Royal Caribbean operates the world’s largest contemporary cruise brand

Royal Caribbean International is a global brand offered by Royal Caribbean (RCL). It’s one of the world’s three largest contemporary brands, comprising ~30% of the world’s cruise revenue, according to Cruise Market Watch. Royal Caribbean International has the largest share in revenue (14%) among the three. Carnival Cruise Line, offered by Carnival Corporation (CCL), is the largest by global cruise passengers, with ~21% of the global market share, followed by Royal Caribbean’s (RCI) Royal Caribbean International with ~17% and Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL) with 9.5%.

These three brands together carry almost half the world’s cruise passengers. These companies are part of ETFs such as the PowerShares Dynamic Leisure and Entertainment Portfolio (PEJ) and the Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLY).

Royal Caribbean International operated 21 ships with a capacity of 59,650 berths and carried 3.5 million guests sourced from more than 217 countries in 2013. It offers cruise duration of two to 18 nights, which is longer than the seven-day cruises offered by other contemporary brands. This is because Royal Caribbean International is positioned in the upper end of the contemporary brand and is therefore able to attract customers from the premium segment who prefer longer cruise lengths.

A much-awaited ship, the 4,150 berth Quantum of the Seas, was launched in 4Q14. Three additional ships are scheduled for delivery under this brand in 2015 and 2016.