What caused RCL's Q2 2024 earnings to exceed forecasts?

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.'s (RCL) Q2 2024 earnings exceeded forecasts due to several key factors:

1. **Strong Demand for Cruises**: The company experienced robust demand for its cruises, which led to a record Wave Season and continued strength in bookings in April. This demand was observed across all key itineraries, indicating a broad-based popularity of Royal Caribbean's offerings.
2. **Increase in Onboard Spending**: In addition to higher ticket sales, there was a notable increase in spending on board cruises. This surge in onboard spending contributed to the rise in revenue and earnings compared to the same quarter last year.
3. **Record Ticket Pricing**: Royal Caribbean reported record ticket pricing, which likely contributed to the higher revenue and earnings. This pricing momentum reflects strong consumer willingness to pay a premium for the unique cruise experience.
4. **Effective Fleet Performance**: The company's existing fleet, including new ships like the Icon of the Seas, performed exceptionally well. The successful launch of new ships and the strong performance of the existing fleet contributed to the overall success of the quarter.

These factors, combined with effective operational metrics and strategic guidance, have enabled Royal Caribbean to exceed earnings forecasts and achieve strong financial results in Q2 2024.