Sister brands Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises have both claimed their single largest booking day on Black Friday.
The milestone saw Royal Caribbean International attract the most bookings in a single day in its 53-year history – the third time the record has been broken this year.
The performance follows a record-breaking day when new megaship Icon of the Seas opened for bookings in October, 15 months ahead of its planned debut in January 2024.
The line previously achieved its single largest booking day and highest volume booking week in April.
More about Icon and the company’s “new adventures across ships and private destinations” will be revealed in the coming months.
Meanwhile, Celebrity Cruises posted its single largest booking day ever on Black Friday, followed by its strongest Cyber Monday in history, following delivery of latest ship Celebrity Beyond.
Royal Caribbean International president and chief executive Michael Bayley said: “This has been a year for the books at Royal Caribbean International, from the full return of our 26 ships to the first look at Icon of the Seas, the best family vacation in the world.
“Every milestone met is an accomplishment achieved, it’s a wonderful start to 2023 and we are excited for what lies ahead. We could not have reached this point without our loyal guests, valued travel advisors and partners, and the Royal Caribbean International team around the world.”
His counterpart at Celebrity Cruises, Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, said: “All of the recent exposure highlighting Celebrity’s innovative ship design and onboard offerings built incredible demand from consumers longing to experience the world in new ways and through a new level of relaxed luxury.
“We saw demand across the full depth and breadth of our itinerary offerings around the globe and we can’t wait to take our guests to the world’s best places on the world’s best places, our Celebrity ships.”