Dec 11, 2025 News

Royal Caribbean Group in 2025: A Year of Innovation and Unforgettable Experiences

2025 was a landmark year for Royal Caribbean Group, filled with innovation, sustainability and community efforts, and exciting new destinations. From launching world-class ships to opening exclusive beach clubs, here’s a look at the moments that shaped and changed the vacation industry this year. 
 
Perfecta: designed to drive superior performance 

In March, the “Perfecta Program” was announced as a new three-year financial initiative, designed to sustain strong performance and deliver long-term value. The program has two main goals to be achieved by the end of 2027:  
  • 20% compound annual growth rate in Adjusted Earnings per Share compared to 2024  
  • Return on Invested Capital ("ROIC") in the high teens 
Perfecta is underway while simultaneously providing exceptional vacation experiences responsibly and maintaining robust investment-grade balance sheet metrics.  
 
It follows the success of the Group’s previous three-year Trifecta Program that launched in 2022 and concluded in 2024 with goals achieved 18 months ahead of schedule. Perfecta builds on this momentum with even bolder targets for Royal Caribbean Group’s next chapter of transformative progress.   
 
Now sailing: Star of the Seas and Celebrity Xcel 



Two groundbreaking ships joined the fleet in 2025: 
  • Star of the Seas: The second Icon Class ship, redefining family vacations with unmatched thrills, entertainment, and sustainability features, introducing the boldest vacation ever with more than 40 ways to dine and drink. 
  • Celebrity Xcel: Delivered in October, this Edge Series ship introduced seven new guest spaces, including The Bazaar, Celebrity Flagship, and Attic at The Club, and elevated cruising to new heights. 

Celebrity River Cruises, sailing soon! 



Celebrity Cruises unveiled plans for Celebrity River Cruises, expanding the brand’s reach into intimate, immersive river journeys. Celebrity introduced their transformative ships with open decks, spacious staterooms, unmatched dining and signature elevated hospitality through the Rhine and Danube rivers – offering guests the chance to vacation ‘The Celebrity Way.’ 
 
Celebrity Compass and Celebrity Seeker, the brand’s first two river ships, will offer guests the chance to dine floating above the river on the Magic Edge while enjoying regional, destination-driven culinary offerings. With flexible public spaces, guests are guaranteed to enjoy more of their time outside at destinations, and on the journey in between. 
 
Meyer Turku partnership extended 

Royal Caribbean Group secured their future growth by extending their partnership with Meyer Turku, ensuring shipyard capacity for new builds for the next decade. The Group confirmed an order for Icon 5, scheduled for delivery in 2028, and added an option for Icon 7, alongside the previously announced option for Icon 6. 

This multi-year partnership strengthens the Group’s relationship with Meyer Turku and positions the Group for future innovation, including a new, game-changing class of ships beyond the Icon series. 

Global expansion: new offices in The Bahamas and Weybridge 



The Group strengthened their global footprint with the opening of new offices in The Bahamas and Weybridge, U.K.  
 
The Bahamas office opening affirmed the Group’s long-standing relationship with The Bahamas, both economically and socially, as the Group continues to contribute to the Bahamian economy and giving back as a good corporate citizen in support of the Bahamas Feeding Network, providing scholarships to students, and providing funding for multiple social causes. 


In the UK, the Group expanded their office in Weybridge, creating a brand-new Marine Center of Excellence to better support their ships and crew across Europe. The new center is home to the CAM Operations team (Crew and Marine), focusing on everything that keeps the fleet running smoothly from technical operations and logistics to crew support and coordination. 
 
Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is open for business! 



One of the biggest milestones of 2025 was the opening of the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in Nassau, Bahamas. This stunning destination immerses guests in the vibrant spirit of The Bahamas — featuring live island music, locally crafted artisan goods, flavorful culinary experiences, and incredible beachfront ocean views. 

As the first in the Royal Beach Club Collection, this modern, responsibly designed retreat is built on a groundbreaking public-private partnership, setting a new standard for collaboration in The Bahamas. Beyond delivering unforgettable experiences, the project fuels local prosperity by creating hundreds of jobs, empowering Bahamian businesses and entrepreneurs. 

Royal Beach Club Santorini, the Ultimate Santorini Day 



Expanding their portfolio of world-class destinations, the Group announced the upcoming Royal Beach Club Santorini, set to open in summer 2026. This jaw-dropping location will bring the signature beach club experience to one of the most iconic islands in the world, offering breathtaking views and authentic Greek-inspired experiences.  

The Group is also partnering with local nonprofits in Greece for ocean education, school programs, and beach cleanups, while monitoring environmental impact to preserve land and marine ecosystems. 

Points Choice loyalty program launch 

The Group announced “Points Choice,” a flexible loyalty program where guests can apply loyalty points earned on any Royal Caribbean Group brand toward the brand program of their choice. Points Choice makes it easier than ever to build loyalty wherever it is desired within the Group. This innovation gives travelers more freedom to customize their rewards and enjoy benefits across multiple brands. 
 
With Points Choice, Royal Caribbean Group is extending that commitment to offer travelers more value, more choice, and more connected experiences across its portfolio. 
 
Port Partners launched 

The Group continued to invest in strong destination relationships with their inaugural business accelerator program, “Port Partners,” first launched in Seward, Alaska. This initiative is dedicated to serving destinations the Group visits around the world, collaboratively partnering with on-the-ground stakeholders to invest in economic development, community impact, and environmental protection.  
 
Embodying the ‘energizing communities’ pillar of its SEA the Future program, the first Port Partners is aimed at empowering aspiring entrepreneurs in Seward, and includes a 10-week academic course, personalized mentorship and coaching, and an interactive pitch competition culminating in a $20,000 grant awarded to one standout participant to help make their business dream a reality.  
 
With a strong pipeline of applications, the next phase of Port Partners begins in January 2026 by announcing the cohort of 10 to 15 students. These students will then embark on their 10-week course to refine their small business development knowledge and build a plan for future success. 
 
World Oceans Day and Shell Week 



In celebration of World Oceans Day, the Group activated a week-long initiative called “Shell Week,” reinforcing their dedication to protecting marine ecosystems. This partnership between Royal Caribbean Group and World Wildlife Fund (WWF) combined education with fun to shine a spotlight on iconic sea turtles.  
 
The Group held an Instagram bracket-style tournament in collaboration with WWF, where users voted for their favorite sea turtle. Each turtle, voiced by Royal Caribbean Group employees, turned the competition into a creative and engaging way to raise awareness for conservation efforts.   
 
“To Finding More” with Silversea 



Silversea launched its inspiring “To Finding More” campaign, inviting travelers to discover deeper, more meaningful experiences through luxury exploration.  

With “To Finding More,” Silversea reaffirms its promise of travel that expands horizons. Beyond luxurious accommodations and world-class service, every voyage is curated to uncover hidden gems, foster cultural connections, and inspire true exploration — blending ultra-premium comfort with the spirit of discovery. 
 
Looking ahead to 2026 

Royal Caribbean Group remains focused on innovation, sustainability, and turning the vacation of a lifetime into a lifetime of vacations. With new ships, destinations, and experiences on the horizon, the best is yet to come. And, they’re just getting started.