April 29 (Reuters) - Royal Caribbean raised its

annual profit forecast on Tuesday, benefiting from strong

bookings and lower fuel costs, sending the cruise operator's

shares up about 5% in premarket trading.

Growing interest in high-end leisure travel among

higher-income consumers, especially millennials and Gen Z, has

boosted the cruise industry, with bookings surpassing historical

levels in the recent past.

Royal Caribbean also benefited from easing fuel prices,

which were at their peak due to escalating geopolitical tensions

and significant shifts in global trade policies.

It earned an adjusted profit of $2.71 per share in the first

quarter, above estimates of $2.54, according to data compiled by

LSEG.

The company said it has expanded its annual forecast range

in response to the complexity of the current macroeconomic

landscape.

Its fiscal 2025 adjusted profit is now expected in the range

of $14.55 to $15.55 per share, compared with its prior forecast

of $14.35 to $14.65.

"While we appreciate the uncertainty surrounding the broader

consumer demand, we believe structural factors are driving

accelerated growth trends at Royal Caribbean," said Sharon

Zackfia, analyst with William Blair.

"We also believe a buffer exists against potential consumer

softening," with cruises being at a 20% discount compared to

stay at resorts and hotels, Zackfia added.

Royal Caribbean witnessed record bookings during the wave

season - the period from January to March when operators offer

exclusive cruise deals and packages - despite taking consecutive

ticket price hikes.

Its quarterly revenue rose 7.3% to $4 billion from a year

earlier, compared with analysts' average estimate of $4.02

billion.

(Reporting by Anuja Bharat Mistry in Bengaluru; Editing by

Shinjini Ganguli)