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ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD

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For its 2022 fiscal year, ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD, listed the following executives on its annual proxy statement to the SEC

The charts on this page feature a breakdown of the total annual pay for the top executives at ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD as reported in their proxy statements.

Total Cash Compensation information is comprised of yearly Base Pay and Bonuses. ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD income statements for executive base pay and bonus are filed yearly with the SEC in the edgar filing system. ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD annual reports of executive compensation and pay are most commonly found in the Def 14a documents.

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A proxy statement (or "proxy") is a form that every publicly traded U.S. company is required to file with the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) within 120 days after the end of its fiscal year. The proxy must be sent to every shareholder in advance of the company's annual shareholders meeting. All proxy statements are public filings made available to the general public by the SEC.

The proxy statement's main purpose is to alert shareholders to the annual meeting and provide them information about the issues that will be voted on during the annual meeting, including decisions such as electing directors, ratifying the selection of auditors, and other shareholder-related decisions, including shareholder-initiated initiatives. Also, proxies must disclose specific detailed information regarding the pay practices for certain executives.

Curious Cruise Jobs: Introducing Anthem of the Seas’ Cruise Director

Meet the brit heading up anthem of the seas’ world-class entertainment and activities..

From humble beginnings portraying a candy bar in his first school play, to heading up the most exciting cruise ship on earth , Joff Eaton has come a long way during his years as an entertainer. A native of West Sussex, England, and an 18-year veteran of the cruise industry, Joff came aboard Royal Caribbean in 2008. Now with his team of 151, he ensures all the stage shows, skydiving and other wonders on Anthem of the Seas deliver an unforgettable adventure week after week. Read on to learn what he’s most looking forward to in his latest starring role.

The Cruise Director has such a public job — are you comfortable being the center of attention?

My life has always revolved around entertainment. My first acting role was a walking, talking Mars Bar in a school production of “The Hobbit.” To this day, I’m not sure how they tied the two together, but no doubt Ian McKellen would be proud. Organizing events, shows and parties dominated my teenage years, and because I wanted to work on the radio, I volunteered at local stations to get whatever experience I could.

So how did you transition into working on cruise ships?

I saw a newspaper advertisement for a cruise company looking for activities staff. I auditioned the following week and was offered a three-month contract. Three months turned to four, then six, and eight months later, I realized I was doing something I really enjoyed and should continue pursuing. After two years, I took on the role of Assistant Cruise Director.

How did you work your way up to Cruise Director?

About a month after starting as Assistant Cruise Director, I was approached by a guest onboard who said she was a psychic medium and needed to speak to me. She informed me that within months I would be offered a promotion, and regardless of my concerns about it being so soon, I should take it. Less than two months later, I was called into a meeting and offered the position of Cruise Director. I accepted and became that company’s youngest Cruise Director!

Wow — sounds like it was predestined! So, you’ve been with Royal Caribbean since 2008. Which ships have you worked on?

My wife, Amber, and I took residency on Jewel of the Seas for 18 months before moving on to Independence of the Seas in 2009. We spent five wonderful years sailing the Mediterranean and Caribbean on Independence and left at the end of 2014 in preparation for joining Anthem of the Seas in early 2015.

What are you most looking forward to about Anthem ?

By day, the views and ambience are incredible, and by night, the shows, performances and events are taken to a new level. Anthem will offer the West End/Broadway show “We Will Rock You,” which has entertained audiences around the world with the best of the music of Queen, as well as another show called “The Gift.” The mind-blowing Two70 venue will be home to a show called “Spectra’s Cabaret.” It’s also great to have bumper cars and RipCord by iFLY as brand-new features. I could go on and on.

What’s your favorite aspect of life at sea?

Cruise Director is an amazing job to have. No cruise is the same, no set of guests are the same, and that’s the magical thing: Anything can happen, it’s live, it’s real-time. To quote my boss, “There’s nothing like it on the planet!”

What performer — dead or alive — do you dream about introducing onboard?

I would have loved to introduce Frank Sinatra . I can just hear the brass section kicking in as he walks out. There’s something very special about a brass section, and our own “High C Horns” group plays for many entertainers and shows — it’s a special sound. Sinatra would have been welcome on a ship with me, and I think he would have enjoyed himself.

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They are the heart of our organization. They are the ones that propel us forward.

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Discover firsthand what makes Royal Caribbean a great place to work by watching this video. Hear Security Officer Sharon and Reshma Security Staff share their experiences and passion for being part of our team.

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Embark on a journey with Celebrity Cruises and meet our exceptional team members who bring culinary excellence to the high seas. Konstantinos, our visionary executive chef; Ornella, our dedicated assistant pastry chef; and Atziri, our executive chef pastry & bakery on Celebrity Cruises, as they share, showcase the passion and dedication that define our cruise experience.

Work with our amazing culinary team!

Thinking about joining Royal Caribbean? Watch this video to hear Executive Sous Chef Omar and CDP3 Pastry Cook Manisha share why they love working with us. Join our growing family at careers.royalcaribbeangroup.com. #IAMRCG #PropelledbyPeople

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Dive into the vibrant world of our passionate team with an exclusive video. Listen to Chef de Rang Roberto and Commis de Rang Aleksandra as they reveal the exceptional qualities that make working with us truly extraordinary.

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Experience the essence of what makes Celebrity Cruises an exceptional workplace in this captivating video. Join Melanie, our Deputy Chief Security Officer, as she shares her personal journey and unwavering passion for being a part of our team. Join our growing family today. Discover more at careers.royalcaribbeangroup.com. #IAMRCG #PropelledbyPeople

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Experience the passion and enthusiasm of our team firsthand by watching this video. Listen to Waiter Jizelle and Restaurant Attendant Aleena as they reveal what makes working with us so special. Ready to embark on this journey with us? Join our expanding family today at careers.royalcaribbeangroup.com. #IAMRCG #PropelledbyPeople

Step aboard and become a vital part of our esteemed marine engineering team!

Curious about life aboard our Celebrity Cruises crew? Get an inside look from our dedicated engineers who’ve shared some captivating highlights of their job. Embark on your journey with our expanding family today at careers.royalcaribbeangroup.com. #IAMRCG #PropelledbyPeople

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Man is suffering the consequences after living on a cruise ship for 23 years

Mario salcedo is a part of the furniture at this point.

Olivia Burke

Mario Salcedo lives and breathes cruising - hence why he has spent the entirety of the last 23 years living on one.

The sea-loving Cuban has been sailing his way through life for more than two decades after ditching his demanding job as an international finance director at a multinational corporation on dry land in the US .

Although it might sound like Mario fulfilling his wish to be beside the seaside each and every day is all fun and games, he has been left suffering with some strange health consequences due to his lifestyle choice.

He first bid bon voyage to dry land back in the late 90s, after deciding to embark on an array of cruises as he had grown tired of plane travel due to constantly jetting off for his high-flying job.

Mario had lived in hotel rooms for longer than he lived in his Miami home , so he handed in his notice at the age of 47 and set out on the voyage of a lifetime.

Over the next few years, he embarked on more than 100 back-to-back cruises before falling in love with one special ship - Royal Caribbean's Voyager of the Seas.

Describing the vessel as 'revolutionary', Mario was firmly under the spell of the ship thanks to it boasting 'so many elements that took cruising to another dimension'.

His extraordinary experience sealed his loyalty to Royal Caribbean and he has called the firm's array of different cruises home ever since.

By 2016, Mario had spent more than £1 million on his holiday-come-home habit.

As you can imagine, he has become part of the furniture and counts the staff onboard various ships as his pals - so much so, that they gave him the nickname 'Super Mario', which has firmly stuck.

Luckily, he has free internet access thanks to him rising up the ranks to the top of Royal Caribbean's loyalty tier and can run his investment management business remotely while satisfying his craving for cruising.

Mario reckons the approximately £64,945 ($82,000) a year he spends on keeping up his unusual lifestyle is worth every penny seen as though he can work from a pool deckchair with an ocean view each day.

If he's not busily working away, you can find Mario scuba diving in stunning waters, throwing some shapes while ballroom dancing or unwinding with a cigar in the dedicated lounge.

What a life, eh?

Apart from a 15-day break each year and a 15-month hiatus during the coronavirus pandemic , the bloke has spent the best part of 23 years at sea.

Mario does still have an apartment in Miami, but he now dubs this his 'hotel' due to the fact he spends barely any time there - and when the time does arise to abandon ship, it isn't exactly enjoyable.

That's because all those years at sea have really caught up with his body... so although he can handle seasickness like a champ, he isn't that great at being on dry land anymore.

Mario is literally like a fish out of water when he's stood on the Earth's surface, as he's accidentally earned himself a permanent set of sea legs after acclimatising a bit too well to life on a cruise.

Discussing the bizarre physical side effect, the cruise connoisseur told Condé Nast Traveller: "I’ve lost my land legs, so when I’m swaying so much I can’t walk in a straight line.

"I’m so used to being on ships that it feels more comfortable to me than being on land."

Topics:  Travel , Cruise Ship , World News , US News , Health , Lifestyle

Olivia is a journalist at LADbible Group with more than five years of experience and has worked for a number of top publishers, including News UK. She also enjoys writing food reviews (as well as the eating part). She is a stereotypical reality TV addict, but still finds time for a serious documentary.

@ livburke_

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Why Royal Caribbean isn't going all in on massive cruise ships despite the wild success of its new Icon of the Seas

• Royal Caribbean International has unveiled a swath of giant cruise ships over the past few years.
• Its CEO said its new world's largest ship, the  Icon of the Seas,  is its "best-selling product" ever.
• But the cruise line doesn't plan on going all in on megaships forever.

Earlier this year, guests at Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay private island were the first to revel at the historic sight of the world's largest cruise ships, Icon of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas, docked side-by-side.

The vessels towered over their communal dock like skyscrapers, casting a dark shadow over their relatively tiny shared pier.

Together, they can accommodate about 19,250 people.

At 1,196 feet long and weighing 248,663 gross tons, the Icon of the Seas is a sight to behold. When it launched in late January, the giant vessel upstaged its eight-foot shorter predecessor, the Wonder of the Seas , as the world's biggest.

At the time, it was no surprise: Every new Royal Caribbean ship seemed to dethrone another Royal Caribbean ship for this title.

But not for long.

The company's smaller ships, important for diverse trips, are aging.

The company is synonymous with its mega vessels. And they've been mega-hits: Michael Bayley, the president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, has repeatedly called the Icon of the Seas the "best-selling product" in the company's history.

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Royal Caribbean is set to launch four more megaships by 2028 — representing about a third of its total fleet. So far, most of the megaships' scheduled sailings are in the Caribbean.

The other 21 smaller vessels tend to have more specialized itineraries, Patrick Scholes, the managing director of lodging and leisure-equity research at Truist Securities, told Business Insider.

Given their trimmer sizes, these vessels can operate more sailings outside the Caribbean , which often reel in high fares and customer satisfaction for the company, Jay Schneider, the chief product-innovation officer at Royal Caribbean Group, told reporters in January. Think of the Mediterranean, Alaska, and South Pacific itineraries — the latter are especially important as the cruise line continues to ramp up business in Asia.

But these destination-flexible cruise liners are aging as Royal Caribbean continues to unveil their giant counterparts. The company launched its four oldest Vision-class ships, with a maximum 2,730-guest capacity, between 1996 and 1998.

They're tiny and old compared to the 2-month-old, 7,600-guest Icon of the Seas .

Looking ahead, Royal Caribbean plans to return to the basics: smaller cruise ships.

Despite the cruise line's success with mega-vessels, Schneider said Royal Caribbean is now considering a new class of ships that would start "smaller" — noting that he was "careful to say small, but less-than-large."

"The reality is, families want to go on vacations not just in the Western and Eastern Caribbean where a ship like Icon can get into," Schneider said. "They want to stay with our brand and journey to different destinations that require more versatility in ship size."

Desirable destinations such as French Polynesia and Venice, Italy, have limited visiting cruises , including size restrictions, to curb pollution and overcrowding. But, as Schneider said, small-vessel-enabled specialized itineraries are also important to travelers.

Giant mass-market floating resorts also often attract first-time cruisers, enamored by their family-friendly water parks and Broadway-style shows. But after a few good vacations at sea, these no-longer-new-to-cruising guests might start craving quieter ships or more bespoke itineraries.

"Alaska cruises tend not to be the first-time cruiser," Scholes told BI. "I don't really see Icon of the Seas doing a Norwegian Fjord or Alaska trip."

Plus, "there's probably only so much demand for these giant ships," Scholes said.

Royal Caribbean has already succeeded in the first part: bringing in a swath of new cruisers with its megaships. Now, it has to retain them.

Watch: Inside the world's biggest cruise ship that just set sail

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Port of Baltimore suspends ship traffic after bridge collapse: What it means for travel

Travel is being impacted by Tuesday’s Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse along Interstate 695 in Baltimore, Maryland. 

Drivers were immediately directed to take alternate routes through the city, following the early morning incident. What’s less clear is what the bridge collapse may mean for upcoming cruises in and out of Baltimore.

“Vessel traffic into and out of the Port of Baltimore is suspended until further notice,” the Port of Baltimore posted on X, formerly Twitter.

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Live Updates: Baltimore's Key Bridge collapses after ship hits it; construction crew missing

Rep. Kweisi Mfume, D-Md., whose district includes the bridge and the port, called the collapse an “unthinkable horror” and said he had spoken with Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and the White House. 

“They are responding with all of the assets at their disposal,” he said in a statement. “Our prayers right now are for the missing individuals and victims of this tragedy. We thank God for the effective service of our first responders.”

Here’s what we know.

Which cruises go to Baltimore?

Several major cruise lines serve Baltimore. According to the Cruise Lines International Association, the industry’s leading trade group, published itineraries in the 2024 calendar year include a dozen ships making 115 stops in Baltimore.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragedy and collapse of the Key Bridge that occurred last night and extend our support and heartfelt prayers to all those impacted,” CLIA spokesperson Anne Madison said in an emailed statement. “We join everyone in extending our thanks and appreciation to the first responders and emergency workers in Baltimore, the U.S. Coast Guard, and other professionals who are working with one goal in mind—to save lives. We are closely following this situation.”

Carnival’s website shows Carnival Pride and Carnival Legend also have sailings into or out of Baltimore set for April. 

Carnival Legend will temporarily move operations to Norfolk, Virginia.

The ship's current cruise, which left for a planned round-trip sailing from Baltimore on March 24, will end in Norfolk on Sunday. Passengers will then receive free bus rides to Baltimore. The vessel's next cruise will sail round-trip from Norfolk later that day.

“Our thoughts remain with the impacted families and first responders in Baltimore,” Carnival president Christine Duffy said in a statement. “We appreciate the pledge made by President Biden today to dedicate all available resources to reopen Baltimore Harbor to marine traffic as soon as possible. As those plans are finalized, we will update our future cruise guests on when we will return home to Baltimore, but in the meantime, we appreciate the quick response and support from officials in Norfolk.”

The cruise line has not yet shared plans for Carnival Pride. Carnival's parent company, Carnival Corp., said the temporary change in homeport is estimated to have an impact of up to $10 million on adjusted EBITDA and adjusted net income this year, according to a news release .

Royal Caribbean's Vision of the Seas, which left from Baltimore on March 23 , will return to Norfolk instead on April 4. "Our guests on board will be provided compensation and complimentary shuttle transportation as well as Wi-Fi and phone calls to adjust their travel arrangements," a spokesperson said in an email.

The ship's April 4 and 12 cruises will leave from Norfolk, too. "Our guests booked to sail with us will receive compensation due to the necessary adjustments made to their vacations," the spokesperson added. "After returning from the April 12 cruise, Vision will head to the Bahamas for its previously scheduled maintenance."

Was your cruise itinerary changed?: What to do next

American Cruise Lines has roundtrip sailings from Baltimore scheduled in May, according to its website.

“We will monitor the situation and make adjustments to future cruises if needed, but at the present time our schedules remain unaffected, and our thoughts remain with those affected by the immediate situation and rescue efforts underway,” an American Cruise Lines spokesperson told USA TODAY.

Norwegian Cruise Line doesn’t appear to have any Baltimore sailings until September on Norwegian Sky . The line will stay in contact with the port and share any changes with passengers and travel partners, according to a spokesperson.

"In the meantime, we wish the city of Baltimore strength during this very unfortunate event," they said in an email.

Alternate routes for the Baltimore bridge

Most drivers can take Interstate 95 (Fort McHenry Tunnel) or Interstate 895 (Baltimore Harbor Tunnel) to avoid the collapsed bridge. However Maryland Transportation Authority notes there are some exceptions .

Vehicles carrying hazardous materials, including more than 10 pounds of propane, are not allowed in the tunnels. Additionally, vehicles more than 13-feet and 6-inches high or 8-feet wide may not use the 1-895 Baltimore Harbor Tunnel. Vehicles more than 14-feet and 6-inches high or 11-feet wide may not use the I-95 Fort McHenry Tunnel. 

Those vehicles should use the western portion of I-695 instead.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Port of Baltimore suspends ship traffic after bridge collapse: What it means for travel

ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD Human Resources Director Salary in the United States

How much does a Human Resources Director make at companies like ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD in the United States? The average salary for Human Resources Director at companies like ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD in the United States is $206,367 as of February 26, 2024, but the range typically falls between $182,264 and $232,409 . Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.  View the Cost of Living in Major Cities

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What does a Human Resources Director do at companies like ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD?

Human Resources Director plans and oversees human resources functional operations, including talent acquisition, compensation, benefits, training, employee relations, safety, and compliance. Administers human resources programs and policies to reflect the organization's mission and values, support company goals, achieve objectives, and positively engage the workforce. Being a Human Resources Director maintains broad and current subject matter knowledge and expertise in federal and state employment laws to advise leadership with solutions for human resources issues and evolving organizational needs. Implements an HRIS or other system to facilitate processes and provide data and reporting on HR activity. Additionally, Human Resources Director requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to top management. The Human Resources Director manages a departmental sub-function within a broader departmental function. Creates functional strategies and specific objectives for the sub-function and develops budgets/policies/procedures to support the functional infrastructure. To be a Human Resources Director typically requires 5+ years of managerial experience. Deep knowledge of the managed sub-function and solid knowledge of the overall departmental function. (Copyright 2024 Salary.com)

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'I just felt so helpless': Carnival Sunrise cruise ship faces flooding

A Carnival Cruise Line ship faced flooding on its way back to Miami over the weekend.

Carnival Sunrise was returning from a five-day Caribbean cruise at the time. Passenger Rachel Cox woke up to pounding on her cabin door around 2 a.m. on Saturday.

As she and her family got out of bed, they stepped into what she estimated was 2 to 4 inches of water. “We opened the door and people are yelling and screaming ‘Hey, we're taking on water. We're flooding,’ ” she told USA TODAY.

Cox, 38, was staying in an inside cabin on Deck 10 with her partner and son, and her mother and daughter stayed in the adjacent room.

After a man wearing what looked like a security uniform told them to go to their muster station, they gathered their belongings and scrambled down the stairs – in part because water was pooling around the elevator bank.

“We're literally running down the stairwells, and as we are, (on) every single floor water's just coming out of the ceilings, it’s coming up through the floor, we see water on the sides of the walls,” said the Arkansas-based nonprofit executive director.

The captain came to speak with Cox and other guests holed up in the ship’s Liquid Lounge. He informed them that the vessel had taken on water and that bad weather had changed their route, though Cox said the captain did not get specific. Cox and her family did not hear any other official updates from the line, but the crew distributed bottled water and a small number of blankets to passengers.

They stayed there until they got off the ship shortly after 8 a.m. Saturday (though Cox and her partner did go back upstairs briefly to retrieve their life jackets).

Story continues below.

“Carnival Sunrise encountered heavy rain while the ship was returning to Miami overnight Friday into Saturday,” Carnival spokesperson Matt Lupoli said in an emailed statement. “Some staterooms were taken out of service for Saturday's departure as our team completed clean up and replaced carpet. Those guests who were not able to sail were provided full refunds, a future cruise credit and received overnight accommodations if they needed them.”

Cox said the cruise line did not initially offer her a refund or other compensation, despite her belongings getting wet, including large suitcases the crew had stored ahead of disembarkation. She contacted Carnival when she got home and said she didn’t hear back until Wednesday morning, when a guest services representative asked to set up a call.

A couple of hours later, the cruise line also sent her a note signed by Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy, offering a 25% future cruise credit and inviting guests to submit documentation for review of damage to personal belongings.

“On behalf of the entire Carnival family, I am writing to express our sincerest apologies for the inconvenience you experienced as a result of the water intrusion incident that occurred the final night of the voyage,” Duffy said in the email, which Cox shared with USA TODAY. “We understand that being moved from your stateroom during those late hours must have been frustrating, and we deeply regret the disruption to your plans and comfort.”

Lupoli said in a separate statement that passengers "affected by the flooding incident on Carnival Sunrise were directed to the main lounge, not their muster stations, where our team worked to make them as comfortable as possible."

"The captain apologized for what occurred on board, a burst pipe due to a large amount of rainwater, and our Guest Care team has followed up as well, sending a letter and issuing a credit for those inconvenienced," he said. "We appreciate their understanding and support."

What is the best time to take a cruise?: We broke it down by region

Cox, who has been on over a dozen Carnival cruises, said the experience soured her on taking another – at least for now. “I had several pleasant experiences before this one, but at this moment in time, I can't imagine ever getting on another ship because I just felt so helpless.”

The news comes after Royal Caribbean International’s Serenade of the Seas, which is now operating the nine-month Ultimate World Cruise, also experienced flooding after rough weather off the coast of South America in January.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].