Royal Caribbean Is Seeing Its China Business Perk Up
Photo Credit: Royal Caribbean International is seeing its business in China improve. Pictured is a rendering of Spectrum of the Seas, an upcoming ship that will sail from Shanghai starting in June 2019. Royal Caribbean International
Skift Take
It's not often these days that a cruise company singles out China as a highlight; the market has been too volatile. But for Royal Caribbean Cruises, China was one of several positive pieces that added up to an unexpectedly good quarter.
The up-and-down cruise market in China is up again, at least for Royal Caribbean International.
Parent company Royal Caribbean Cruises said during an earnings call Thursday that sailings in China had "performed very well" — better than expected — in the second quarter. Chief Financial Officer Jason Liberty said the market was booked "nicely ahead" in volume and rate for the rest of 2018 and into next year. A new ship, Spectrum of the Seas, will enter the market in June.
Much of the progress has come from better relationships with travel agents.
In an interview with Skift, Royal Caribbe
