Market Chatter: Royal Caribbean Nears Deal to Acquire Majority Stake in Sandals Resorts

05:23 PM EDT, 09/22/2026 (MT Newswires) -- Royal Caribbean (RCL) is nearing a deal to acquire a majority stake in all-inclusive retreat company Sandals Resorts International, valuing the business at more than $6 billion, the Financial Times reported Tuesday, citing people familiar with the matter. If the transaction is successful, Royal Caribbean would control 20 of Sandals' hotel resorts across the Caribbean, allowing it to cross-sell its customers on land-based vacations, according to the report. Some of the Stewart family would retain equity in the business, with Royal Caribbean becoming the controlling shareholder. Royal Caribbean could eventually take full control of the business, Financial Times said. Royal Caribbean did not immediately respond to a request for comment from MT Newswires. (Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)