Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE:RCL) has reached a significant new milestone, with its share price soaring to a record $281.15, boosting the company’s market valuation to $74.3 billion. This impressive stock performance reflects renewed investor enthusiasm, as the cruise giant has posted a 79% gain over the past 12 months, signaling a robust comeback for the travel and leisure sector.
Analyst projections remain bullish, with price targets currently ranging between $200 and $330, highlighting widespread confidence in Royal Caribbean’s operational strength. The company continues to benefit from recovering global travel demand, supported by a 49.6% gross profit margin and 13.7% year-over-year revenue growth—figures that emphasize its resilience in a post-pandemic environment.
Recent financial upgrades have further fueled optimism. Moody’s Ratings raised Royal Caribbean’s senior unsecured credit rating from Ba1 to Baa3, pointing to enhanced financial health and a steadily improving leverage profile. As of March 31, 2025, the company’s debt-to-EBITDA ratio was 3.1x, with projections placing it below 3.0x by next year.
Buoyed by a strong Q1 performance, Royal Caribbean has also revised its full-year net yield outlook upward. UBS analysts now expect an additional $0.55 per share in earnings at the midpoint, citing benefits from lower fuel costs and favorable currency exchange movements.
Meanwhile, Stifel raised its target price for the stock to $310, reiterating a Buy rating and noting confidence in the company’s guidance for the second half of 2025, backed by solid booking trends. Bernstein also maintained an Outperform rating and set a price target of $290, praising Royal Caribbean’s strategic market position and its potential for sustained EPS growth.
Leadership changes are also on the horizon. Longtime Chairman Richard Fain is set to retire in Q4 2025, with current President and CEO Jason Liberty taking over the role. In addition, John Brock will step in as the new Independent Lead Director, bringing decades of executive leadership experience to the boardroom.
These developments underscore Royal Caribbean’s commitment to strong corporate governance and long-term strategic growth, positioning the company well for continued success in a rejuvenated cruise industry.