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Who Owns Royal Caribbean Cruises?

If you are wondering about what cruise lines Royal Caribbean owns, then you have come to the right place. Explore everything you must know about RCB.

By Cruise Booking Team

Royal Caribbean Cruises, also known as Royal Caribbean International, is fully owned by Royal Caribbean Group. The Royal Caribbean Group is a larger cruise holding company based in Miami, Florida, with a fleet of ships and multiple cruise brands. The three cruise lines Royal Caribbean owns and operates include Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises. Additionally, the company holds a 50% stake in joint ventures that operate TUI Cruises and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises.

The world's second-largest cruise operator after Carnival Corporation & plc, Royal Caribbean Group owns several cruise lines operating in various regions around the world. So, let’s dive into the cruise lines Royal Caribbean owns!

Exploring the Cruise Lines Royal Caribbean Owns

Royal Caribbean Group is the parent company for various cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises. Let’s have a detailed look at each cruise line.

Royal Caribbean International

Icon of the Seas Cruise Ship
Photo Courtesy: Royal Caribbean International

Previously known as Royal Caribbean Cruise Line (RCCL), Royal Caribbean International (RCI) is a cruise line founded in 1968 in Norway. It became a wholly owned subsidiary of the Royal Caribbean Group in 1997. Headquartered in Miami, Florida, Royal Caribbean International is the largest cruise line by revenue and the second-largest by passenger count.

Royal Caribbean International is a prominent cruise line in the cruise industry worldwide. Known for its innovative and large ships, extensive itineraries, and family-friendly experiences, the cruise line offers flexible packages and a wide range of destinations.

The key features Royal Caribbean International offers include:

  • Unique Experiences: Rock climbing walls, FlowRider surf simulators, escape rooms, and zip lines
  • Family Fun: Waterparks, kid clubs, and arcades
  • Entertainment: Broadway-style shows, outdoor movie screens, and other entertainment options for every guest
  • Dining: From casual bites to fine dining, there are specialty restaurants like Jamie's Italian and Wonderland
  • Wellness: Vitality Wellness programs, spa treatments, and fitness centers

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Flora Cruise Ship
Photo Courtesy: Celebrity Cruises

Known for its upmarket cruises, Celebrity Cruises is a subsidiary of Royal Caribbean Group. Founded in 1988 by the Greece-based Chandris Group, the company was primarily established to operate upmarket cruise ships to Bermuda. Known for its modern ship designs, various itineraries, and a premium experience, the cruise line offers a variety of cruises, from shorter weekend getaways to extended voyages, and a wide range of destinations, from the Caribbean and Europe to Alaska and the Galapagos Islands.

Celebrity Cruises offers a variety of features, including:

  • Unique Activities: Expert-led talks, enrichment programs, and much more
  • Dining: A variety of dining options, including specialty restaurants and 24-hour room service
  • Entertainment: Live shows, comedy, parties, and live music around the ship
  • Accommodation: Well-designed staterooms and suites, including AquaClass suites with spa-inspired amenities
  • Spa & Wellness: Spa facilities and in-room fitness amenities

Silversea Cruises

Silver Moon Cruise Ship
Photo Courtesy: Silversea Cruises

Launched in 1994 by the Vlasov Group of Monaco and the Lefebvre family of Rome, Silversea Cruises is an ultra-luxury cruise line headquartered in Monaco. Royal Caribbean Group became the full owner of Silversea in July 2020. Known for its luxurious experience, the cruise line offers all-suite accommodations and universal itineraries, including classic and expedition cruises.

Silversea provides all-inclusive fares, along with its luxury offerings, aiming to deliver value for money. Its key features include:

  • Entertainment: Live music, guest lectures, and performances
  • Dining: A wide variety of dining options, including specialty restaurants, a main dining room, and in-suite dining
  • Spa & Fitness: A range of wellness facilities, including a spa, fitness center, and lectures on health and wellness
  • Accommodation: A range of accommodation types, including Royal Suite, Grand Suite, Silver Suite, and Owner’s Suite

The other two cruise lines Royal Caribbean owns half of their stake in joint ventures include:

TUI Cruises

Established in 2007 as a joint venture between TUI AG and Royal Caribbean Group, TUI Cruises is a German-focused cruise line. It is popular for its onboard experiences, including food, entertainment, and amenities, tailored for German guests. While German-focused, TUI Cruises operates cruises in other regions, such as the Mediterranean. This cruise line is the second-largest operator of German-speaking cruises.

The key features TUI Cruises offers include:

  • Entertainment: Live music, interactive quizzes, and other entertainment options
  • Dining: A wide range of dining options, including buffet restaurants, waiter-service establishments, and grab-and-go spots
  • Wellness: Spa areas, gyms, and other wellness facilities
  • Family-friendly Features: Escape rooms, climbing walls, and baby changing rooms
  • Cabins: A variety of cabin types, such as balcony cabins and spa cabins

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises

Known for its luxury, excursions, and intimate ships, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is a German luxury cruise line. The cruise line includes luxury ships like EUROPA and EUROPA 2, and expedition ships like HANSEATIC nature, HANSEATIC inspiration, and HANSEATIC spirit. A part of TUI Cruises GmbH, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is a joint venture between TUI AG and Royal Caribbean.

The key features include:

  • Entertainment: Theatrical performances, artistic displays, wellness programs, and special events
  • Dining: A wide range of dining options, including specialty restaurants, buffet options, and a main restaurant
  • Cabins: A wide range of spacious cabins and suites, featuring balconies, private verandas, and other luxurious amenities
  • Fitness Classes: Yoga, spinning, and various other fitness courses

Royal Caribbean Group: The History

Royal Caribbean Cruise Deals
Set sail in style with Royal Caribbean Cruise Deals! Enjoy top destinations, onboard luxury & big savings—book your dream getaway today!
Royal Caribbean_cta
Photo by Royal Caribbean International

Founded in 1968, Royal Caribbean Group began as a cruise line sailing the Caribbean. It was established by a Norwegian entrepreneur, Ed Stephan, and three Norwegian ship owners, Sigurd Skaugen, Anders Wilhelmsen, and Gotaas Larsen. The Group's first ship, Song of Norway, embarked on its maiden trip from Miami in 1970, followed by two more ships in the next two years.

Since its launch, Royal Caribbean Group has been delivering its continuous innovation across various aspects of the cruise industry, including dining, entertainment, safety, technology and destination development.

Royal Caribbean Group: Leadership

They say strong leadership is essential for a company’s success, including shaping company culture, setting a clear vision, and making strategic decisions. At Royal Caribbean Group (RCG), the current leadership is led by Jason Liberty, who serves as President and CEO. Jason assumed the role in January 2022, following the departure of Richard Fain. Before becoming CEO of RCG, he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the company. Joined Royal Caribbean Group in 2005, he held several financial, strategic, and operational positions before becoming CFO in 2013.

Jason manages the Group's operations, including its major cruise lines, like Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises, as well as joint ventures, including TUI Cruises and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises.

Why Ownership Matters

Wondering about the ownership of Royal Caribbean Cruises, why it’s really important to know? Well, the answer is simple!

Understanding ownership helps you assess the company's future and predict potential gains or losses. The ownership of a cruise line is crucial to know, as its structure impacts decision-making, company direction, and the profitability of the cruise line. This provides insights into its leadership, strategic goals, risk & return, company performance, and the potential impact of various decisions on its future.

Final Words

Royal Caribbean Group is a major player in the cruise industry, owning and operating a significant fleet of ships and multiple cruise brands. They are responsible for maintaining the safety and comfort of millions of passengers who travel with their brands each year, as well as providing excellent onboard services for their guests. Whether you are craving sun-drenched beaches or looking for exclusive adventures, Royal Caribbean has so much to experience.

So, are you ready to sail with Royal Caribbean? CruiseBooking.com is here to help you book remarkable Royal Caribbean Cruises.

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