Key Stats for RCL Stock
- Price change for RCL stock: 19%
- $RCL Share Price as of Jan. 29: $346
- 52-Week High: 366
- $RCL Stock Price Target: $332
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What Happened?
RCL stock surged nearly 19% on Thursday after Royal Caribbean (RCL) reported its strongest booking period in company history and raised its 2026 profit forecast.
The cruise line’s fourth quarter earnings call revealed that roughly two-thirds of next year’s capacity is already booked at record prices.
The timing couldn’t be better. Royal Caribbean is in the middle of Wave season, the critical January through March booking window when cruise lines lock in early pricing and get their first real look at demand for the year ahead.
This year’s Wave season is shaping up to be exceptional, with CEO Jason Liberty calling it “the best seven booking weeks in company history.”
The company’s 2026 earnings guidance came in strong, with projected earnings per share between $17.70 and $18.10.
That represents 14% growth over 2025’s results and puts Royal Caribbean on track to hit its long-term profitability targets a year ahead of schedule.
Beyond the earnings beat, Royal Caribbean announced major expansion plans. The company ordered two new “Discovery Class” ships for its flagship brand, with options for four more.
Celebrity River Cruises is doubling its European river fleet to 20 vessels by 2031 after its inaugural season sold out in under six minutes.
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What the Market Is Telling Us About RCL Stock
The market’s reaction shows investors believe Royal Caribbean’s growth story is far from over. RCL stock hitting an all-time high on the same day suggests confidence that demand will remain strong even as the company adds capacity.
Other cruise stocks jumped in sympathy. Carnival climbed 8.4%, Norwegian Cruise Line gained 10.2%, and Viking Holdings rose 6.7%.
The rising tide lifted the entire sector, signaling that investors see industry-wide strength rather than just Royal Caribbean taking market share.
The company’s ability to book two-thirds of next year’s inventory this early, and at higher prices than last year, gives it unusual visibility into 2026 performance. That forward booking strength is what drove the outsized stock move.
Still, RCL stock now trades at premium valuations with high expectations baked in. Any softness in bookings, unexpected fuel cost increases, or operational disruptions could quickly change sentiment.
The company is betting big on continued demand from affluent travelers who have shown a remarkable willingness to spend on experiences over goods.
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Disclaimer:
Please note that the articles on TIKR are not intended to serve as investment or financial advice from TIKR or our content team, nor are they recommendations to buy or sell any stocks. We create our content based on TIKR Terminal’s investment data and analysts’ estimates. Our analysis might not include recent company news or important updates. TIKR has no position in any stocks mentioned. Thank you for reading, and happy investing!
