Royal Caribbean raised its annual profit forecast on Tuesday, benefiting from strong bookings for its high-end private island destinations and premium sailings to regions such as Alaska and Japan. Growing interest in leisure travel among higher-income consumers,

Food, stateroom options and entertainment are just a few things to consider when booking a cruise on some of the largest ships at sea.

Cruises provide a cheaper alternative to comparable vacations, so demand remains somewhat insulated during economic uncertainty, Royal CEO Jason Liberty said.