Who owns Royal Caribbean cruises, and which cruise lines does Royal Caribbean own?
Editor's Note
Royal Caribbean International is one of the most recognized brands in the cruise industry. With nearly 30 ships in its fleet, it’s also the largest. For several years running, it has operated vessels that, one after the other, held the title of world’s largest cruise ship.
If you’ve ever wondered who owns Royal Caribbean International, you’ve come to the right place. The line is owned and operated by Royal Caribbean Group (formerly Royal Caribbean Cruise, Ltd.), which also includes Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises.
Here’s a rundown with more specifics for each of the Royal Caribbean Group brands.
Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises began in 1988 as a Greek cruise line offering an experience that was slightly more elevated than the likes of other cruise lines that were operating at the time. In 1997, Celebrity was acquired by what was then Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd., making it Royal Caribbean’s sister cruise line (currently the only sisterhood in the industry that offers reciprocity for loyalty status) and ushering in a new era of ships for the fleet.
Now, Celebrity sails more than a dozen vessels and still offers the same upmarket experience for which it was founded. It features a high-end vibe that’s not all-inclusive, which allows fares to remain affordable when compared to luxury lines.
The ships’ cabins are comfortable and well-appointed, the entertainment is high-energy, and the nightlife is lively. Sailings tend to attract young professionals and couples, as well as families with adult children, thanks to an ambience that’s trendy without being tacky.
Related: All you need to know about Celebrity Cruises
Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean was born in 1968, sailing voyages from Miami to the Caribbean on the line’s first ship, Song of Norway. Since then, the fleet has grown considerably and now sails to many parts of the world.
Offering award-winning kids clubs, excellent dining options and creative entertainment — as well as a variety of wow-factor amenities like onboard surfing, skydiving and zip lining — Royal Caribbean attracts lots of active travelers and families with children.
Since the line has so many ships, it’s easy to find one that meets your needs, whether you’re seeking a smaller, older vessel with affordable cabins or the newest, largest and flashiest ships with exclusive (read: pricey) suite areas.
Related: All you need to know about Royal Caribbean
Silversea Cruises
The cruise industry’s first all-inclusive luxury brand, Silversea Cruises, debuted in 1994. In 2018, Royal Caribbean Group acquired two-thirds of the line and purchased the remaining bit in 2020.
Silversea's fares include high-end perks, such as all-suite accommodations with butler service, as well as flights and transfers. This allows passengers to have a truly seamless door-to-gangway (and back again) cruise experience.
The Silversea fleet comprises 11 ships — seven classic oceangoing vessels and four expedition ships — that carry between 100 and 728 passengers each. In addition to their smaller size and more intimate onboard experience, the vessels provide understated elegance with elements like marble bathrooms and Bulgari bath products.
Related: All you need to know about Silversea Cruises
Royal Caribbean Group FAQ
Is Carnival owned by Royal Caribbean?
No. Carnival Cruise Line is owned and operated by Carnival Corporation & PLC.
Is Celebrity owned by Royal Caribbean?
Yes. Celebrity Cruises is owned and operated by Royal Caribbean Group, the same parent company that owns and operates Royal Caribbean International.
Is Norwegian Cruise Line owned by Royal Caribbean?
No. Norwegian Cruise Line is owned and operated by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.
Who is the sister company of Royal Caribbean?
Royal Caribbean has two sister brands, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises. All three brands fall under the Royal Caribbean Group umbrella.
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.