Speaking to TTG in Miami, Liberty said: “I think that a lot of it is just the reality that we still unfortunately trade at a pretty steep discount to land-based vacations. And so if you’re looking to plan a trip for you and your family and you look at the alternative of land-based vacation, then cruise is a pretty good deal.”
Liberty said all three of the group’s brands – Royal Caribbean International, Silversea and Celebrity Cruises – were performing strongly. He continued: “I’m super-happy with how 2022 has turned out for us. Our occupancy levels are very high, and we’ve been able to do that by just harvesting quality demand. All of our brands are really firing on all cylinders which is great. We’re super-optimistic about 2023 and beyond.”
Discussing 2023 business, Liberty said pricing is in “a very good position and is up significantly”, and that passenger volumes are within the group’s historical ranges.
“The consumer is spending a tremendous amount of money on the ship. They’re very hungry for experiences – and we’re fortunate to be in the experience business," he added.
Liberty said the strongest customer segment across the group’s portfolio in all markets was from the “driveable market”, including in the UK those able to drive from surrounding areas to the Port of Southampton.
The latest Net Promoter Scores, which measure whether customers would recommend a company, were delivered last week, and Liberty said they are the highest they have ever been for all three brands.
“Our crew are happy. Our guests are happy. And I think a lot of that is about appreciation, as I think everybody appreciates [their cruise] a little bit more," he said. "So we’re not we’re not getting too excited about that, but it feels very positive. When you’re delivering fun and wows and happiness, you know it’s a pretty good job to be in.”
