Royal Caribbean enters 2026 with strong bookings and expanded credit flexibility
Company materials point to record pricing, passenger growth and more flexible handling of certain Future Cruise Credits.
Royal Caribbean Group began 2026 with one of the strongest booking backlogs in its history, according to public filings and earnings materials. The company’s position was supported by increased capacity and continued consumer demand for cruise vacations.
Second-quarter 2026 results show the group carried approximately 2.4 million passengers, up 6% from the same period a year earlier. Bookings across its brands also remained at record prices, according to company materials.
Royal Caribbean has separately made changes affecting some Future Cruise Credits. In 2022, the cruise line removed expiration dates from many unused credits issued through its Cruise with Confidence program.
The company’s FAQ guidance says Future Cruise Credits can generally be applied to a new sailing through Royal Caribbean or a travel advisor. If a credit is not fully used, published guidance says the remaining amount can be issued again as a new credit after the cruise.
Some guests have also reported seeing online booking functions that allow them to cancel eligible sailings or change passenger details without contacting an agent or call center. Availability of those tools has been described by guests and may depend on the booking.
