Former Carnival CEO Shares Secrets from Attempted Purchase of Royal Caribbean in New Book
Royal Caribbean fans and business enthusiasts will soon have the opportunity to delve into the suspenseful, behind-the-scenes history of the cruise line as former CEO Richard Fain prepares to release his upcoming book titled Delivering the WOW: Culture as Catalyst for Lasting Success on October 21, 2025. Having had the privilege of previewing an advance copy of the book, it is evident that within its pages lies a treasure trove of intriguing revelations and captivating tales from Royal Caribbean’s storied past.
Richard Fain has been an integral figure in Royal Caribbean’s journey from a modest Norwegian company with just three vessels to its current status as one of the most esteemed and thriving cruise lines globally. Prior to his tenure as CEO of Royal Caribbean, Fain held various positions at Gotaas-Larsen Shipping Corporation, one of the founding companies of Royal Caribbean. His rich experience and leadership acumen have been instrumental in steering the cruise line to unprecedented success.
Despite stepping down from the position of CEO in 2022, Fain continued to serve as Chairman and Director of the Board until the announcement in June 2025 that he would be relinquishing his role as Chairman. Jason Liberty, the current President and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, is poised to succeed Fain as Chairman in the fourth quarter of 2025. Fain’s new book promises to shed light on the pivotal transformations that took place within Royal Caribbean under his stewardship, offering invaluable business insights and emphasizing the significance of a WOW-centric organizational culture.
While Delivering the WOW predominantly focuses on the strategic and operational aspects of Royal Caribbean’s evolution, Fain masterfully weaves in captivating anecdotes and behind-the-scenes glimpses into the cruise line’s history. For instance, he recounts the fascinating origins of the design for Icon of the Seas’ Aquadome, which was initially sketched on a napkin in the break room—an unexpected yet charming testament to the innovative spirit that defines Royal Caribbean’s ethos.
Among the myriad tales shared in the book, Fain delves into some of Royal Caribbean’s most closely guarded secrets and unforgettable moments from his tenure as CEO. A particularly gripping account revolves around the construction of Sovereign of the Seas during the tumultuous 1987 recession, which saw the ship almost facing cancellation due to economic uncertainties. Fain vividly describes a pivotal conversation with shareholder George Soros, who urged him to rescind the ship’s order—a decision that could have altered the course of Royal Caribbean’s history irreversibly.
Furthermore, Fain reveals a high-stakes episode in 1988 when Carnival Cruise Line expressed interest in acquiring Royal Caribbean, prompting a frantic 40-day endeavor to safeguard the company’s independence. Against all odds, Fain navigated intricate negotiations and unforeseen obstacles to thwart Carnival’s takeover bid, successfully securing Royal Caribbean’s autonomy.
The upcoming release of Delivering the WOW promises an enthralling dive into the triumphs, challenges, and strategic decisions that have defined Royal Caribbean’s remarkable trajectory under Richard Fain’s leadership. For enthusiasts of business narratives and maritime history alike, Fain’s book is poised to deliver a captivating and enlightening journey through the annals of this iconic cruise line.