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Royal Caribbean Group has been named to the Fortune
World’s Most Admired Companies™ 2026 list for the first time, marking a
significant milestone in the company’s transformation into a global vacation
leader. The recognition places Royal Caribbean Group among a select group of
companies regarded as setting benchmarks for reputation and performance across
industries.
The annual ranking, compiled by Fortune in partnership
with Korn Ferry, is based on surveys of executives, board directors and
industry analysts. Companies are evaluated across nine reputation criteria,
including innovation, quality of management, products and services, social
responsibility and long-term investment value.
Recognition Rooted in People and Culture
Jason Liberty, Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean
Group, emphasised that the honour reflects the commitment of the company’s
global workforce. “This recognition belongs to our people. Across our ships,
destinations, offices and communities around the world, our teams show up every
day with pride, care and an unwavering commitment to doing the right thing.
Their passion is what guests feel, what partners trust, and what ultimately
defines our reputation,” he said.
From Fortune’s perspective, the companies on the 2026
list stand out for their ability to combine innovation with resilient
leadership. Alyson Shontell, Editor in Chief and Chief Content Officer of
Fortune, noted that the honourees demonstrate how organisations can evolve with
purpose and foresight as new technologies reshape global industries.
Strategic Momentum Across the Portfolio
The inclusion on the list follows several years of
sustained strategic momentum for Royal Caribbean Group. The company has focused
on building a fully connected vacation ecosystem that brings together its three
brands—Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea—alongside innovative
ships, exclusive destinations, advanced technology and an industry-first
loyalty framework designed to connect experiences across the portfolio.
This momentum has been reinforced by a series of
high-profile developments. Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class ships, including Icon
of the Seas, Star of the Seas and the upcoming Legend of the Seas, have
redefined scale, design and onboard experience. At the same time, the company
is expanding its private destination portfolio, growing from two locations to
eight by 2028, with recent additions such as Royal Beach Club Paradise Island
in Nassau and the planned debut of Perfect Day Mexico in 2027.
Innovation Across Brands and Experiences
Royal Caribbean Group has also extended its reach into
new cruise segments. Celebrity Cruises is set to enter premium river cruising
with Celebrity River Cruises in 2027, launching with two new ships. Silversea
continues to strengthen its expedition leadership with the upcoming debut of
The Cormorant at 55 South, positioned to set a new benchmark for Antarctic
travel.
Enhancements to the group’s loyalty offering further
support the integrated ecosystem approach. Portfolio-wide initiatives such as
Status Match and Points Choice are designed to give guests greater flexibility
and recognition as they move between brands.
Looking Ahead
For Royal Caribbean Group, the recognition reinforces
a long-term philosophy centred on intentional growth and responsible
leadership. “This recognition reinforces our belief that long-term success is
built intentionally—through how we grow, how we lead, and how we show up for
our guests, communities and investors,” Liberty said. “It motivates us to keep
pushing forward and raising the bar.”
The debut appearance on Fortune’s World’s Most Admired
Companies list signals a new chapter for Royal Caribbean Group as it continues
to shape the future of global vacation experiences.
Image Credit: © Royal Caribbean Group
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