Cook optimistic despite deepening of winter losses

May 09, 2011 07:30

Political unrest in North Africa and the Middle East saw Thomas Cook’s winter half year operating losses deepen by £36 million to £166 million.

The disruption in programmes to Egypt and Tunisia cost £22 million while the later timing of Easter had an impact of around £15 million. 

This came on revenue up by 4% to £3.431 million in the six months to March 31.

While Thomas Cook reported “strong” summer trading across Continental and Northern Europe, the UK was described as “facing a tougher trading environment”.

The group’s UK performance was £42 million down and “remains weak as we keep prices competitive to stimulate demand resulting in tighter margins”. 

Thomas Cook admitted: “Cost savings of £16.5 million achieved in the UK were not enough to compensate for weak trading. 

“We continue to review the UK business and are progressing with our plans to improve performance.”

The company added that the ongoing unrest in Libya and other countries in Middle East “is weighing on consumer demand” and recovery is slower than expected, despite the significant bed rate reductions. 

“At this stage, we estimate that our programme to Egypt, Tunisia and Morocco for summer will operate at approximately 60% of the level originally planned, but this could change if the political situation does not improve,” Thomas Cook said.

“As a result we currently expect a further financial impact of around £35 million in the second half of the year. 

“We continue to work on mitigating the financial impact through redirecting our flying programme and securing additional accommodation in alternative destinations.”

Summer trading in the UK “continues to be tough” with bookings flat year on year and margins lower as prices are cut to stimulate demand. 

The programme is 63% booked, just 1% ahead over the time last year, with average selling prices up by 4%, reflecting changes in mix towards more all-inclusive product.

The size of group’s UK airline fleet is being revised due to difficult trading conditions in an effort to cut winter flying losses while “broadly maintaining” summer capacity.

The group’s UK defined benefit pension plans are being closed to all active members and pension provision will be through a defined contribution scheme.

A decision on the planned merger with The Co-operative Travel, being probed by the Competition Commission, is expected in August.
 
“We continue to cooperate with the Competition Commission regarding obtaining clearance for our merger with the Co-operative Travel,” Thomas Cook said.

The build-up of the group’s European Online Travel Agent (OTA) saw first half gross bookings rise by 10%, mainly driven from growth on the Continent while UK trading was described as “weak”. 

Chief executive Manny Fontenla-Novoa said: “I am constantly impressed at how resilient our business and people are to ever changing business conditions.

“We have responded to the challenges of political unrest in MENA and the weak UK consumer environment by redirecting our flying programme, cutting costs and continue to focus on our strategic priorities.

"As expected, first half trading was impacted by the timing of Easter and the unrest in the MENA region but despite the difficult UK trading environment in the first half, we have contained the seasonal loss and kept our focus on cash flow. 

“Our Continental and Northern European businesses have performed well, supported by an improving economic backdrop.

"Whilst results in our UK business are likely to be below last year's levels and the MENA situation remains uncertain, our Continental and Northern European businesses are performing well and summer booking levels are encouraging.  Therefore we remain well positioned to make progress for the year."

Carnival sues owners of Deep water Horizon oil rig

By Donna Tunney

Carnival Corp. filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court in New Orleans against owners, operators and manufacturers of the Deepwater Horizon oil rig.

Carnival said the Gulf oil spill a year ago caused it to incur increased fuel costs, vessel cleaning costs and loss of revenue and bookings.

Court documents filed April 20 do not indicate any specified amount of damages the company is seeking. Carnival is seeking a jury trial.

At the same time, Carnival filed a counterclaim to a petition by Triton Asset Leasing, Transocean Holdings and other owners of the rig. The petition seeks exoneration from or limited liability for the drilling unit.

In its counterclaim, Carnival reserved its right to pursue claims in state court.

All-inclusive search drop contradicts First Choice move - Hitwise ...

All-inclusive search drop contradicts First Choice move - Hitwise ...

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Grand Princess Drydock Video Journal : Princess Cruises®

Grand Princess Drydock Video Journal : Princess Cruises®

Hundreds of ash cloud claims still outstanding

Hundreds of ash cloud claims still outstanding



Apr 07, 2011 07:00



More than 400 claims for holidays ruined by the Icelandic ash cloud a year ago have yet to be settled, according to reports.

About 400 cases have been taken to the Financial Ombudsman Service and are being adjudicated.

There are also "a few dozen" demands for refunds for flight tickets and costs such as hotels and car hire that have not yet been processed by airlines, the London Evening Standard reported.

The majority of remaining claims are against travel insurers which dispute whether the ash cloud that drifted across Europe represented a genuine "adverse weather event" covered by policies.

The claims reportedly range from £50 to £4,000.

Travel insurance companies including Europ Assistance and Axa refused to pay claims on the grounds that the ash cloud was not “a weather incident”.

A Europ Assistance spokeswoman was quoted as saying: “We have received a decision from the Financial Ombudsman Service which we are considering with our legal advisers and we will respond in due course.”

A Civil Aviation Authority spokesman said: “I understand there are a couple of airlines that are still in dispute with a number of passengers. There are some outstanding claims which airlines say are excessive.”

An estimated two million travellers, many on Easter holidays, were caught up in the chaos caused by the Eyjafjallajökull volcano.

Many were stranded overseas and had to make their own way home or pay for hotels caused by the closure of European airports from April 15 to 20.

Note! The main problem is not the companies paying out its how the people booked their holiday first, they chose to become the tour operator by arranging all the different elements them selfs, if they had book the holiday with a ATOL bonded travel company like We Travel 2U they would not have had to fork out for the hotel stay and would have had a re-arranged flight home as soon as the air was safe to fly in.

All those whose holidays did not happen for the same reason would have their holiday rearranged or been given a full refund straight away. the morel of the story is BOOK with a TRAVEL AGENT or take the risk!!!

Wind gust blows Carnival Pride off moorings

By Jerry Limone

The Carnival Pride’s Caribbean cruise was delayed Wednesday afternoon, when a 98-mph wind gust dislodged the ship from its moorings at Port Canaveral in Florida.

Nobody was hurt and appropriate authorities were notified, said Carnival. The ship returned to its dock, then passengers began to return to the Pride.

Carnival said the ship remained overnight at Port Canaveral and departed Thursday morning at approximately 6:15 a.m. local time, several hours behind schedule.

Because of the delayed departure from Port Canaveral, the ship’s itinerary has been modified to include an overnight visit in Freeport, Bahamas. The Pride will arrive at 4 p.m. Thursday and depart at 2 p.m. Friday.

The original itinerary included a call at Nassau on Thursday and Freeport the following day.

The Carnival Pride is on a seven-day cruise from Baltimore that includes a daylong call in Port Canaveral.

Viking orders four river ships with balconies

By Michelle Baran

Viking River Cruises has finally caved to the popular balcony trend on river cruise ships. The company unveiled plans this week for four new ships that will feature private balconies and larger staterooms and suites.

The four new ships — the Freya, Idun, Njord and Odin — will be the first of a new class of vessels called Viking Longships. Viking will spend a total of $120 million on the ships, which will sail Europe itineraries in 2012.

"Should we have balconies or not? For a long time I said 'not,'" said Viking CEO Torstein Hagen.

Hagen said he had been hesitant about balconies because they eat into the square footage of cabins.

Hagen noted that by reconfiguring the layout of the ships (shifting the central corridor and adding two suites at the aft of the ship), Viking was able to add balconies without sacrificing stateroom square footage.

"It's clear that many people want to go from ocean cruising to river cruising, and people who have been on ocean cruises want balconies," said Hagen.

The 190-passenger Longships are being designed by maritime architects Yran & Storbraaten and will be 443 feet long, with 95 staterooms each.

Three-quarters of the staterooms on the new ships will feature a balcony, French balcony (doors open to a railing but no patio) or both. The layout is patent pending, according to the company.

The ships will have seven 270-square-foot Veranda suites with full balconies off the living room and French balconies off the bedroom. Thirty-nine Veranda staterooms will each have 205 square feet and full balconies.

There will also be two 445-square-foot Explorer suites at the ship's aft. These suites will have a separate living room, bedroom, bathroom and private wraparound balcony.

In addition to new cabin configurations, the Longships will have an indoor/outdoor Aquavit Terrace at the front of the ship, a feature Viking was able to add by squaring off the nose of the ship rather than having it come to a point.

Viking has improved upon the energy-efficient hybrid engines it installed in the Legend and Prestige, moving from a two- to a four-generator system to decrease vibrations. There will also be solar panels and an organic herb garden on the sun deck.

As for additional amenities, Hagen said, "I caved in on verandas, I did not cave in on a gym or spa."

Rather, Viking will test a "concierge program," partnering with hotels in port cities to offer guests the use of spas and fitness facilities.

The new ships will also have elevators, a feature Hagen said he agreed to "reluctantly."

The four new ships will cost $30 million each, about $5 million more than the Legend, which launched in 2009, and the Prestige, which launches later this year.

The ships are part of a plan Viking laid out last year to invest $250 million in eight new ships and two refurbishments between 2011 and 2013.

The Freya, Idun, Njord and Odin are scheduled to sail the 10-day Tulips & Windmills (roundtrip from Amsterdam), the eight-day Romantic Danube (from Budapest, Hungary, to Nuremberg, Germany) the 15-day Grand European Tour (from Amsterdam to Budapest) and the eight-day Danube Waltz (from Passau, Germany, to Budapest).

Budget 2011: Osborne confirms no APD rise this year

Budget 2011: Osborne confirms no APD rise this year

Mar 23, 2011 13:29

The chancellor has confirmed a delay to this year’s APD rise to next year and said the government will seek to change international law to allow a per plane tax to be brought in.

Giving his annual Budget speech in the House of Commons, George Osborne said the government had “tried every possible option” to bring in a per plane APD, but had to conclude that it was "illegal in international law."

Confirming the decision not to go ahead with this November’s planned rise in line with inflation Osborne said it had been decided to delay the rise until next year.

The news will be greeted favourably by the travel industry, which has recently formed the A Fair Tax on Flying coalition due to worries over the amount of tax being levied on travel.

Osborne told the House of Commons that the government would also look to change the "rather arbitrary banding system of APD that appears to consider the Caribbean to be further away than part of the US and Hawaii," and bring private jets into the taxation system.

Expedition ships have evolved from spartan to luxury vessels

By Donna Tunney

For some people, "expedition ship" still brings to mind an image of a workhorse vessel navigating ice floes while a captain bellows orders to his crew and passengers huddle for warmth against a gale-force wind.

But that image wouldn't reflect reality, at least not anymore.

Companies that specialize in this niche market readily admit it's all about the destination experience, not the cruise experience, but the promise of arriving there in comfort and style is what keeps affluent, adventure-seeking guests booking their products.

Today's vessels have plush accommodations: spas, gourmet cuisine and fine wines, onboard enrichment programs and, in at least one case, butlers.

Most small ship and expedition lines can claim a global reach, operating in the Arctic, Antarctic and Galapagos and calling at many less-celebrated but culturally significant ports in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Asia, the South Pacific and the Far East.

"We feature out-of-the-way ports and onboard naturalists and lecturers, but we do it all with elegance and with a French flair," said Terri Haas, chief commercial officer of Compagnie du Ponant, a Marseille, France-based small-ship line that on April 26 will launch its 264-passenger L'Austral in Marseille.

It's the fifth ship in the fleet and a sister vessel to Le Boreal, which launched about a year ago. Both ships will be deployed to Antarctica next fall, for a series of 10- to 15-night sailings priced from about $4,200 to $6,400 per person. As on other expedition ships, passengers will climb aboard Zodiacs to begin their explorations of the region's fragile environment.

Orion Expedition Cruises will also christen a ship this year. The Sydney-based line operates the 106-passenger Orion I and will add a second ship, Orion II, following a $21 million refurbishment.

Orion II, accommodating 100 guests, is the former Clelia II, which was owned and operated by Great Lakes Cruising of Ann Arbor, Mich.

Sarina Bratton founded Orion Expedition Cruises in 2004 and is managing director of the company. Orion is her second cruise line start-up. In 1997 she founded Norwegian Capricorn Line, a joint venture between Australian interests and Norwegian Cruise Line. It was acquired by Star Cruises in 2000.

"Our interpretation of expedition cruising is a combination of mentally stimulating experiences, often in remote locations rarely visited by others and often completely bypassed by tourism," Bratton said.

"Even though 2009 was a tight year, we managed to generate enough current and forward sales to meet budget and be in a position to commit to our second ship," she added.

Post-recession, Orion's advance bookings are "very strong," Bratton said, and sales for Orion II are "significantly ahead" of her business plan projections, with some expeditions sold out for 2011 and a number nearing capacity. Orion II will sail its maiden voyage, a 24-night cruise, on May 25 from Vancouver to Japan.

A sample 10-night Orion II cruise, Natural Treasures of the Russian Far East, ranges from $6,930 to $13,940 per person for a June departure.

Compagnie du Ponant's Haas said the recession affected her company's plans for L'Austral. That ship and Le Boreal were to have debuted together in early 2010, but the company decided that, mostly due to the economic downturn, it would first roll out Le Boreal and hold back on L'Austral until this year. (Although Le Boreal has been operating for a year, it was never christened in 2010, so it will be officially named next month, too.)

Haas said her company's bookings held steady through the worst of the recession.

"Even though people cut back on long itineraries, we offered shorter options, such as seven-night cruises. In fact, 80% of our itineraries are seven nights," she said.

"Prebooking for L'Austral is off the charts," she added. Compagnie du Ponant began marketing in North America just a year ago, when Le Boreal entered service. "People knew our ships because North American operators had chartered them, but they didn't know our brand."

One of those operators is Abercrombie & Kent, based in Downers Grove, Ill. Bob Simpson, vice president of business development, said the up-market operator chartered Le Boreal last winter in Antarctica and would do so again next December and January.

"We're sold out already for the January cruise, and we expect to be 80% booked for the December cruises by the end of April," he said. "Passengers are typically 55 and up, well educated, highly traveled and with high incomes. We see a lot of hedge fund guys and attorneys. They're adventure seekers who go on safari and stay in luxury lodges. They are not your typical cruise client."

There are two levels of expedition product, Simpson said: "There's cruise only, [meaning] a big, traditional ship that goes to the Antarctic but the passengers don't get off. So there are lines that land people and others that don't."

There's a big difference, Simpson said, between expedition passengers and traditional cruise-ship passengers. "It's a mistake for expedition operators to try and compete against a traditional cruise ship. Expedition ships represent a cruise experience product; we use a ship to deliver an experience."

Simpson predicted small-ship cruising to Antarctica will continue to do well, not only because of the destination's draw but because of an expected reduction in capacity. That's thanks to regulations adopted by the International Maritime Organization that require ships in Antarctic waters to use the lightest and cleanest-burning marine gas oil, effective July 1.

That was great news to Sven Lindblad, the wildlife photographer and founder of New York-based Lindblad Expeditions.

"Some big ships would need major retrofits [to accommodate] light diesel, and I hope that will push them away," he said. "I'd be delighted to see them go. Not everything should be available to everyone. Antarctica sailings should not be part of the mainstream cruise industry."

Lindblad several years ago entered into an alliance with National Geographic that, among other things, enables the organization's scientists and explorers to join Lindblad's cruises, which are operated aboard five ships owned by the company and four that are chartered.

"Expedition cruising is all about personal development, and the people who really want to do this sort of thing consider it an investment and an education," Lindblad said.

Lindblad Expeditions bases two ships year-round in the Galapagos; it's the company's No. 1 destination.

"We bring 6,000 people a year," said Lindblad, the son of adventure travel pioneer Lars-Eric Lindblad, who led some of the first nonscientific groups of travelers to the Galapagos and Antarctica in the mid-1960s.

A 10-day Lindblad cruise in the Galapagos in mid-June ranges from $5,230 to $7,440 per person, double.

According to Lindblad, expedition cruising is a solid niche, but he added, "I'd say 2009 was the worst year for any of us since Sept. 11, 2001."

Last year, he said, was the company's best year, and "2011 is far ahead of 2010."

This year also is shaping up well for Silversea Cruises' expedition vessel, Prince Albert II.

According to Steve Tucker, vice president of field sales for Silversea, expedition customers tend to book much further out.

"They plan ahead. Even for our 2012 voyages," he said, "which were made available for booking last December, the Prince Albert II already is at a much higher occupancy than the other ships." And, he said, guests who book the expedition vessel tend to be about 10 years younger than the typical Silversea guest: 47 vs. 57.

"One thing that differentiates us from everybody else is our butler service, provided in every suite," Tucker said.

The Arctic and Antarctic are the top sellers for the 132-passenger Prince Albert II, but the ship operates across the globe. A 13-night May sailing on Prince Albert II from Leith, Scotland, to Lubeck, Germany, with calls in Denmark and Norway, for example, offers fares from $6,478 per person.

Joe Ewart, vice president of marketing for WMPH Vacations, an agency in Delray Beach, Fla., that specializes in cruises, said he works with a variety of small-ship operators.

"We find that most small-ship cruisers are motivated by the destinations and immersive experiences that are not easily replicated on large ships," Ewart said. "Because the guest is generally well informed in advance of what a small ship does and does not offer compared to larger liners, the satisfaction level is very high, as is the repeat factor." He added, "We believe this market will continue to grow as more soft-adventure enthusiasts discover this niche."

Cruise ships stay out of harm’s way in Pacific

By Donna Tunney

The major U.S. cruise lines operating across the Pacific are experiencing virtually no effects from the massive earthquake that struck 80 miles off the coast of Japan March 11 and the tsunami waves that followed.

Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 is in Japanese waters, sailing between Osaka and Nagasaki, where it is due to arrive on Saturday, March 12.

A statement from the line said that the ship is 450 miles southwest of the epicenter of the earthquake, "and it is extremely unlikely that the ship will be affected in any way by the earthquake or its aftershocks."

The Queen Mary 2 is operating a 102-night World Voyage, which departed New York on Jan. 13.

Royal Caribbean International said that none of its brands’ ships were affected by the earthquake or tsunami and that no modifications have been made to itineraries that include Japan.

The company, which operates the Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Azamara Club lines, said it was continuing to monitor the situation.

Azamara Club Cruises’ Azamara Quest, departed a port call in Nagasaki, Japan, March 11 as scheduled. The line said that Azamara Quest was hundreds of miles from the epicenter of the earthquake, and the ship as well as all of its guests and crew are safe and sound.

"We are extremely saddened by the destruction in Japan caused by the massive earthquake. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the people of Japan and their family members," Royal Caribbean said in a statement.

Crystal Cruises’ Crystal Serenity is operating a 14-night sailing from Sydney to Singapore and has completed a scheduled call in Bali, Indonesia. According to the line, the ship now is enroute to Singapore, as planned.

"Earlier this morning the captain reported the seas are smooth, and he doesn't expect any impact on our route. Indonesia has lifted its tsunami warning," said a spokeswoman for Crystal.

In Hawaii, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America left Nawiliwili, on the island of Kauai, at 1 a.m. March 11 and is at sea, where the line said conditions are safe for the vessel. The tsunami warning prompted the closure of Kauai’s port, where the ship was calling, but it is expected to reopen later today. When it does, NCL said, the ship will return to the island.

The Pride of America operates six-night sailings roundtrip from Honolulu. NCL said the ship would return to Honolulu on March 12, and the next cruise is expected to operate as scheduled.

The line’s Norwegian Star is operating a six-night Mexican Riviera cruise roundtrip from Los Angeles, where a tsunami warning also is in place. The ship is at sea today and will arrive as scheduled in Los Angeles Saturday, NCL said.

The line added that it continues to monitor the tsunami advisory for Hawaii and the West Coast. 

Costa pulls out of Tunisia, Egypt, Israel - Travel Weekly

Costa pulls out of Tunisia, Egypt, Israel

By Donna Tunney

Costa Cruises has canceled calls in Tunisia, Egypt and Israel for the balance of 2011.


A statement from the line's headquarters in Genoa, Italy, said that while the company "values and appreciates the great appeal of these three countries as prime tourist destinations," due to recent events the itineraries of all its ships that call in the destinations are being changed.


The long-term policy, Costa said, would enable it to "efficiently plan and execute its complex technical and maritime operations for the entire season."


All seven-day Mediterranean cruises of the Costa Concordia, Costa Serena and Costa Magica that had a scheduled one-day call at Tunis, Tunisia, will be replaced with a one-day call at Malta, Palma de Mallorca, Spain, or Cagliari, Italy.


All Mediterranean itineraries with scheduled calls at Alexandria, Egypt, and Haifa and Ashdod, Israel, will be modified and offer alternative calls at Limassol, Cyprus; Rhodes, Greece; Marmaris, Turkey; or the newly added ports of Alanya and Antalya, Turkey.

RCCL brands alter port calls away from Egypt

RCCL brands alter port calls away from Egypt

By Donna Tunney

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., parent of Azamara Club Cruises, Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean International, has altered the itineraries of several cruises with port calls in Alexandria, Egypt, due to continued uncertainty in the country.

Azamara Club Cruises' Azamara Quest, which sails from Dubai on April 24, will spend an extra day at sea and call at Santorini, Greece, rather than Alexandria.

The ship's May 6 departure from Athens (Piraeus), Greece, will substitute an overnight in Rhodes, Greece, and call at Paphos, Cyprus.

Additionally, when the ship departs Haifa, Israel, on May 16, it will call at Paphos, Cyprus, and overnight in Rhodes.

The Celebrity Silhouette will substitute Haifa, on cruises departing from Rome (Civitavecchia) on Aug. 22 and Sept. 3. On its Sept. 15 sailing from Rome, the ship will arrive in Jerusalem (Ashdod), Israel, two days earlier than planned.

Its Sept. 27 cruise from Rome will substitute Limassol, Cyprus, and Haifa. And its Oct. 10 departure from Rome will include a call at Haifa and an overnight in Jerusalem.

The May 11 and June 4 and 28 sailings of Royal Caribbean International's Mariner of the Seas all will substitute either Ephesus or Istanbul, Turkey, calls in place of Alexandria. The Istanbul calls will include an overnight.

P&O Cruises to mark its 175th with Grand Event

Mar 07, 2011 08:06

All seven ships in the P&O Cruises fleet are to dock together for the first time in Southampton next year. The vessels will come together in their home port for The Grand Event on July 3, 2012 as part of a year of celebrations in 2012.

The company will be marking the 175th anniversary of the Peninsular Steam Navigation Company being awarded the Admiralty contract to carry mail to the Iberian Peninsula and beyond.

Following the event in the port, each ship will depart on its own Grand Event cruise, forming a procession as they leave Southampton. Once in the open water, the ships will meet again, saluting one another before they sail to their various destinations.

The seven cruises will be heritage themed with special on board entertainment including a 175th Anniversary Gala dinner, heritage art display and guest speakers. A full world cruise prize draw will be held on each cruise and a total of seven passengers plus guests will be travelling in 2013. They are detailed in the company’s 2012-13 brochure which goes on sale on April 5.

The Grand Event Cruises are:

• An 11-night Atlantic Islands cruise on Azura starting at £1,149
• A 17-night Central Mediterranean cruise on Ventura starting at £1,699
• A seven-night Norwegian Fjords cruise on Oceana starting at £749
• A 14-night Norway and Iceland cruise on Arcadia starting at £1,549
• A17-night Baltic cruise on Aurora starting at £1,749
• A four-night cruise break on Oriana starting at £399
• A 21-night Central Mediterranean cruise on Adonia starting at £2,349

P&O Cruises’ managing director Carol Marlow said: “We are very excited to announce this special day. It will be a great celebration for P&O Cruises, our passengers and for the whole maritime world.

“Whereas the very first P&O ships plied their trades to the Iberian Peninsular and the Orient, P&O Cruises ships sail throughout Europe, the Caribbean, South America, Scandinavia, Mediterranean, Atlantic islands and on round the world cruises. What was once a national necessity is now a national pastime and is worthy of a grand celebration.”

HAL offers early embarkation program

By Donna Tunney

Holland America Line launched Stateroom Direct Service, a program that it says simplifies the boarding process by giving guests immediate access to their staterooms upon embarkation.

Under the program, staterooms will be ready as early as 11:30 a.m., and passengers no longer will have to check their carry-on bags and wait in public areas while staterooms are being prepared. Additionally, arriving guests will receive their luggage earlier and will be offered the opportunity to have a buffet lunch.

The initiative, in place on all of the line's 15 vessels, is part of HAL's Signature of Excellence enhancement program.

"Holland America Line is always seeking new ways to enhance our on-board cruise experience, and through this streamlined boarding process guests can now get into their staterooms earlier and begin enjoying their vacation sooner," said Richard Meadows, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs.

NCL to raise fares in April - Travel Weekly

NCL to raise fares in April

By Donna Tunney

Norwegian Cruise Line said it would raise its fares by up to 10%, effective April 1.


At the same time it extended its "Free Upgrades For All" promotion through March 31, offering up to a four-category upgrade on select sailings, along with e-coupons for onboard savings of up to $400.


"We've seen exceptional demand spurred by our Wave season promotion, particularly for the popular summer destinations," said CEO Kevin Sheehan.
"Based on this demand, we will increase our fares on April 1. We wanted to give consumers and travel agents the opportunity to take advantage of these offers before the price increase."


NCL last raised its fares in April 2010, by 7%, citing an unprecedented increase in booking volume.

NCL adding 58 cabins to Norwegian Dawn

By Johanna Jainchill

The 2,224-passenger Norwegian Dawn will get 58 additional cabins during a nearly month-long drydock in May.

Norwegian Cruise Line said during a webinar yesterday that 30 of the new staterooms would be inside cabins and 28 would be suites.

The suites include four 667-square-foot to 732-square-foot deluxe owner's suites and 24 family suites, ranging from 408 square feet to 495 square feet, most of which can sleep six passengers.

NCL said the new owner's suites will be on the front of the ship below the bridge and that the family suites would have floor to ceiling windows and be situated near the pool.

Crane Gladding, NCL's senior vice president of revenue management and passenger services, explained that the new cabins would be accommodated by moving the Spinnaker bar and the movie theater. He said the moves would not mean any less public space, but would result in a more-efficient ship layout with better passenger flow. .

Gladding said the changes were inspired by work the line did on the Norwegian Star.

"The flow of the ship has improved on the Star with these changes and we think it's more inline with the way we build ships today," he said. "We are putting more public spaces together for guest flow to be more smooth around the ship."

The work on the Dawn will be done at the Grand Bahama Shipyard in Freeport, Bahamas, from May 1 to 27. The drydock would result in more changes to the ship, which will be revealed later, according to NCL.

The new cabins are on sale now for departures after Sept. 16, NCL said, because some of the finishing work will continue throughout the summer.

Weather continues to hamper cruise ops in Galveston

By Johanna Jainchill

Heavy fog and low visibility continue to hinder cruise operations in Galveston, Texas, with the port's closure this weekend delaying two ship arrivals.

Royal Caribbean International said that due to the port closure, the 3,114-passenger Voyager of the Seas was delayed getting into Galveston on Sunday, causing a two-hour delay of its next departure.

The 2,974-passenger Carnival Conquest's arrival into the city was also delayed, Carnival Cruise Lines said, but its departure was on time.

Last Thursday, the 2,052-passenger Carnival Ecstasy was held overnight in Galveston due to heavy fog and near zero visibility. The ship departed the next morning, and Carnival modified its sailing from a four-day to a three-day cruise to Cozumel.

The week before, the Ecstasy departed two days behind schedule, and two other ships -- the Conquest and the Voyager -- experienced one-day delays, also due to the fog.

Adonia's Godmother Announcement

Dame Shirley Bassey named as Godmother to Britain’s latest cruise ship

Photograph by Mary McCartney

Legendary singer to take centre stage at naming ceremony for Adonia

Britain’s greatest and best loved female performer, Dame Shirley Bassey DBE, is to be Godmother to Adonia, the latest addition to the P&O Cruises fleet.

Dame Shirley will name the stylish ship in a glittering ceremony in Southampton on Saturday May 21, 2011.
Adonia is considerably smaller than the larger ships of today. Carrying just 710 passengers, the ship will be able to reach off the beaten track ports of call, yet is big enough to provide an extensive range of on board facilities. Exclusively for adults, Adonia will offer an atmosphere that is intimate and refined – and the on board excellence for which the company is renowned. 

“I have had the most exciting career imaginable, but to be invited to be Godmother to a cruise ship is something very special and very personal,” said Dame Shirley.

“Dame Shirley is Britain’s most successful female artiste ever, a national treasure who defines the word ‘superstar’. We are Britain's favourite and most successful cruise line and can trace our British history back longer than any other line. It’s a perfect match and I am sure on our naming day she will need no excuse to  “get the party started!“ said P&O Cruises managing director, Carol Marlow.

During a career that has included 135 million record sales, Dame Shirley Bassey has had many incredible highlights, including being the only singer to record three James Bond movie theme songs & most recently releasing The Performance – an album which she describes simply as “The performance of my life” . Dame Shirley has received numerous awards and accolades including being named a DBE [Dame of the British Empire] in 1999.

“Adonia will be the jewel in the P&O Cruises crown and will celebrate all those things our regular passengers love about cruising with us – a classic dance floor, Crow’s Nest observation lounge, formal nights, classical music recitals, guest speakers, silver service dining and a dedicated card room. Loyal cruisers and those new to cruising alike will be charmed by the refined P&O Cruises experience Adonia will offer, and entertainment will form a vital part of that, so it is entirely fitting for Dame Shirley to give Adonia the best possible start to her life with P&O Cruises,” continued Carol Marlow.

Over 500 invited guests will witness the naming ceremony on Adonia’s top deck in Southampton Docks on Saturday, May 21, prior to the vessel’s maiden voyage the following day, a 16 night cruise to the Western Mediterranean, which includes calls to Alghero in Sardinia; Portofino in Italy; Sete in France; Port Mahon and Barcelona in Spain.

Adonia facts

Built in 2001, Adonia has all the facilities you would expect of a modern ship, with a classic and refined interior style.

Adonia’s main restaurant will be the Pacific Restaurant and there will be two further Select dining venues, Italian ‘Sorrento’ and a steakhouse and grill. There will also be a buffet restaurant, with some al fresco dining and a barbecue area out on the Lido deck.
For  entertainment, Adonia will have eight bars, including P&O Cruises signature ‘Crow’s Nest’ observation lounge; Andersons, the familiar club-style lounge bar; and Raffles, which will also offer a coffee shop menu throughout the day with pastries, chocolates, hot drinks and afternoon tea. There is also a traditional library with fireplace and views on three sides.

Adonia will also feature The Curzon Lounge, where passengers can enjoy a drink with a sea view during the day, and by night enjoy a performance by the Headliners theatre company, concerts, dancing, or after dinner speakers.

There will be the signature Oasis Spa, offering a range of treatments and therapies such as hot stone massages and body scrubs, Aromatherapy, and reflexology. There is also a well equipped gym with panoramic sea views.

Adonia’s well appointed cabins will feature Egyptian cotton linen, tea and coffee making facilities so popular with British passengers, and over 75% of the cabins will have a private balcony.

Royal Caribbean code-names next ship class 'Project Sunshine'

By Johanna Jainchill

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. signed a letter of intent with German shipyard Meyer Werft to build the first of a new generation of ships for its Royal Caribbean International brand, with a scheduled delivery in 2014.

The letter of intent is subject to customary conditions being satisfactorily met.

RCCL said that the 158,000-ton, 4,100-passenger ship class, code-named "Project Sunshine," would cost approximately $230,146 per berth, based on current exchange rates. RCCL has an option for a second ship with a spring 2015 delivery.

"This next generation will not disappoint,” said RCCL Chairman Richard Fain in a statement.

Fain told Wall Street analysts in a late-January earnings call that the line had been working on a new ship design, and that the time "may be right" to place the order.

He stated Friday that Project Sunshine would have "exciting new activities and entertainment concepts."

"It will offer features for everyone: from grand, spectacular spaces to small intimate settings; from active, invigorating activities to the serenity of more personal space; and from a plethora of dining alternatives to a cornucopia of opportunities for families," Fain said.

Fain also said the ship would incorporate even better "energy efficiency and environmental technologies" than its current vessels.

The 158,000-ton ships are a step down in tonnage for Royal Caribbean, and is almost exactly the same size as the brand’s 160,000-ton, 3,600-passenger Freedom-class vessels. They will be significantly smaller than the line’s last two newbuilds, the 5,400-passenger Oasis-class ships.

Royal Caribbean opted to go with Meyer Werft over STX Finland, which has been building Royal Caribbean ships for more than 40 years. STX Finland (formerly Aker Yards) built the Oasis-class ships.
"We are exceptionally proud of our 40-year relationship with STX," Fain said. "Our Oasis class of ships could not have been built anywhere other than STX, and they have exceeded all expectations. The reason we signed a letter of intent with Meyer Werft for Project Sunshine is because they had the most compelling proposal. We looked at a lot of shipyards and Meyer Werft offered the best combination of innovation, customer focus, quality and price. We hope to continue our relationship with STX with other opportunities in the future."

Meyer Werft already has a relationship with RCCL, as the company has built and continues to build Celebrity Cruises' five Solstice-class ships.continues to build Celebrity Cruises' five Solstice-class ships.

Man charged with murder of Allure of the Seas crew member - www.travelweekly.co.uk

Man charged with murder of Allure of the Seas crew member

Feb 11, 2011 10:34

A man has been charged with the murder of a Polish crew member of Royal Caribbean International’s Allure of the Seas.

Thirty-two-year-old Monika Markiewicz did not report back to the ship before it left Cozumel in Mexico on February 4. Her body was discovered the next day in the water off a remote beach.

Mexican authorities have now charged a 24-year old local barman, Nelson Torres, with her murder, the cruise line said.

“Reports indicate that Torres and Ms Markiewicz were casually acquainted for several months and he followed her for a period of time before killing her along the roadway on her way back to the ship,” the company said.

Royal Caribbean said its global security department fully supported and assisted Mexican officials in their investigation of this “isolated and uncharacteristic” crime in Cozumel.

President and chief executive Adam Goldstein said: “We thank the Mexican authorities for their commitment to quickly solving the murder of our crew member, Monika Markiewicz. Her untimely death is tragic and has saddened all of us at Royal Caribbean.

"We have informed Monika's family in Poland of today's news update and we will continue to be in contact with them and to support them during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.”

Carnival Cruise Lines to base first ship in Australia

By: Johanna JainchillJanuary 12, 2011

Carnival Cruise Lines will base its first ship in Australia in 2012, 

with the 88,500-ton Carnival Spirit operating year-round from Sydney.

At a press conference in Sydney on Tuesday, Carnival said that 

the Spirit will arrive in Sydney in October 2012.

Carnival said the move "reflects growing confidence in cruising

 in the region."

As one of the largest ships in the regions, the 2,667-passenger

 Carnival Spirit will be the first cruise ship based in Sydney 

year-round that will be too tall to sail under the 

Sydney Harbour Bridge, the line said.

Carnival will aim to market cruises to Australians and New Zealanders, 

with a shipboard experience tailored to the Australian market

 and onboard spending in Australian dollars. 

There will be no tipping required.

However, Carnival’s strong brand recognition in the U.S. will play 

a role in attracting U.S. customers, said Ann Sherry, CEO of Carnival Australia.

The Spirit will be the seventh Carnival Corp. ship sailing 

year-round from Australia by the end of 2012, along with

 ships from P&O Cruises and Princess Cruises, the company said.

"It is amazing growth considering there were just two ships 

based in Australia year round in 2007," stated Sherry. 

"This really underscores Sydney’s position on the world 

cruise map and our resolve to keep growing the market 

with multiple brands that appeal to customers."

The Spirit’s year-round schedule of 8- to 12-day cruises to the 

Pacific Islands and some 13-day sailings to New Zealand will 

begin October 25, 2012. The cruises are expected to go on 

sale by the middle of this year.

The Spirit’s move is another blow to Southern California, 

where the Spirit will operate between San Diego and Los Angeles 

during the 2011-12 winter season.

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NCL Cruise offer

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Independence of the Seas review

Hi we are back from our Annual Holiday.

This year we cruised with Royal Caribbean's Independence of the Seas on a 10 night cruise to the Canary Islands. 

I will publish my full thoughts soon

So keep looking