Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. reported record net income of $70.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2007 as strong close-in bookings drove revenues and offset high fuel costs. At the same time in 2006, Royal Caribbean posted net income of $46.6 million. However, 2006 was a stronger year for Royal Caribbean, which had net income for the full-year 2007 of $603.4 million, compared to $633.9 million in 2006.
According to the line, fuel prices increased 41 percent over the fourth quarter of 2006, raising operating costs by $45 million. (DE)