Even if you aren't a frequent cruiser, you've likely heard of Royal Caribbean. Not only are they one of the largest cruise lines in the world with 29 ships, but they're the masterminds behind the largest vessels at sea, including the ground-breaking Icon of the Seas.
Like all other cruise lines, Royal Caribbean is owned by a parent company. In this case, the parent company (or owner) of Royal Caribbean cruises is Royal Caribbean Group.
The Miami-based corporation also owns Celebrity Cruises and Silversea, making it one of the most influential players in the cruise industry with a multifaceted portfolio that ranges from family-friendly ships to ultra-luxury vacations.
Royal Caribbean International is known for its innovative, family-friendly approach to cruising
Royal Caribbean Cruise Line was founded in Norway in 1968. However, it wasn't until 1970 that their first ship, the Song of Norway, went into service. One year later, Nordic Price entered the small fleet, followed by the Sun Viking in 1978. These three vessels comprised the first-ever purpose-built ships for Caribbean-based cruise travel.
Royal Caribbean continued to grow its fleet throughout the 1980s and 1990s, introducing larger and more advanced ships with each new class. However, it wasn't until the launch of Voyager of the Seas in 1999 that the cruise line began to take shape into what it's become so famous for today.
Voyager of the Seas was the first-ever cruise ship to feature amenities like an ice skating rink and an indoor Royal Promenade thoroughfare. At the time of her launch, she was the largest cruise ship in the world. That title would remain in the Royal Caribbean family for years, as Voyager's sister ship, Explorer of the Seas, entered service just one year later.
Royal Caribbean continued to evolve with the Freedom Class, debuting in 2006 with Freedom of the Seas. Freedom expanded on everything the Voyager Class had introduced, including larger public spaces and added thrills like the first-ever FlowRider surf simulator at sea.
Since then, each new ship, from the jaw-dropping Oasis of the Seas to the high-tech Quantum of the Seas and next-gen Icon of the Seas, has introduced even more innovations that further redefine what a fun-filled cruise vacation should be.
From robotic bartenders to staterooms with virtual balconies, massive waterparks, observation capsules, Broadway-style products, and more, Royal Caribbean has continued to push the boundaries of ship design and onboard entertainment — and they aren't slowing down.
In 1997, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line rebranded itself as Royal Caribbean International
This was because the cruise line had acquired the Greek cruise line Celebrity Cruises. As such, Royal Caribbean Group (formerly Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.) was founded to serve as the parent company for Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises.
Silversea is the newest addition to Royal Caribbean's impressive portfolio, having been owned by Royal Caribbean Group since July 2020. The line, however, was founded in 1994.
Royal Caribbean Group used to own Azamara Cruises, too. It was founded by the company as a way to diversify its operations, but was eventually sold in 2021 to a private investment group.
Today, Royal Caribbean Group's three brands — Royal Caribbean International, Silversea, and Celebrity Cruises — have a status match program that allows loyal cruisers from one brand to match into the respective tier of another.
In other words, if you're a Diamond cruiser within Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society, you can automatically sail as an Elite passenger on Celebrity, even if you've never stepped foot on one of their ships before.
Read more: I used Royal Caribbean’s new loyalty status match program on my Celebrity cruise
Who owns Royal Caribbean Group?
Knowing that Royal Caribbean International is owned by Royal Caribbean Group, you might wonder who owns Royal Caribbean Group itself.
Because the company is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange as RCL, it’s owned by shareholders. This differs from privately owned cruise lines like MSC Cruises.
Guests who are Royal Caribbean shareholders (NYSE: RCL) are eligible for onboard perks like extra onboard credit, which can be spent on add-ons including drink packages, shore excursions, Wi-Fi, spa treatments, specialty restaurants, and more:
- $1,000 Onboard Credit per Stateroom on a World Cruise
- $250 Onboard Credit per Stateroom on Sailings of 14 or more nights.
- $100 Onboard Credit per Stateroom on Sailings of 6-13 nights.
- $50 Onboard Credit per Stateroom on Sailings of 5 nights or less
Royal Caribbean Group is headquartered in Miami, Florida, and is led by a savvy board of directors and leadership team, including President and CEO Jason Liberty.
Royal Caribbean International has its own President and CEO: Michael Bayley. Plus, they're the only cruise line with Chief Dog Officers. Rover and Sailor work aboard Icon and Star of the Seas.
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Growing up, she traveled frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas during her freshman year of high school. Having sailed on over 30 cruises across different lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC, Margaritaville at Sea, and Princess, she loves sharing her insight and expertise on all things cruising!
