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CRUISE INDUSTRY UPDATE
As 2002 came to a close, the cruise industry
took delivery of five new ships. In 2003 there will be an additional twelve new
major cruise ships entering service. Carnival Cruise Lines reports record
profits of over 1 Billion - an industry first. More people than ever took a
cruise in 2002 and the trend is forecasted to continue in 2003 even with soft
economy and problems in Iraq.
Booking trends for FITs are much shorter-in than ever before. We, like many of
you, are seeing the same trends with incentive and meeting programs. While your
incentive client might have numerous reasons to plan and book a program within
single digit months versus double digit months, it could be for the very same
reason that consumers are doing it. Pent-up demand and unprecedented value for
money!
We have spoken with numerous clients who have had success in being proactive in
promoting the excellent pricing available on cruises in the near term and
getting some unexpected close-in business. With the availability of more options
than ever for 3, 4, 5 and 7 night cruises you might be extremely surprised with
response when presenting these new options to your clients. If you would like to
know more please give us a call on how we can possibly assist you in finding
some new business opportunities.
Also helping the cruise industry grow is the repositioning of ships throughout
the U.S. to numerous new home ports reducing the need to purchase air tickets at
all or reducing the costs of air tickets in general. In many cases regional
programs can be done on a drive and cruise basis.
Embarkation Ports now include:
San Francisco, San Diego, New York City YEAR ROUND, Charleston, Philadelphia,
Baltimore, Norfolk, Port Canaveral, Ft Lauderdale, Miami, Tampa, New Orleans,
Boston, Houston, Galveston and watch for more.
SHIP REVIEWS
In this months issue we have included
reviews on the new Holland America Zuiderdam and Norwegian Dawn. You can
always check our website at
www.cruiseco.com to see our reviews as soon as they are done versus waiting
for our newsletters.
NEW CRUISE LINE
Starting in July of 2003, Oceania Cruises begins operations with two of the
former Renaissance Ships. Watch for more news on this cruise line as it becomes
available. Veterans Joe Waters (ex Crystal) and Frank Del Rio (ex Renaissance)
head the line. Robin Lindsey formerly in charge of hotel operations at Radisson
and Silversea will be Sr. VP Hotel Operations. Celebrity Chef Jacques Pepin is
currently designing menus. These 700 passenger ships, with hardly any inside
cabins, are excellent to charter. Watch for more news!
MORE DINING ROOMS
In keeping with the trend to offer more dining options, Holland America is
adding an alternative restaurant on all of their popular "S" class ships. There
will be a small surcharge and cuisine is "Northwest Pacific". Additionally the
Lido dining areas are open most evenings for casual dining.
THE WORLD
Worldwide is happy to announce a new partner: Residensea Cruises unique,
upscale product, The World. The first and only floating residences at sea. This
ship is an entirely new concept that has sold apartments to owners from around
the world. At prices starting around $2 million to purchase and "maintenance
fees" of $200,000 an up per year its not for everyone. Having some pretty
particular "residents" means you better have some pretty good food, hence 3
Executive Chefs. There are a limited number of one bedroom suites available for
groups (about 60 max). Right now you can get a suite at a fully inclusive
price of $500.00 PER SUITE PER DAY, just like hotel rates, it's
good for 1 or 2 people in the suite. You can get on and off where you want
(subject to various cabotage laws). CALL FOR MORE DETAILS.
LAST MINUTE DEALS
Monaco Grand Prix May 26 to June 2, 2003 ! We have a 62 passenger ship available
for exclusive charter for this premier event. Call for details.
NEWS FROM WORLDWIDE RESORTS
As you know, Worldwide
now represents several resorts for your incentive needs. We proudly offer the
following properties:
Grand Lido Resorts
Jamaica - These 5 star properties offer, in our opinion, the best
all-inclusive experience. Grand Lido Negril, Grand Lido Braco, and Grand Lido
Sans Souci are all available for all of your group needs from 8 rooms to
complete resort buy-outs. For more information on these resorts - click here.
Ocean Reef Club
- Located in Key Largo, FL, the Ocean Reef Club is the ultimate in a country
club resort experience. With an array of dining options, a full spa, marina,
tennis center, and 36 holes of championship golf, the Ocean Reef Club can
accommodate all of your incentive needs. For more on the Ocean Reef Club -
click here.
Marco Beach Ocean
Resort - The Marco Beach Ocean Resort is a luxury world-class beachfront
resort located on Marco Island, FL. A "diamond" amongst the sand dollars.
Club Med Resorts
- With several villages around the world, Club Med is ready for your incentive
groups.
For more information
contact:
·
Jim Castle
(954) 452 8800. ext.25 -
email Jim
·
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
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