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November 2003 Newsletter |
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Editorial Bearing this experience in mind... I wanted to remind our clients that the problem of the cost of the air could be removed or at least greatly reduced if your client would consider a cruise for their program. Currently the various cruise lines have ships sailing from ports located close to most major population centers. For example, serving the northeast, there is Boston, New York, Baltimore, and Philadelphia. Serving the southeast, there is Charleston, Savannah, Jacksonville, Port Canaveral, Fort Lauderdale and Miami, on the Gulf Coast ships sail from Tampa, New Orleans, Galveston and Houston. On the west coast there are ships sailing from San Francisco, Seattle, Los Angeles and San Diego and this does not include some of the smaller ports being used by the boutique cruise lines. It is really possible to operate a truly national program without having commuter flights or luxury coaches handling the transportation of the participants. There is no question that the traveling
public, and this of course includes the participants you cater to, love to to
cruise. Recently released figures from CLIA show that over 7.6m North Americans
cruised in 2002 and the number is expected to hit 8.3m in 2003. Estimates for
2004 are equally impressive. So it appears obvious that we need to cater to the
desire of the participants and put a cruise into the mix as an additional choice
for our corporate programs. State of the Industry: Certainly some destinations have proven to be more popular than others. For this year, Europe in all its variations has suffered from a lack of suitable inventory (due to relocating ships after the war / terrorism threats of 2002) along with the problems of finding bulk air (for the same reason give or take). But look for Europe to bounce back in a big way - there is a huge demand and cruising in Europe, for Americans who struggle with different languages, cultures and so on, is still the easiest way to get your feet wet and sample the delights knowing you will return to your comfort zone (the ship) at the end of each day. With new ship deliveries expected to start
building up again in the last two years of the decade, expect capacity to grow
by another 25% between 2005 and 2010.
Sea Cloud Cruises has a very unusual opening on the SEA CLOUD II, departing Barcelona May 17 to Malaga May 21. This won't last long as the ship so rarely becomes available due to her ongoing tour operator commitments. Priced to sell quickly. CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS Don't forget we still have a small ship for exclusive charter for the MONACO GRAND PRIX in May - an exclusive from WWTCA. CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS Silversea Cruises - SILVER WIND unique 6-night voyage in the Caribbean, sailing April 15, 2004. The vessel sails roundtrip from St. John's, Antigua. Excellent opportunity due to a cancelled charter. CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS
Holland America recently announced the biggest fleet wide enhancement plan in our memory to the tune of $225m to be completed to all ships and facilities by the end of 2004. All S-Class ships will be getting alternative dining rooms, new decor packages, and new premium bedding. These are but a few of the the changes coming to their entire fleet. Numerous onboard improvements and enhancements are also planned for all ships. Last but not least will be the additions of a stingray park and a wave runner lagoon on HAL's extremely popular Half Moon Cay. The entire Wind Star fleet is under going major upgrading as well. Entirely new cabin décor and new furniture throughout the ships are only a few of the items being improved on all three ships. Work is scheduled to be completed in Jan. 2004. Costa will be placing 5 of their ships in dry dock this winter for improvements as well. The major change will be the addition of balcony cabins to the Costa Classica. Carnival's FANTASY is the first "fantasy class" ship to receive a multi-million dollar makeover. Entirely redone cabins and bathrooms head the list of items including décor changes to most of the bars and lounges throughout the ship. All fantasy class ships will receive the same treatment in the not too distant future. Royal Caribbean's Monarch of the Seas received major renovations including the addition of an alternative dining room the past June, before moving to Mexico. The latest ships doesn't necessarily means it's the greatest ship with some cruise lines. Worldwide continually tracks and monitors improvements and changes to all ships that we sell.
Empress of the North is a small ship which has recently started service. It's totally unique in as much as it is the first stern wheeler to be operating in Alaska in some 100 years. Ideal for an exclusive Alaska charter and able to cruise the more interesting small channels of the area. Check our site for details. Century Star, Viking River Cruises' newest ship has just been completed. The 23rd in the Viking fleet will start cruising on China's Yangtze River starting March 2004. The 186-passenger Century Star has all balcony cabins, gym - complete with sauna and massage rooms, a beauty salon, a 180-degree observation lounge and a medical center. Onboard service will blend the best of East and West integrating the warm hospitality of the Chinese people with the high standards and quality service of the Swiss team of hotel management and food and beverage operators. The company's Swiss hotel management staff will oversee day-to-day ship operations. The Century Star sails a fixed 7-nights cruise itinerary from Chongqing to Wuhan (or reverse).
Fort Lauderdale - a spokesperson for Port Everglades announced that seven new vessels will be making their inaugural voyages from the port in the 2003-2004 Caribbean cruise season, beginning this fall. On the top of the list is Cunard Lines' new flagship Queen Mary 2. Other additions to the list are the Island Princess, Caribbean Princess, Crystal Serenity, Costa Mediterranea, HAL's Oosterdam and MSC's Lirica. New Orleans - The New Orleans Mayor's office and Delta Queen Steamboat Company, Inc. announced the expansion of Delta Queen's operations in New Orleans with the introduction in April 2004 of a new land-river cruise package that combines the area's finest hotels, restaurants and attractions with a luxury cruise aboard the grand American Queen. Cancun, Mexico - the city elders are rethinking the location for the new port. Current thinking is that it will be located much closer to the city.
In Memoriam |