April 29 (Reuters) - 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, especially millennials and Gen Z, has strengthened 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 adjusted profit of $2.71 per share in the first quarter, above estimates of $2.54, according to data compiled by LSEG.

Shares of the company were up about 3% in premarket trading.

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.

Royal Caribbean took 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.

However, its quarterly revenue of $4 billion missed analysts' average estimate of $4.02 billion.