Ryan Schatzel ’24 pitched Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE: RCL) on April 22nd, 2024. Royal Caribbean Group is the parent company to a diverse portfolio of cruise brands that provide vacation services to many different customer profiles all around the world. Royal Caribbean currently owns and operates Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises, and has a 50% joint venture stake in TUI Cruises and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. Royal Caribbean leads the cruise industry with four new ships set to debut in 2024.
Ryan’s investment thesis emphasized Royal Caribbean’s innovative spirit displayed through its offerings, the company’s strong market position and diverse portfolio of brands, and the growth potential of the cruise industry. SMIF voted to purchase approximately $37,000 worth of RCL, financed through the sale of XLY and a reduction in the portfolio’s position in CMG.