega-ship, then step directly into private, curated beach and resort environments ashore.

Icon is expected to embark on her first-ever sailing from Galveston in August 2027. She's slated to remain in The Lone Star State through at least April 2028, offering six- to eight-night voyages. 

Perfect Day Mexico will be Royal Caribbean's biggest land project to date

Located at what's now Costa Maya, Mexico, the massive cruise port will be redeveloped into a private island paradise. Like Perfect Day at CocoCay, admission to Perfect Day Mexico will be included in your cruise fare, ensuring that you have access to the stunning beaches and world's longest lazy river at no extra cost. 

That said, there will be opportunities to splurge on add-ons like private cabanas, the water park, upscale beach club, lively adults-only area, excursions, and more. 

Speaking of the water park, The Loco Waterpark will span 15 acres — roughly three times the size of Thrill Waterpark in The Bahamas — and have over two dozen slides across five towers. 

Additionally, El Hideaway, the optional adults-only retreat, will be a massive upgrade from Hideaway Beach, with a 50,000 ft² pool, swim-up bars, live DJ entertainment, the world's largest bottle of tequila, and more. For comparison, the adults-only pool at CocoCay's Hideaway Beach is just 17,000 ft².

I'd be remiss not to mention Chill Beach, the complimentary two-mile stretch of beach available to all cruisers. And of course, guests can expect tons of tasty dining options — ranging from sit-down restaurants to quick-service venues. 

Read more: Guide to Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas

Despite their nearly two-decade reign as the builders of the world's largest cruise ships, Royal Caribbean doesn't think the future of cruising is based solely on going bigger and bolder. 

That might seem hard to believe with ships like Icon of the Seas, Star of the Seas, and Legend of the Seas — not to mention the cruise line's recent order for sixth and seventh Icon Class vessels — but the key to building lasting loyalty goes far beyond sheer size. 

Today's cruisers are drawn to brands they not only trust, but also ones that make their vacation experience better before even setting foot on board. 

Jason Liberty, CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, acknowledged this during the company's Q1 earnings call on April 30, 2026, stating that technology and artificial intelligence (AI) have shaped the way they operate — and how guests experience their vacations.

"Disruptive technology and AI have been embedded in our business for years, particularly in the areas that require complex, real-time decision making at scale," Liberty explained. 

"As these technologies advance rapidly, we are continually discovering new ways to accelerate their integration throughout our ecosystem, making it easier for us to deliver amazing experiences and for guests to keep vacationing with us across our digital booking channels."

For starters, they've noticed that guest engagement has undergone a fundamental shift since 2019, highlighting a growing preference for digital interactions. 

Liberty continued, "Digital penetration of bookings has more than doubled [since 2019], with most of that growth coming through our app. Monthly active users for the app are five times higher than 2019 levels, with adoption over 90% confirming mobile as a way guests increasingly plan and manage their vacation."

More than half of the company's onboard revenue is booked before embarkation day, with the vast majority of pre-cruise purchases made digitally. 

As such, guests are engaging earlier, planning more intentionally, and personalizing their vacations in ways that weren't possible years ago. 

"Our focus is on a unified intelligence layer that delivers seamless, relevant experiences and supports meaningful enhancements throughout the vacation journey, from dreaming and booking to onboard experiences and service to post-cruise engagement. What differentiates us in this space is not access to tools, but the combination of a deep understanding of our guests," said Liberty. 

They don't plan on scaling back, either

According to Liberty, the way they're using AI is highly intentional, ensuring that they can measure performance and react to guest feedback. 

As an example, the cruise line's yield management models are AI-based. In other words, the programs study close-in demand, how it's marketed, and how the company prices it. 

Not only that, but through predictive modeling, Royal Caribbean has been able to reduce food waste by around 50% and even forecast demand, Fortune reported. They can, for instance, predict how many hamburgers should be cooked every 15 minutes. 

They also believe that AI makes the cruise planning process seamless and more personal to reduce friction, improve the experience, and present relevant options of value to the guests. 

On a similar note, AI isn't meant to replace the hard work that employees invest in shaping the guest experience. When used correctly, it is a tool that can make their workplace experience better and provide even more value — both for employees and consumers.

"We are in the early innings [of AI], and as we develop the capabilities further, it reinforces a flywheel that compounds over time. We also continue to make meaningful progress and other strategic initiatives," he added during the Q1 earnings call.

Read more: Royal Caribbean's AI push helps explain why cruises cost more

Competing with Disney World

Instead of viewing other cruise lines, such as Carnival, Norwegian, or MSC, as its competition, Royal Caribbean has increasingly positioned itself against land-based vacation giants, such as Orlando, Florida; Las Vegas, Nevada; and the dozens of all-inclusive resorts scattered throughout the Caribbean. 

"Our performance reflects consistently strong execution by our teams and the compelling value proposition and differentiated experiences our brands offer consumers who continue to prioritize experiences," Liberty remarked. 

"The consumer backdrop remains healthy, and demand for our vacation experiences continued to be strong across our portfolio."

Read more: I spent two days in Disneyland Paris, and it reminded me how much better cruises are

The Iran war and violence in Mexico hasn't stopped people's desire to go on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Royal Caribbean Group released its first quarter financial results, and they say demand for its cruises is still going strong.

In its earnings report, the company made clear that while external factors created some short-term hesitation among travelers, the broader trend hasn't changed. Their bookings show people are still prioritizing cruise vacations, and reservations are now running ahead of where they were at the same time last year.

"Demand for our experiences continues to be strong," said Jason Liberty, Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group. "We expect another year of double-digit revenue and earnings growth, driven by consumers’ preference for our leading brands and expanding portfolio."

Royal Caribbean reported total revenue of $4.5 billion, an 11% increase year over year, along with net income of $0.9 billion.

Adjusted earnings per share came in at $3.60, beating the company’s previous guidance thanks to higher revenue, lower costs, and better performance from joint ventures.

The results show that despite the geopolitical issues of the last few months, cruise demand is quite resilient.

A brief slowdown, followed by a quick rebound

Royal Caribbean said bookings started out the quarter tracking at an "exceptionally strong trajectory," particularly for high-demand European sailings. 

But that momentum hit a temporary speed bump late in the quarter.

"Bookings for high-yielding Mediterranean itineraries… moderated following recent geopolitical developments late in the first quarter," the company said in its press release.

Royal Caribbean Group saw the slowdown in both Europe and itineraries along the West Coast of Mexico, tied to "geopolitical-related considerations specific to that region."

Several factors contributed to the hesitation, including rising airfare costs, reduced airline capacity, and flight disruptions.

However, those slowdowns were both short-lived.

"In recent weeks, bookings for Mediterranean itineraries have been rebounding for the limited remaining inventory," the company said.

They reported bookings in April were once again exceeding the same period last year, signaling whatever hesitation was in the market quickly disappeared.

Optimistic, despite challenges

Royal Caribbean Group sees growth, even with global factors that could continue to influence demand in certain regions.

The second and third quarters, in particular, may feel more impact from the earlier slowdown in Mediterranean bookings, since those sailings make up a larger portion of deployment during that time.

At the same time, rising fuel costs are expected to increase expenses, which could put pressure on pricing or margins.

Still, the company’s overall outlook remains positive.

"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," Liberty said.

Vacations are still a top priority

Even with global uncertainty, Royal Caribbean says consumer behavior hasn’t fundamentally changed.

"Travel remains a priority for consumers, with guests becoming more selective and value-focused in how and where they choose to travel," said Naftali Holtz, the company’s Chief Financial Officer.

"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," Holtz added.

Royal Caribbean’s results appear to back that up. The company carried 2.5 million guests in the first quarter, a 12% increase compared to the same period last year, while capacity rose 8%.

Ships sailed very full in the quarter, with load factors of 109%. An occupancy level above 100% means cabins had more than two people booked in that room.

Royal Caribbean said its “booked position enjoys record prices with volumes within historical ranges,” a sign that strong demand is allowing the company to hold firm on fares.

Even after the temporary dip in bookings, that pricing strength hasn’t weakened.

During April, the company said bookings "continued to exceed the same period last year, including continued strength in close-in bookings."

Royal Caribbean said its yield growth in the first quarter "exceeded the company’s guidance mainly due to higher pricing across key products driven by strong close-in demand and onboard revenue."

In other words, not only are more people booking cruises, but they’re also willing to pay more, even when booking later.

Guests are spending more onboard

Not only are bookings up, but people are spending extra on all of those add-ons, such as drink packages, Wi-Fi, and more.

"Onboard revenue trends remain strong, with onboard spending continuing to exceed prior-year levels," the company said.

Royal Caribbean Group says the combination of increased demand for onboard and destination experiences, as well as an expansion of what’s available to purchase, have contributed to this increase in buying cruise add-ons.

"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," the press release said.

Another reason is Royal Caribbean is getting better at matching people to the things they truly want.

"These trends are also supported by more effective and targeted engagement, ensuring the right experiences are matched with the right guests."

Port Canaveral is home to some of the world's newest and largest cruise ships, including Star of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas. However, it's not necessarily the most convenient port for travelers. 

The closest major airport, Orlando International Airport (MCO), is roughly 45 miles from Port Canaveral. In comparison, PortMiami is around eight miles from the Miami International Airport (MIA), and Port Everglades is less than five miles from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). 

Rideshares like Uber or Lyft to Port Canaveral are available, but the price is not consistent and varies depending on traffic and demand. As such, it is not uncommon to see fares as expensive as $70 to $100 for a one-way ride.

Recently, my partner and I decided to try out Airport Canaveral's shuttle service from MCO to Port Canaveral. Since we were not traveling with a large group, we didn’t want to risk spending hundreds of dollars on transportation to and from our cruise ship in Port Canaveral. 

Plus, having pre-arranged transportation meant we wouldn't have any long wait times while the app searched for an available driver willing to deal with traffic. 

We booked our round-trip transportation on the Airport Canaveral website for $64.90 per person, including the airport entry fee, tolls, and optional cancellation insurance, coming out to $32.45 per person, per day. 

Overall, I was pleased with Airport Canaveral and would consider using their shuttle service to Port Canaveral in the future. The van was comfortable, and we had no issues locating the check-in area at the airport or cruise terminal. 

Good instructions and easy-to-locate check-in area

After booking, I received a detailed email with instructions on where to meet the check-in agent at the airport and cruise terminal. 

Since my partner and I arrived the night before and enjoyed a comfortable pre-cruise stay at the Hilton Garden Inn Orlando Airport, we followed the instructions for passengers not arriving by flight. 

After being dropped off at the airport, we headed to Terminal A, Level 1, Spot 27 — conveniently just a short walk from where the hotel shuttle let us off.

During booking, I selected the 11:30 a.m. shuttle, which was different from our experience with Go Port last year, when passengers were assigned a boarding number on a first-come, first-served basis.

Instead, we checked in with the easy-to-find agent wearing a bright blue Airport Canaveral shirt, who verified our ship information and told us to wait for our vehicle to arrive. 

Airport Canaveral caters to multiple cruise lines, meaning passengers on their shuttles could be cruising with Royal Caribbean, Carnival, or Celebrity. Because of this, it’s important to confirm that the agents have your ship details to ensure that you are dropped off at the correct terminal.

Our departure was slightly delayed because another Airport Canaveral van was waiting on a few stragglers, leaving no room for ours to pull in and park. However, we were en route to Port Canaveral by 11:45 a.m.

Read more: Port Canaveral set yearly records for cruise passengers

Quick boarding process and smooth ride

Airport Canaveral doesn't use massive shuttle buses to transport cruisers. Instead, they use comfortable passenger vans that feel more like a private transfer. This was nice because we didn’t have to wait around for a coach bus to load dozens of passengers.

Note that the vans don't have restroom facilities available. As such, you'll want to use the airport restrooms before boarding since the ride to Port Canaveral can take an hour or more, depending on traffic. 

The ride itself was fine. We hit a little bit of traffic. However, we were at Port Canaveral before we knew it, making a few stops at other ships before finally arriving at our terminal around 1:20 p.m. 

Porters were available as soon as we got out of the van, so we didn't have to wheel our suitcases around. This was convenient and saved time, allowing us to quickly head inside and begin our long-awaited vacation. 

Locating the van after disembarking was just easy

Airport Canaveral's shuttles to MCO begin at around 8:00 a.m. We walked off the ship with our bags to catch the first shuttle since we had a post-cruise trip to Universal Studios planned and didn't want to waste valuable park time. 

The check-in kiosk was close to where the van had dropped us off one week earlier. Detailed instructions for each cruise terminal were sent via email. For us, we crossed the street into the parking garage and found the small blue podium near parking spot #25. 

We checked in around 7:45 a.m. and stood around for a few minutes as we waited for the van to arrive and fill up with passengers.

We also made a quick stop at another cruise terminal before heading back to MCO. This return trip was shorter thanks to lighter traffic and fewer stops along the way.

Overall, I was pleased with the Airport Canaveral shuttle service and would book them again

For us, Airport Canaveral was a great decision. Everything — from the booking process to the final drop-off — was seamless and with minimal hiccups. 

That said, I understand why larger families might be hesitant to pay for Airport Canaveral since it would cost around $260 for a round-trip service. 

In my opinion, I think that the convenience is worth the cost, especially since you do not have to worry about booking a larger rideshare to fit everyone's suitcases. You also get to bypass the regular car lines in the Port Canaveral terminal area. 

Read more: Port Canaveral is working on a fix to Royal Caribbean cruise parking that has annoyed passengers

Royal Caribbean is working on developing its next food hall, and it's asking cruisers for opinions.

A survey was sent to select cruisers to ask them which food type they'd be interested in seeing a "food hall style" venue.

Almost certainly that refers to the Aquadome Market restaurant, which is a complimentary food hall that is found on Icon Class ships. Since we already know the food hall lineup for Legend of the Seas, it's possible these questions are for Hero of the Seas.

The choices aren't exotic or over-the-top. Instead, they focus on familiar, quick bites like paninis, cheesesteaks, and classic deli sandwiches.

Here's what Royal Caribbean is considering for its next food hall.

Sandwiches and wraps

Thanks to Stelli from La Floating Adventures, we have an idea of potential additions to a future food hall menu.

Royal Caribbean loves to conduct a lot of guest surveys to better understand what its guests are looking for.  They send out surveys regularly to many cruisers to get a sense of what their customer base is interested in (and not interested in).

It's important to note that a survey is not an announcement or confirmation, and merely the cruise line gauging interest. 

Still, it offers a rare look at how Royal Caribbean tests ideas behind the scenes, and how much influence passengers might actually have on what gets added onboard.

The survey asks, "Please select the type of food that you would be MOST likely to eat and LEAST likely to eat at a food hall style venue on a cruise ship."

Here are the options listed on the survey:

• Pesto tomato panini
• Philly cheesesteak
• Grilled cheese
• Chicken salad wrap
• Rueben sandwich
• Bacon grilled cheese
• Pretzel bites

Based on these choices, it appears one food hall could be leaning in a wrap or sandwich direction.

The theme is simple and recognizable comfort food, not specialty or fancy dining.

Thus far, the Aquadome Market has featured a series of individual food stalls with a specific cuisine offered. This specific survey could refer to one idea Royal Caribbean is considering.

The first Aquadome Market debuted on Icon of the Seas, and it's since become a fan-favorite spot. The beauty of this restaurant is it's included in your cruise fare and stays open late.

When Legend of the Seas debuts this summer, it will have five new options:

• Seoulmate: Korean rice bowls
• La Espanola: Spanish-style bites
• Cajun kitchen: New Orleans gumbo
• Adobo: Mexican street tacos
• Simply Pressed: Fresh smoothies & juices
• Creme de la Crepe: Sweet French crepes (returning option)

Food halls have been successful because they solve crowding issues and alleviate demand on the Windjammer marketplace buffet or other more traditional quick service venues on Royal Caribbean ships.

It's also possible this survey is looking for food options to replace a food hall that's currently on an existing ship.  Royal Caribbean is never one to shy away from trying to improve what it's already doing well and make it even better.

Rotating food hall options

If we're assuming this survey is for Hero of the Seas, which debuts in 2027, there's one big change to the food hall on this ship that's coming.

Royal Caribbean's Senior Vice President of Food & Beverage, Linken D'Souza revealed that while the Aquadome Market will have new food cuisine choices on Hero, they'll periodically change.

"We will always debut with five really well- tested concepts, but we're also going to design the stalls to no longer be so specific to a cuisine so that we can start to bring in different ideas and test it with guests as time goes on," he said in a recorded interview.

Even if some of the options from this survey make it to a ship in the future, it's possible it might be a limited-time offering.

Would you actually want these on your cruise?

Since I didn't get this survey, I've got my own thoughts on which foods I would pick.

I love the idea of sandwiches being a food hall idea.  I've always wanted a sub shop on a cruise, so this is in that general direction.

If I picked, I would choose the Reuben sandwich as my top pick and the grilled cheese as my least favorite.  

I love Reuben sandwiches because they are a classic delicatessen option and one of my favorite indulgences.

The problem with grilled cheese is not only is it simple, but it's been done before on Royal Caribbean. You can get a grilled cheese at Johnny Rockets, Park Cafe, and possibly other venues already.  I want any food hall option to go beyond what we currently have.

Let me know in the comments below which of these options you would select!