8-KEarnings & ResultsRegulation FDExhibits & Filings

ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD 8-K Report, Financial Results (Jan 29, 2009)

Filed January 29, 2009For Securities:RCL

Summary

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCL) filed an 8-K on January 29, 2009, primarily to furnish a press release regarding its fourth-quarter earnings and an update on the "WAVE" period. This filing indicates that the company is providing crucial, albeit preliminary, financial and operational insights to investors. The "WAVE" period typically refers to the critical booking season for the following year, making this update particularly important for understanding forward-looking demand and the company's performance expectations in a challenging economic environment. While the 8-K itself does not contain detailed financial figures, it directs investors to an attached press release (Exhibit 99.1) for the specific earnings results and operational commentary. This approach is common for 8-K filings that disclose material information outside of regular financial statements. Investors should carefully review the furnished press release for detailed earnings per share, revenue figures, booking trends, and management's outlook for the upcoming year, especially in light of the prevailing economic conditions.

Key Highlights

  • 1RCL filed an 8-K on January 29, 2009, referencing a press release about Q4 2008 earnings.
  • 2The filing includes an update on the "WAVE" booking period, crucial for future revenue expectations.
  • 3The press release (Exhibit 99.1) contains the substantive financial and operational details, not the 8-K form itself.
  • 4This report is furnished under Item 2.02 (Results of Operations) and Item 7.01 (Regulation FD Disclosure).
  • 5The information provided is considered non-public information to be disclosed simultaneously to all investors.
  • 6The CFO, Brian J. Rice, signed the report, indicating the significance of the disclosed information.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main purpose of this 8-K filing is to publicly disclose Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.'s fourth-quarter earnings results and provide an update on the "WAVE" booking period, as detailed in an accompanying press release (Exhibit 99.1). This ensures all investors receive this material information simultaneously.

The detailed financial results and operational commentary are not included directly in the 8-K form. Investors need to refer to Exhibit 99.1, which is the press release titled "Royal Caribbean Reports Fourth Quarter Earnings and Provides an Update on the ‘WAVE’ Period" dated January 29, 2009.

The "WAVE" period is a critical booking season for cruise lines, typically for the year following the reporting period. An update on this period provides insight into consumer demand, booking trends, and the company's revenue outlook for the near future, which is vital for investors assessing the company's performance and future prospects.

No, this 8-K filing is primarily a disclosure mechanism for a press release. The information furnished under Item 2.02 and Item 7.01 is not considered 'filed' for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, meaning it doesn't carry the same legal implications as a formally filed financial statement within a quarterly or annual report, unless specifically incorporated by reference.