Royal Caribbean shares surge 6.01% after hours on strong 2026 guidance, capacity bookings, and analyst optimism despite EPS miss.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCL) surged 6.01% in after-hours trading following a report that its guidance for 2026 earnings and capacity bookings bolstered investor confidence in the cruise sector. The stock’s rise aligned with broader industry optimism, as analysts highlighted improved demand and strategic growth initiatives, including new ship orders and the Crown Bay redevelopment project. While the company’s 2026 adjusted EPS forecast fell short of estimates, the market appeared to prioritize long-term positioning over near-term earnings misses, driven by robust booking momentum and expansion plans. The after-hours rally reflected investor focus on the company’s competitive resilience and operational momentum in a recovering travel sector.