Jan 21, 2026 – News
Royal Caribbean Group is starting 2026 with a remarkable milestone: the Group has been recognized on the Fortune World’s Most Admired Companies 2026 list for the first time, coming in at #5 in the Hotels, Resorts, Casinos Industry category! The honor highlights not only where the Group stands today but how far it has come in reshaping the future of vacations and delivering the best vacations responsibly.
The annual ranking, compiled by Fortune in partnership with Korn Ferry, surveys executives, directors, and industry analysts to evaluate companies across nine key reputation attributes including innovation, quality of management, products and services, social responsibility, and long-term investment value.
The distinction reflects several years of strategic momentum as Royal Caribbean Group has accelerated the creation of a fully connected vacation ecosystem, uniting its three brands, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea through innovative ships, exclusive destinations, advanced technology, and an industry‑first loyalty platform. It also highlights the collective ambition of the teams behind these brands, who continue to push what’s possible across every aspect of the guest experience.
From breakthrough ship design and destination development to category‑defining technology and portfolio‑wide loyalty enhancements, the Group has been intentional in building seamless, elevated, and uniquely interconnected vacation experiences.
Setting New Standards in Vacation Experiences
Across the Group, innovation has continued to accelerate. Recent highlights include:
- The evolution of Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class, with Icon of the Seas, Star of the Seas, and this summer’s upcoming Legend of the Seas, each redefining what a next-generation cruise experience can offer.
- Royal Caribbean has cut the steel on their seventh yet-to-be-named Oasis Class ship, set to sail in 2028, following the launch of Utopia of the Seas in 2024, the sixth in the class.
- The Group’s rapidly growing land-based portfolio is expanding from two to eight private destinations by 2028, including Royal Beach Club Paradise Island (2025), Royal Beach Club Cozumel (2026), Royal Beach Club Santorini (2026), and Perfect Day Mexico (2027).
- Celebrity Cruises’ upcoming entry into river cruising, introducing Celebrity Compass and Celebrity Seeker for a new, premium way to explore iconic waterways like the Danube and Rhine rivers.
- Adding to the impressive Edge Series, Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Xcel set sail in 2025, and the recently announced Celebrity Xcite will be sailing in 2028, continuing the brand’s legacy of redefining premium cruising.
- Silversea’s The Cormorant at 55 South, bringing new sophistication to Antarctic expeditions by making the journey to Antarctica smooth and easy, allowing guests to enjoy Silversea’s personalized service throughout their adventure.
- The most recent addition to Silversea, Silver Ray set sail in 2024 offering guests seamless destination connection, mirroring every aspect of her sister ship, Silver Nova, including a pioneering, asymmetrical design and extraordinary use of glass in both public areas and in suite for uninterrupted views wherever guests are.
- Loyalty enhancements across the entire portfolio, such as Status Match and Points Choice, offering greater benefits and more flexible ways for guests to personalize their travel journey.
A Reflection of Purpose and Progress
Royal Caribbean Group’s placement on Fortune’s list stands alongside several other recent recognitions, including Forbes’ 2026 America’s Best Companies, Newsweek’s 2025 Greatest American Workplaces, and TIME America’s Growth Leaders of 2026, underscoring the Group’s commitment to responsible growth, innovation, and long-term value.
The awards and recognitions serve as a meaningful reflection of how the Group continues to show up for guests, communities, employees, and investors alike. This Fortune recognition reinforces a core belief: that leading the vacation industry means continually raising expectations for what great travel can be.
Looking Ahead
With new ships, destinations, and experiences on the horizon, Royal Caribbean Group remains focused on shaping what comes next through sustainable innovation, unforgettable guest experiences, and an ambition to elevate vacationing for generations to come.