October 27, 2026 — Royal Caribbean Group beat expectations in the third quarter and raised its full-year earnings outlook, saying bookings for 2027 are running well ahead of last year. Separately, Legend of the Seas has opened a one-off restaurant for top-tier loyalty members, and the line has announced Wiggles-themed sailings for its 2026/27 Australian season.
Third-quarter results
| Measure | Q3 2026 |
|---|---|
| Revenue | $5.6 billion, up 9% |
| Net income | $1.7 billion ($6.45 per share) |
| Adjusted EPS | $6.57 (vs. $5.75 a year earlier) |
| Guests carried | About 2.7 million, up 9% |
| Load factor | 112% |
| Full-year 2026 adjusted EPS guidance | Raised to $17.85–$17.95 |
The company said booking volumes have risen in the mid-teens since its last earnings call, and bookings for 2027 sailings are up in the high teens. Onboard and pre-cruise spending is also running ahead of last year. Higher-than-expected fuel costs partly offset the stronger quarter. Chairman and CEO Jason Liberty said demand “remains strong.”
The group, which runs Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea (71 ships) and owns half of TUI Cruises, expects capacity to grow about 4.5% in 2027. Celebrity River Cruises is due to start sailing in 2027, and the planned purchase of a 50% stake in Sandals and Beaches Resorts is expected to close in early 2027, subject to approvals.
One-sailing restaurant on Legend of the Seas
On its current transatlantic crossing, Legend of the Seas has suspended its buy-one-get-one specialty dining offer because demand was unusually high with so many top-tier loyalty members aboard. In its place, the ship opened Island Vibes, a dinner venue inside Surfside Eatery for Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club members only, available on this sailing alone. It costs $25 per person (an 18% gratuity and VAT may apply), and Pinnacle members can use their one-time $25 specialty dining benefit toward it.
Wiggles sailings in Australia
Royal Caribbean and The Wiggles released a new song for the 2026/27 Australian season and named themed sailings, including a four-night Quantum of the Seas trip from Brisbane to Airlie Beach in November 2026, a four-night Anthem of the Seas cruise from Sydney to Hobart, and a seven-night Quantum of the Seas South Pacific voyage from Brisbane. Exact dates for the last two: TBA.
What it means for airline travelers
- A 112% load factor and bookings up sharply for 2027 point to fuller ships and firmer fares. If you plan a Royal Caribbean, Celebrity or Silversea cruise in 2027, booking earlier is likely to give better cabin choice; last-minute bargains may be harder to find.
- Full ships often mean busy flights to homeports on embarkation days, too. If you are flying standby to Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral (Orlando) or Galveston (Houston), arriving the day before remains the safest plan.
- Loyalty members sailing on very popular ships should not count on perks such as BOGO dining being available; this sailing shows they can be pulled when too many high-tier members are aboard.
- Families in Australia: Quantum sails from Brisbane (BNE) and Anthem from Sydney (SYD).
- The results did not mention any change to travel-industry or interline rates.
Sources
- Cruise Industry News — Royal Caribbean Group Reports Q3 2026 Results, Raises Full-Year Guidance
- PR Newswire (Royal Caribbean Group) — Royal Caribbean Group Reports Third Quarter Results Above Expectations and Raises Full Year Guidance
- Royal Caribbean Blog — Royal Caribbean’s newest restaurant is only open for one cruise. Here’s a look inside
- Cruise Critic — Royal Caribbean and The Wiggles new sailings and song
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