Royal Caribbean trims revenue outlook as bookings soften

July 28 (Reuters) - Royal Caribbean cut its annual revenue forecast on Tuesday as the cruise operator said it saw a "modest, near-term impact on bookings" for certain sailings due to the uncertain geopolitical environment.

Shares were down about 5% in premarket trading, even as the company raised its profit forecast for the year.

The company now expects annual revenue to grow 9%, compared with its prior forecast of a 10% rise.

The company expects adjusted profit for fiscal 2026 of $17.73 to $17.87 per share, compared with its prior forecast of $17.10 to $17.50.

Royal Caribbean said the increase in earnings expectations reflects stronger-than-expected second-quarter performance and an improved outlook for the remainder of the year, even as it accounted for a "modest booking impact for select itineraries primarily due to prolonged geopolitical activity."

Cruise operators are grappling with high fuel prices, driven by uncertainty over U.S.-Iran negotiations, raising operating costs for companies that rely heavily on marine gas oil and pressuring profitability.