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Cruise Newsletter - April 2005
Important Notice:
In this day and age we all seem to get
inundated with unwanted spam (I hope our newsletter doesn't fall into that
category) so most everyone has a spam blocker to filter out the unwanted items,
so it came as no surprise to me to hear that quite a few of our clients and
colleagues have not been receiving their copy of the newsletter. To work
around this we will send this edition as a straight forward email and request
you to "advise" your spam blocker to allow incoming mail from our news letter
email address - this should ensure you receive your copy without it get caught
by the spam blocker. This edition will be an unformatted version - if you
prefer the newsletter in all of its glory please click on the following link -
March News.
This issue will be posted on our web-site and
can be accessed in in totality by clicking - here
This month our staff have sailed on the following ships and their reports are
available by click on the ships name:
Special and Great Value Charter
Opportunities:
-
Seabourn
Pride - Nov. 13-20, 2005 - Ft. Lauderdale - Barbados - $448.000,00
-
SeaDream Yachts
- call us for less than 7 day charter opportunities in 2005/6
Important Information:
A
driver’s license will be replaced by a passport for travelers to return to the
United States by year 2008 stipulates a new program by the Department of
Homeland Security.
 With
the program called “The Western Hemisphere Initiative,” the DHS wants travelers
to “travel to and from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda as equivalent
to taking a trip to Europe or Asia". We want folks to think about their
travel to and from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda as equivalent to
taking a trip to Europe or Asia," said Elaine Dezenski, the Department of
Homeland Security's acting assistant secretary for border and transportation
security policy. The initiative is part of a new terrorism prevention policy to
be implemented by 2008 in three proposed stages, will also require nationals of
those countries and territories to present passports when entering the United
States, the officials said. Under current regulation, a driver’s license or
other identification is all that is required for travel to and from the United
States to many North American neighbors. Beginning Dec. 31, 2007, the Western
Hemisphere Travel Initiative will take into effect requiring passports or their
equivalent to be the only documents accepted under the Intelligence Reform and
Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004, according to US officials. A proposed
timetable, which will be formalized later this year after a public review
period, the passport rule will be imposed on air and sea travel to and from the
Caribbean, Bermuda and Central and South America on Dec. 31, 2005, and extended
to Canada and Mexico on Dec. 31, 2006. Click on this link for easy to use
information on how best to
obtain a
Passport.
Editorial
Cruise Executives at the
recent SeaTrade Show forum in Miami say "Cruises are Under priced".
Although cruise prices are rising and yields
are projected to be considerably higher this year, cruise line executives
speaking at the the SeaTrade symposium maintain that in comparison to a land
vacation, cruising is under priced. Amongst a number of well know names, Rick
Sasso the President & CEO of MSC Cruises USA remarked that in his opinion,
cruises where 50% under priced at today's rates. Complaining that the general
public had adjusted to today's low rates and that it would be difficult to
increase prices dramatically over a short period, Colin Veich said "there was
positive momentum".
Worldwide has noted that the momentum to move
fares upwards has been steady over the past year with prices for the more
popular dates being considerably higher than the same period a year ago, plus
the ships are sailing full or next to full for these periods. Of course
there are still slow sailing dates and some of the cheaper staterooms are not
moving as quickly as the cruise lines would like which is resulting in some last
minute bargains. Last minute bargains however, do not translate into
business for our market segment however, and our corporate buyers should not
view these widely publicized, heavily discounted last minute bargains as an
indication that the cruise market is soft - it definitely is NOT. With
forward planning (over a year out) bargains can be had, especially if companies
can work around some of the softer sailing dates. Call us for further
information or a free quote for a group you may be working.
Industry News:
Latest news on Radisson Sevens
Seas Cruises relationship with the m/v Paul Gauguin.
The new owners of the
Paul Gauguin have extended the
management contract with Radisson Seven Seas Cruises for an additional year,
through the end of 2006. Grand Circle Corporation and Vantage Deluxe World
Travel of Boston jointly own Paul Gauguin Shipping Limited.
Latest news on a further retrenching at Radisson
Seven Seas Cruises.
We where saddened to hear that the axe is
falling again at RSSC. With the shortage of hardware and a lack of desire
to purchase ship(s) to rebuild their fleet RSSC has had to undergo some serious
retrenching. It is sad to hear of old friends who have been loyal employees for
so many years being handed their pink slip... but the situation warrants the
blood letting if RSSC is to survive in its current form.
Since Crystal Harmony's launch,
the ship has garnered Six-Star ratings, (see this months ship revue on
the other smaller ship - Crystal Symphony) plus awards for "World's
Best Mid-Sized Cruise Ship" and numerous accolades from industry
critics. As recently as fall 2002, Crystal Cruises spent millions on
major design upgrades including a lavish spa and fitness facilities,
to maintain the highest luxury standards. The ship's hardware has been
supported by exquisite service and impeccable attention to detail,
which include its rich appointments and soft goods of superior
quality. Nevertheless, the line's newer ships, Crystal Symphony and
Crystal Serenity boast, among other features, larger bathrooms and
more penthouse accommodations. With 2,020 berths in 2006, Crystal
Cruises will remain the industry's largest luxury operator.
NYK, the largest shipping company
in the world, operates more than 800 ships, including the cruise
division, one of its core businesses. NYK Cruises is currently
operating one ship, the 592-passenger Asuka for the Japanese market, a
market that has greatly expanded with demand far exceeding supply. By
shifting Crystal Harmony and refitting the ship for Japanese guests,
NYK can increase capacity to meet the needs of this growing market.
For more information on Crystal
Cruises, including a complete day-by-day schedule of 2006 itineraries,
visit the line's website at
www.crystalcruises.com. A more 2006 itineraries will be
posted on April 4, 2005.
Ship News
-
Norwegian Cruise Line who were considering
scrapping the SS Norway have had a change of heart and we are advised that the
Norway will be transferred to the Star Cruise Fleet and probably be used as a
hotel and entertainment center in a new Malaysian project. The old girl
is a problem ship these days, old technology, loaded with asbestos and other
compliance problems combine to pretty much put paid to her sea going days. Having already spent around $10m on simply
keeping the vessel tied up they are now going to have the vessel prepared for
sea and then towed to Malaysia. Once there she will have to be converted for
whatever use they have in mind and a custom dockage arrangement built to hold
her, a not inconsiderable investment in itself
-
As for the fleet makeover from old to new,
NCL's Exec VP Andy Stuart provides the latest update: "We're looking to retire
the older ships in our fleet by 2010, starting with the Norwegian Sea in the
fall of 2005. That sets off a chain reaction. The Dream comes out of New
Orleans and goes to Houston to replace the Sea, the Sun transfers from Miami
to New Orleans, and the Jewel goes into Miami. 70% of NCL's guests will
be on the seven new big ships by the end of 2005."
Veitch predicted that NCL is going from the oldest fleet to the youngest fleet
and the oldest in-house system to the newest.
The SuperStar Libra is the first of six NCL ships that will be progressively
transferred over to the Star Cruises Asia fleet. (see later story).
-
Viking River Launches New Europe Ship;
Viking has launched the new Viking Sun on the RhineRiver. The
198-passenger ship has all-outside cabins, restaurant with panoramic windows,
lounge with dance floor, bar, library/game room and sun deck. Of the 99
cabins, 37 have floor-to-ceiling French windows that open and 30 have large
picture windows that open. All cabins have private bathrooms, shower,
telephone, television, safe, hair dryer and air-conditioning. The Viking Sun
sails 12-night cruises from Antwerp to Basel.
-
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. formalized its order with Finnish
shipbuilder Aker Finnyards for a third ship in its Freedom class of vessels.
Destined for the Royal Caribbean International fleet, the three 158,000-GRT
ships will carry 3,600 guests double occupancy when completed. The third
vessel will enter service in early 2008.
-
Holland America Line recently earned an unprecedented
distinction among the world’s cruise lines with its 13th straight designation
as Best Overall Cruise Value from the prestigious World Ocean & Cruise Liner
Society (WOCLS), as published in “Ocean and Cruise News,” the society’s
monthly publication.
-
P&O Cruises has brought forward its planned 2006 program launch
for Arcadia by two months due to unprecedented demand. The UK’s largest
purpose-built cruiseship, to be named in Southampton next Tuesday, has
exceeded all expectations in her maiden season says the line. With 24
cruises varying in duration from two to 17 nights, Arcadia’s 2006 program
features sailings to and from Southampton during summer calling at
destinations in the Med, Atlantic Isles, Norwegian fjords and Baltics. Arcadia
will be based in Barbados in the winter.
Interesting news and statistics
-
This year, the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) recognizes these
movers and shakers by establishing CLIA`s first-ever Hall of Fame. The
CLIA's Hall of Fame will provide formal recognition to those men and
women, past and present, whose extraordinary efforts and accomplishments have
led to the positive development of the leisure cruise industry. Nominees for
Hall of Fame designation will be inducted at a ceremony at CLIA`s cruise3sixty
conference in Fort Lauderdale, September 30 to October 2, 2005. The Hall
of Fame will recognize individuals in three categories: cruise retailer, cruise
line executive, and an at-large category encompassing an additional retailer or
cruise executive, shipbuilder, publisher, government official or politician, or
any other individual whose contributions to the cruise industry warrant
nomination.
-
Royal Caribbean International entertainers
are now available to perform at land-based corporate events and private
functions.
Royal Caribbean Productions, the line’s in-house production company, has been
creating musical revues since 1990. In 2001, Royal Caribbean Productions
Rehearsal Studios opened in Hollywood, Florida. Four shows can be rehearsed in
the studios at any given time. Currently 42 shows are in rotation at sea, from
‘We Will Rock You’ to ‘Kiss Me Kate.’ Land-side performances can be booked
at a variety of lengths, from 10 minutes up to a full show, and can be presented
in full costume or concert style.
Port news
-
Star Cruises will base a ship in Mumbai, India; SuperStar
Libra, the name Star Cruises has chosen for Norwegian Sea following it transfer
from the NCL fleet at the end of this summer will be based out of Mumbai, India
from September. The acceptance of Star's cruise products in the Indian market
has grown tremendously over the last five years and is expected to continue with
the positioning of a Star Cruises ship in India. The growing awareness and
demand for cruise holidays in India plus the country’s long coastline and the
numerous culturally and historically-rich attractions spurred Star to devote a
vessel to the domestic market. SuperStar Libra will arrive in Mumbai on
September 25 from Singapore after calling at Phuket in Thailand, Chennai and
Colombo en route. After a series of one-night cruises she will commence regular
4-night destination cruises to Kadmat (Lakshadweep) and Goa, 2-night cruises to
Goa and 1-night weekend getaway cruises from October until April 2006. Four
special cruises to Kochi and Goa have also been planned for December, 2005 and
January and February 2006. SuperStar Libra’s call at Lakshadweep, has
introduced for the first time a unique way to visit one of the world’s most
spectacular tropical and remote island systems located 220-440 kms off the
Malabar Coast.
-
The cruise season is getting underway in China,
with some 50 port calls and 17 cruises by eight North American ships. Also
calling will be several European and Japanese vessels. The North American
ships are Radisson’s Seven Seas Voyager and Seven Seas Mariner; Sapphire,
Diamond and Pacific Princess; Holland America’s Amsterdam, Crystal Harmony and
Explorer. Generally, when ships call on China, the percentage of passengers on
tour is very high, some ships having as much as 100% participation. Generally
around 50% of cruise passengers participate in pre & post-cruise land tours in
and beyond Beijing. The revenue from land tours is typically more than
double the shore excursion revenue and it is this high levels of land-tour
sales which is the reason more cruise operators are looking to turn around
their vessels at Chinese ports. Talks will commence with high level Chinese
officials on board the Sapphire Princess in Xingang with a view to laying the
groundwork for what is hoped to become an on-going forum for cruise-related
issues and to consider the formation of a national cruise association.
-
Star Cruises' 19,093gt SuperStar Gemini will operate
weekly cruises ex-Singapore from November 20 until April 16,
2006, aimed at the Australian market. The 788-passenger liner will make
seven-night round voyages to Port Klang, Langkawi and Penang in Malaysia and
Krabi and Phuket in Thailand until March 26. She will then make three special
seven-night sailings from Singapore on April 2, 9 and 16 to Ko Samui and Ho
Chi Minh City.
PROGRAM IDEA's -
Coming up soon are several sporting events
which our clients should be focusing on:
Monaco Grand Prix - this event
is held annually in Monte Carlo - call us for ideas, we have already signed
several charter contract for this year and 2006.. there is still time to do
something.
Grand Prix Tours - who have the Le Ponant
chartered for the 2005 race have a very limited number of staterooms still
available for the race period. They have a very extensive package which
include a cruise. the race, cocktail parties et all. They can be reached at
(949) 719-3350.
2006
Ryder Cup - This event is being held in Ireland at the prestigious
Kildare Golf and Country Club, Straffan, Co. Kildare, between Friday 22nd and
Sunday 24th September. We are looking at bring a ship into the port of
Dublin with pre & post cruises planned around the event. Call us if you have any
clients interested in a very exclusive golf/cruise program.
Superbowl in Miami 2007
Try to form, just as soon as this years
Superbowl was over, our telephones started to ring for Superbowl 2007.
Call us for some ideas, we are happy to chat about options and who and what
might be available in Miami.
The America's Cup 2007
Worldwide continues to bring
this event to your attention as we feel there is a lot of corporate potential
for our clients.
Team Capitalia becomes the third Italian team to
challenge for the 32nd America's Cup
Valencia, 23rd March, 2005 – Team Capitalia presenting its team
in a public ceremony in Naples announced its intention to become the third
Italian Challenger for the 32nd America’s Cup. Distinguished by an ‘all-Italian’
sailing team, and with the support of its main partner Capitalia, an Italian
banking group, the team formerly known as Mascalzone Latino has high
expectations for its campaign. This is the second consecutive challenge
for the team led by Italian shipping and ferry service magnate Vincenzo Onorato.
Representing the Reale Yacht Club Canottieri Savoia, Team Capitalia has ITA-72
from the 2002 campaign in Auckland, and has just acquired the two Stars &
Stripes boats, USA-66 and USA-77, from Team Dennis Conner. In Auckland in 2002,
as a new team to the America’s Cup there were many highlights along the way for
Mascalzone Latino, including an exciting win over the French team and a tough,
memorable battle with its Italian rivals.
Despite an early exit from the event, Onorato wasn’t too disappointed, having
come into the Louis Vuitton Cup looking to gain experience for further
challenges. “It is useless to compete in just one America’s Cup,” he said at the
time when his team was eliminated. “You have to try and try and try and learn
and try again.”
“In the last America’s Cup, we were competing to learn,” Onorato explained on
Wednesday in Naples, where the team was presented publicly for the first time.
“This time, we are serious. I like the feeling on this team. We are focused and
committed to fight to the end.”
The new team will be led on the water by skipper and tactician Vasco Vascotto, a
newcomer to the America’s Cup squad, who will rely on helmsman Flavio Favini to
steer the boat. Favini was tactician in the last Mascalzone Latino Cup campaign.
There are now three Italian challengers for the 32nd America’s Cup, along with a
pair of Louis Vuitton Acts scheduled in Italy at the end of the 2005 season, the
Trapani Louis Vuitton Acts 8 & 9, beginning on the 29th of September.
“Italy has a very proud history in the modern era of the America’s Cup,” said
Michel Bonnefous, the CEO of the America’s Cup organiser. “With the America’s
Cup in Europe for the first time, I’m happy that there is so much Italian
support for the event. This kind of excitement in Europe is exactly what we
wanted with the Cup coming to the continent. We now have a very strong Italian
presence in this 32nd America’s Cup, and I’m happy to welcome a third Italian
team to the event.”
Team Capitalia’s challenge on behalf of the Reale Yacht Club Canottieri Savoia
was accepted by the Swiss Defender of the America’s Cup, the Société Nautique de
Genève, on the 9th of March. The team will begin training for the Valencia Louis
Vuitton Acts 4 & 5 (June 16-26) from its base on the Island of Elba, before
coming to Valencia later this spring for its first taste of racing in the 32nd
America’s Cup.
THE AMERICA’S CUP – THE STAGE FOR CREATING
LEGENDS as well as a SITE Crystal Award.
For more information
contact:
·
Steve Bloss (954) 452-8800, ext. 26 -
email Steve
·
Jim Huff (954) 452-8800, ext. 28 -
email Jim
·
Leon Banossian (954) 452-8800, ext. 29 -
email Leon
·
Martin Dock +44 (0)1794 514336 -
email Martin
·
Jim Castle (954) 452 8800. ext.25 -
email Jim
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