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June 2003 Newsletter |
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Cruise Industry Update So how is the Cruise Industry doing in 2003? According to newly released figures from CLIA whose members account for 97.5% of the cruise capacity marketed from the US, the first quarter of 2003 saw a 20% increase over the same period in 2002. The first quarter industry occupancy was 101.3%. What does this mean and how will it affect us all? Without a doubt prices will continue to increase from the historic lows seen in recent months.
Cruise Europe Whilst cruise lines have been reporting record numbers of European Cruise bookings after the "end" of the War in Iraq, never the less the traveling public is vacationing in Europe with Northern European cruises proving the most popular and western Med itineraries close behind. Obviously, the general public is NOT having a problem returning to Europe this summer. Booking a cruise in Europe should really be considered versus a land program with the Euro having gained 20% against the dollar and no sign of the dollar improving. Having recently returned from the EITBM Show in Geneva I saw first hand that hotel and restaurant prices have really jumped in dollar terms.
New Cruise Itineraries NCL announced a new 8-night itinerary for the very successful Norwegian Star starting September 26, 2004. The ship will be based in Los Angeles calling on Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, Zihuatanejo/Ixtapa, with an over night stay in Acapulco. The ship will arrive in Acapulco at 11 am and depart 2 am the next day, more than enough time to enjoy a night ashore. Royal Caribbean announced that their mega ship, Voyager of the Seas, will be operating 5 night cruises from New York City starting May 16 going thru Oct 22, 2004. Ports of call include Halifax, Nova Scotia and Saint John, New Brunswick. Cunard's QEII will be operating a limited number of 7-night cruises from Southampton in 2004. Ports of call include Oslo, Copenhagen, and an overnight stay in Amsterdam. Another itinerary includes port calls in St George's, Liverpool, Dunmore East, Ireland, St Peter Port and Cherbourg. Short Cruise Opportunities from Holland America Holland America has some short cruises available for 2004 and 2005. These ships are mid-sized by modern standards and are great options for charters and groups. Maasdam - 3-night cruise - Jan. 18-21, 2004 roundtrip Ft. Lauderdale Zaandam - 3-night cruise - May 12-15, 2004 roundtrip Vancouver Amsterdam - 4-night cruise - Sept. 26-30, 2004 roundtrip Seattle Amsterdam - 3-night cruise - Sept 30- Oct 3, 2004 roundtrip Seattle Veendam - 5 night cruise - Jan. 3-8, 2005 roundtrip Tampa We also have some 4-night cruises for the late 3rd quarter/early 4th quarter 2004 operating from Vancouver to San Diego and from San Diego to Vancouver. Call us for details. FAM Trip opportunities Grand Lido Resorts Jamaica - August 6 - 10, 2004 - Visit Grand Lido Braco and Grand Lido Negril. See why we feel these are the best all-inclusive resorts for your groups. This FAM has limited space and all land and transfers are complimentary for the attendee and a guest. Attendee airfare costs will be credited back to the first piece of business booked at a Grand Lido Resort. This is a must for anyone considering these great resorts! River Cruising on RIVER CLOUD II - August 31 - September 7, 2004 - The River Cloud II sailing from Cremora to Venice. Included are six meals daily including wine and beer with lunches & dinners, soft drinks, and port charges. Airfare is at attendee's expense. TO REGISTER FOR EITHER FAM PLEASE EMAIL LEON at lbanossian@cruiseco.com --- Make sure to list which trip you are interested in attending. Ship and Property Reviews This month find new reviews for the Radisson Diamond and Grand Lido Braco. For all the latest ship and property reviews visit our website at www.cruiseco.com under the reviews section. Or simply, click here 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 Due to anti-spam
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