Royal Caribbean shares fall after report co nears Sandals Resorts deal

** Cruise operator Royal Caribbean's shares RCL.N fall 7.4% to $231.64

** RCL nears deal to buy majority stake in retreat company Sandals Resorts International, the Financial Times reports

** The deal will value Sandals at more than $6 billion, report says

** Some of the late-founder Gordon Steward family would retain equity holding in Sandals, with RCL becoming the controlling shareholder, report says, citing people familiar with the matter

** Royal Caribbean and Sandals did not immediately respond to Reuters' requests for comment

** RCL raised annual adjusted profit forecast in July to $17.73 to $17.87 per share, from its prior forecast of $17.10 to $17.50, but trimmed annual revenue target

** An agreement could be reached in the coming days - report

** Up to last close, shares down about 10% YTD