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Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.: Q4 FY2025 earnings call

What management said about Q4 FY2025, from the documents filed with the SEC on 29 January 2026: press release. Guidance figures: 1 raised, 19 new, 2 kept. The quarter’s numbers.

Key takeaways

  • Full-year Adjusted EPS came in at $15.64: Full-year Adjusted EPS was $15.64 and diluted EPS $15.61. The prior release gave a 2025 Adjusted EPS range of $15.58 to $15.63. Source
  • Fourth-quarter Adjusted EPS rose to $2.80: Fourth-quarter Adjusted EPS was $2.80 against $1.63 a year earlier. Diluted EPS was $2.76 against $2.02. Source
  • Fourth-quarter Net Yields up 3.1%: Fourth-quarter Net Yields rose 3.1% as-reported and 2.5% in Constant Currency. Gross Margin Yields rose 9.2% as-reported. Source
  • Fourth-quarter costs per APCD fell: Net cruise costs excluding fuel per APCD fell 5.8% as-reported and 6.3% in Constant Currency. Gross Cruise Costs per APCD fell 4.5%. Source
  • Two-thirds of 2026 capacity booked: About two-thirds of 2026 capacity is booked at record rates, within historical ranges. Close-in bookings remain elevated. Source
  • Discovery Class ships ordered: Agreements with Chantiers de l'Atlantique cover two firm Discovery Class orders with options for four more. First debut 2029, second delivery 2032. Source
  • 2026 Adjusted EPS guided to $17.70-$18.10: Full-year 2026 Adjusted EPS is guided to $17.70 to $18.10, a 23% CAGR over the first two years of Perfecta. Source
  • First-quarter Adjusted EPS guided: First-quarter 2026 Adjusted EPS is guided to $3.18 to $3.28, with Net Yields guided at 2.4% to 2.9% as-reported. Source
  • Capacity rises 6.7% in 2026: Capacity for 2026 is expected to change 6.7% versus 2025, up from 6% in the prior release. Growth for 2026 is expected to be double-digit. Source

“2025 was an outstanding year, and the momentum is further accelerating into 2026,”

Jason Liberty, Chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group

Guidance

AreaPeriodFigureAgainst last quarter
Net Yields SourceFull year 20262.1% to 4.1% as-reported; 1.5% to 3.5% in Constant CurrencyNew
Net Cruise Costs per APCD SourceFull year 2026(0.3%) to 0.7% as-reported; (0.6%) to 0.4% in Constant CurrencyNew
Net Cruise Costs per APCD excluding fuel SourceFull year 20260.4% to 1.4% as-reported; 0.0% to 1.0% in Constant CurrencyNew
Adjusted EPS SourceFull year 2026$17.70 to $18.10
Adjusted EPS growth SourceFull year 2026Double-digit growth in revenue and Adjusted EPSNew
Adjusted EPS CAGR SourceFirst two years of Perfecta23%New
Capacity change SourceFull year 20266.7%Raised from 6%
Capacity change SourceFull year 20274%Kept
Capacity change SourceFull year 20286%Kept
Capacity change SourceFull year 20297%New
APCDs SourceFull year 202656.9 millionNew
Depreciation and amortization SourceFull year 2026$1,890 to $1,900 millionNew
Net interest, excluding loss on extinguishment of debt SourceFull year 2026$990 to $1,000 millionNew
Fuel expense and consumption SourceFull year 2026$1,173 million expense; 1,762,000 metric tons; 60.0% hedgedNew
Capital expenditures SourceFull year 2026Approximately $5 billionNew
Non-new ship capital expenditures SourceFull year 2026$1.8 billionNew
Sensitivity: 1% change in Net Yields SourceFull year 2026$156 millionNew
Net Yields SourceFirst quarter 20262.4% to 2.9% as-reported; 1.0% to 1.5% in Constant CurrencyNew
Net Cruise Costs per APCD excluding fuel SourceFirst quarter 20261.7% to 2.2% as-reported; 0.9% to 1.4% in Constant CurrencyNew
Net Cruise Costs per APCD SourceFirst quarter 20260.2% to 0.7% as-reported; (0.5%) to 0.0% in Constant CurrencyNew
Adjusted EPS SourceFirst quarter 2026$3.18 to $3.28New
Fuel expense and consumption SourceFirst quarter 2026$275 million; 436,000 metric tons; 66% hedgedNew
Capacity SourceFirst quarter 202613.7 million APCDs; 8.5% capacity changeNew

What changed from last quarter

  • New guidance: First full-year 2026 Adjusted EPS range issued at $17.70 to $18.10, after the prior release described a $17 handle. Source
  • New guidance: First-quarter 2026 guidance issued, covering Net Yields, net cruise costs and Adjusted EPS of $3.18 to $3.28. Source
  • Guidance raised: Capacity change for 2026 raised to 6.7% from the 6% given in the prior release. Source
  • Guidance kept: Capacity change guidance for 2027 and 2028 unchanged at 4% and 6%. Source
  • New guidance: Capacity change for 2029 given at 7%, a year not covered in the prior release. Source
  • New: Agreements with Chantiers de l'Atlantique for Discovery Class ships, with the first debut in 2029. Source
  • New: Celebrity River Cruises to add 10 ships, bringing the river fleet to 20 vessels by 2031. Source
  • New: Fleet count now 69 ships, up from 68 in the prior release. Source
  • New: Jason Liberty's title given as Chairman and CEO; the prior release gave President and CEO. Source
  • New: Completed the prior $1 billion repurchase program; $1.8 billion remains under the current authorization. Source
  • New: Five new exclusive destinations to launch by 2028, as described by management. Source

Full-year and fourth-quarter results

  • Full-year Adjusted EPS came in at $15.64: Full-year Adjusted EPS was $15.64 and diluted EPS $15.61. The prior release gave a 2025 Adjusted EPS range of $15.58 to $15.63. Source
  • Fourth-quarter Adjusted EPS rose to $2.80: Fourth-quarter Adjusted EPS was $2.80 against $1.63 a year earlier. Diluted EPS was $2.76 against $2.02. Source
  • Joint ventures cited as a driver: The company attributed results above its guidance mainly to revenue and joint venture performance. Equity investment income was $414 million for the year against $260 million. Source
  • Revenue and Adjusted EBITDA totals: Fourth-quarter total revenues were $4.3 billion and Adjusted EBITDA $1.5 billion. Full-year figures were $17.9 billion and $7.0 billion. Source
  • Passengers and cruise days higher: Fourth-quarter passengers carried were 2,484,241 against 2,159,429. Passenger cruise days were 15,116,254 against 13,678,795. Source

Yields, onboard spend and margins

  • Fourth-quarter Net Yields up 3.1%: Fourth-quarter Net Yields rose 3.1% as-reported and 2.5% in Constant Currency. Gross Margin Yields rose 9.2% as-reported. Source
  • Full-year Net Yields up 3.8%: Full-year Net Yields rose 3.8% as-reported and 3.7% in Constant Currency. Gross Margin Yields rose 8.5% as-reported. Source
  • Onboard spend exceeds prior years: Guest spending onboard and pre-cruise purchases continue above prior years, with greater participation at higher prices. Source
  • Adjusted EBITDA margin rose: Fourth-quarter Adjusted EBITDA margin was 34.8% against 29.2%. Full-year margin was 39.2% against 36.2%. Source

“We continue to see net yield growth for key products, including the Caribbean, as our investments continue to differentiate us and strengthen our leadership in the region”

Naftali Holtz, Chief Financial Officer, Royal Caribbean Group

Costs and fuel

  • Fourth-quarter costs per APCD fell: Net cruise costs excluding fuel per APCD fell 5.8% as-reported and 6.3% in Constant Currency. Gross Cruise Costs per APCD fell 4.5%. Source
  • Fourth-quarter fuel price and volume: Fourth-quarter bunker pricing net of hedging was $667 per metric ton on 439,000 metric tons consumed. Fuel expense was $293 million. Source
  • Hedge cost for 2026 fuel: The hedge portfolio's average cost is about $474 per metric ton for 2026, $393 for 2027 and $416 for 2028. Source

Demand and bookings

  • Two-thirds of 2026 capacity booked: About two-thirds of 2026 capacity is booked at record rates, within historical ranges. Close-in bookings remain elevated. Source
  • Highest booking weeks on record: Cyber Sales and the start of WAVE season produced the highest seven booking weeks in company history. Source
  • Pre-cruise onboard purchasing grew: Nearly 50% of 2025 onboard revenue was booked pre-cruise, 90% of purchases through digital channels. The 2026 pre-cruise share is up year over year. Source

“We are shaping the future by further investing in game-changing vacation experiences.”

Jason Liberty, Chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group

New ships, destinations and fleet

  • Discovery Class ships ordered: Agreements with Chantiers de l'Atlantique cover two firm Discovery Class orders with options for four more. First debut 2029, second delivery 2032. Source
  • Celebrity River fleet to 20 ships: Celebrity River Cruises will launch in 2027. Ten new ships will expand the river fleet to 20 vessels by 2031. Source
  • Five new exclusive destinations by 2028: Management said five new exclusive destinations launch by 2028, which it expects to strengthen long-term growth. Source
  • Fleet now 69 ships: The company operates 69 ships, up from 68 in the prior release. Source
  • Legend of the Seas delivery in Q2: Delivery of Legend of the Seas is expected in the second quarter of 2026, with committed financing in place. Source

Capital, liquidity and shareholder returns

  • Liquidity stood at $7.2 billion: Liquidity at December 31, 2025 was $7.2 billion, covering cash and cash equivalents and undrawn revolving credit capacity. Source
  • Fourth-quarter share buybacks of $504 million: The company bought 1.8 million shares for $504 million in the fourth quarter. Source
  • Operating cash flow and capital spending: Net cash from operating activities was $6,465 million in 2025. Purchases of property and equipment were $5,229 million. Source
  • Dividends and repurchases in 2025: The company paid $824 million in dividends and repurchased $1,159 million of common stock during 2025. Source
  • Debt maturities by year: Scheduled debt maturities are $3.2 billion for 2026, $2.6 billion for 2027, $3.2 billion for 2028, $1.1 billion for 2029 and $1.1 billion for 2030. Source

2026 guidance and Perfecta goals

  • 2026 Adjusted EPS guided to $17.70-$18.10: Full-year 2026 Adjusted EPS is guided to $17.70 to $18.10, a 23% CAGR over the first two years of Perfecta. Source
  • 2026 Net Yields and cost guidance: Full-year 2026 Net Yields are guided to rise 2.1% to 4.1% as-reported, with a 30 bps China headwind included. Source
  • First-quarter Adjusted EPS guided: First-quarter 2026 Adjusted EPS is guided to $3.18 to $3.28, with Net Yields guided at 2.4% to 2.9% as-reported. Source
  • Capacity rises 6.7% in 2026: Capacity for 2026 is expected to change 6.7% versus 2025, up from 6% in the prior release. Growth for 2026 is expected to be double-digit. Source
  • Perfecta goals on track for 2027: Management said it remains on track for Perfecta goals by 2027 and expects double-digit revenue and Adjusted EPS growth in 2026. Source

Leadership and company profile

  • Liberty now titled Chairman and CEO: Jason Liberty is titled Chairman and CEO in this release; the prior release gave President and CEO. Source
  • Caribbean yields cited by CFO: CFO Naftali Holtz said net yield growth continues for key products, including the Caribbean. Source
  • Brand and joint venture structure: The company operates three wholly owned brands and a 50% joint venture interest in TUI Cruises. Source

Coming up, as management said on 29 January 2026

  • Legend of the Seas delivery in Q2: Delivery of Legend of the Seas is expected in the second quarter of 2026, with committed financing in place. Source
  • First Discovery Class debut in 2029: The first Discovery Class ship is set to debut in 2029, and the second is scheduled for delivery in 2032. Source
  • Celebrity River Cruises launch in 2027: Celebrity River Cruises is set to launch in 2027 as a premium river cruise offering. Source
  • Five exclusive destinations by 2028: Five new exclusive destinations are set to launch by 2028. Source
  • Perfect Day Mexico under development: Non-new ship capital spending includes private destinations under development, including Perfect Day Mexico. Source

Figures management reported

FigureReported
Passengers carried, fourth quarter 2025 Source2,484,241
APCD (capacity), fourth quarter 2025 Source14,025,949
Net Yields per APCD Source$250.09 (Q4 2025); $273.51 (full year 2025)
Net Cruise Costs per APCD, fourth quarter 2025 Source$151.15
Fuel consumption, fourth quarter 2025 Source439,000 metric tons
Fuel expense, fourth quarter 2025 Source$293 million
Fleet size Source69 ships
Capacity change, 2026 Source6.7%
Load factor (occupancy), fourth quarter 2025 Source107.8%

Risks management discussed

  • Operational: Itinerary modifications in China reduce 2026 Net Yields by 30 bps. Source
  • Financial: A 10% change in fuel prices is shown as $13 million for the first quarter and $57 million for full-year 2026. Source
  • Financial: A 1% change in currency is shown as $5 million for the first quarter and $25 million for full-year 2026. Source
  • Demand: A 1% change in Net Yields is shown as $36 million for the first quarter and $156 million for full-year 2026. Source

Earlier plans management reported on

  • On track: Management said it remains on track to achieve its Perfecta goals by 2027. Source
  • Ahead: Fourth-quarter results were stated as exceeding company guidance, with 2025 earnings growth over 30%. Source
  • Not stated: The prior release said 2026 earnings per share would have a $17 handle; this release gives $17.70 to $18.10.

Other quarters

Summarised with AI from the documents the company filed with the SEC. Every point is checked against the filing before it is shown: management’s own words word for word, figures against the line or table row they come from. A point that fails the check is left out. Source opens the filing at that line.