Royal Caribbean's Stock Dips 0.05% as Trading Volume Surges to $660M, Up 54% from Previous Day, Ranking 165th Amid Labadee Cancellations

Royal Caribbean Group (RCL) reported a 0.05% decline on September 29, 2025, with a trading volume of $0.66 billion, up 54.45% from the previous day. The stock ranked 165th in daily trading volume. A critical development impacting the company is the cancellation of all scheduled visits to its private Haitian destination, Labadee, until at least April 2026. The decision follows escalating gang violence in Haiti, which has led to a U.S. State Department Level 4 travel advisory. Royal Caribbean cited safety concerns as the primary reason, offering refunds for affected shore excursions and substituting Labadee visits with alternative ports like Nassau and Grand Turk.

The cancellations reflect broader operational risks tied to political instability in Haiti, where gangs control significant portions of Port-au-Prince and have expanded into rural areas. Royal Caribbean’s Labadee, a walled-off enclave 130 miles north of the capital, remains a strategic asset but faces ongoing disruptions. Analysts note the company’s reliance on private island destinations, such as Perfect Day at CocoCay, as a mitigant. Recent expansions into Mexico and Caribbean beach clubs aim to diversify revenue streams and reduce dependency on high-risk locations.

A separate strategic shift involves Royal Caribbean’s pivot toward becoming a “total travel company,” emphasizing land-based experiences alongside cruises. Cleveland Research analysts highlight the growth of private island visits, with 4 million passengers expected to stop at such destinations in 2025—up from 1.6 million in 2019. The upcoming Perfect Day Mexico, set to open in 2027, is projected to attract 5 million annual visitors, further balancing Caribbean itineraries. This strategy aligns with shifting consumer preferences, including a rise in non-alcoholic beverage consumption, addressed by the launch of a “Refreshment + 10 Drinks” package on long cruises.

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