New-to-cruise and young passengers...

Bookings from Millennials and younger are up 11% compared to 2019

New-to-cruise customers and younger passengers are driving sales for Royal Caribbean Group, according to president Jason Liberty.

Liberty claimed one in two passengers who were booked to sail with Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises or Silversea Cruises in the three months up to 31 March 2024 was a Millennial (aged 28 to 43) and younger, up 11% compared to 2019.

Meanwhile, new-to-cruise customers bookings during that period were 16% higher than the same months in 2023, he said, and repeat customers were up 30% compared to pre-pandemic.

“New to cruise continues to grow,” said Liberty. “These guests are discovering our differentiated vacation experiences and are increasingly returning to us, as we see repeat rates over 30% higher compared to 2019.

“Our brands also continue to attract new and younger customers. Millennials and younger generations have gained 11% share compared to 2019 and today, one in two guests are millennials or younger.”

Liberty attributed the growth in new-to-cruise and younger passengers to the group’s investment in its private island destinations, Perfect Day at CocoCay, The Royal Beach Club Paradise Island (pictured), scheduled to open in 2025, and The Royal Beach Club Cozumel, due to open in 2026.

“One of the incredible things we’re seeing with our destinations like Perfect Day and Royal Beach Club is the drawing in of new-to-cruise customers,” he said.

Royal Caribbean chief executive Michael Bayley added: “We’ve got the formula figured out and our plan is to continue to evolve and develop that formula in the coming years.”

Asked whether the group would consider moving into the river cruise market, Liberty said Royal Caribbean Group is “always evaluating opportunities”.

“River is an area we see some overlap [with our customers] so it could be something we might consider at some point in the future,” he said. “But at this point, we are just looking at growing our core business and building out our destination platform.”

To partner with Royal Caribbean Arabia call UAE +971 4 331 4299, KSA 800 897 1419, or email book@rccl.ae. For more information, visit www.royalcaribbean.ae

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