The Mail Buoy Episode 120

Posted by Michael on 07/28/08

Folks appear to be returning from their summer vacations as this week we had some actual cruise news to discuss!

First up was a small piece from Royal Caribbean’s earning call, what caught our attention was the announcements of layoffs and spending cuts intended to save the company as much as $125 million a year.

Seabourn announces the godparent for Seabourn Odyssey although godparents would be more accurate.

The NTSB released their final report in the investigation of the Empress of The North grounding last year in Alaska.

Holland America announces early advantage fares on all 2009 sailings and folks in Ketchikan want visiting ships to stay longer.

 
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Filed under: Azamara Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America Line, Majestic America Line, Podcast, The Yachts of Seabourn

Royal Caribbean Announces Cost Savings Measures

Posted by Michael on 07/22/08

During Royal Caribbean’s earnings call yesterday the company announced a significant cost savings initiative that is expected to reduce spending by approximately $125 million annually.

“Too much of our profitability is being eroded by the increase in fuel prices. This is unacceptable and we are evaluating everything we do to find ways to do it more efficiently and effectively,” said Richard D. Fain, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “While our brands continue to attract premium prices even in this difficult environment, it is imperative that we find ways to reduce our costs.”

As part of the restructuring, the company announced it is eliminating approximately 400 shore-side positions. In addition, the company announced it had discontinued some non-core operations, including The Scholar Ship, an educational partnership aimed at college students studying aboard cruise ships. The company expects to incur charges related to this restructuring of approximately $15 million, or $0.07 per share, in the third quarter 2008.

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Filed under: Azamara Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean International

The Mail Buoy Episode 115

Posted by Michael on 06/25/08

A little late this week - but we make up for it with a long show…

It was the news that held our attention this week-

Crystal announced that Serenity is getting more Penthouse Suites, they also announced their 2009 Value Collection sailings.

Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Azamara are raising their fuel subsidies

Holland America has taken delivery of ms Eurodam.

However the stories that really had us talking were the “big” reveals from NCL on their entertainment options for the F3 Ships (summary- we’re not big fans) and Royal Caribbean on the new Neighborhoods and accomodations on Oasis of The Seas (summary- we’re cautiously optimistic).

 
icon for podpress  The Big Reveal [84:10m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (183)
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Filed under: Azamara Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Podcast, Royal Caribbean International

Fuel Supplements Rising on Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Azamara

Posted by Michael on 06/17/08

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. is raising the fuel supplement for its brands.

For bookings made on or after June 30 for Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises, the amount is going to $10 per person, per day for the first and second person in a stateroom, to a maximum of $140 per person.

Additional passengers in a stateroom will pay $5 per person, per day, to a maximum of $70 each.

For Azamara Cruises, the amount is going to $15 per person, per day, applicable to the first two passengers in a stateroom only.

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Filed under: Azamara Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean Launches Fundraising Parntership With Make-a-Wish

Posted by Michael on 06/07/08

Throughout the month of June, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. will be participating in the Make-A-Wish Foundation’s “Destination Joy” fundraising campaign, allowing guests onboard Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Cruises ships to make donations to the Foundation. All funds raised will be given to the Make-A-Wish Foundation so they can grant wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions.

Throughout June, Make-A-Wish donation cards will be available on all Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Azamara ships. Guests will be able to donate any amount they choose and their donation will appear as an onboard charge. Along with the donation cards, guests will be able to participate in auctions where they can bid on unique onboard experiences, such as an opportunity to be on a ship’s bridge while it departs a port, a behind-the-scenes galley tour and lunch with the ship’s executive chef, or priority seating for all shows.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. has been a national partner of the Make-A-Wish Foundation since 2000. Through the company’s Wishes at Sea program, Royal Caribbean has helped make cruise wishes possible for more than 1,100 children.

Royal Caribbean works with Make-A-Wish chapters to help create the perfect wish for each child whose desire is to have an unforgettable, dream-come-true vacation with his or her family.

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Filed under: Azamara Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean International
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