No pithy opening this week, we just go right off into the news.
Crystal is offering a collection of savings and perks on their 2009 World Cruise.
Louis completed the purchase of Norwegian Majesty, and we found out that the future of Majestic America Line.
Carnival Fantasy has been turning around in Mobile due to the troubles in New Orleans on the Mississippi River.
We also got news about Oceania’s newest ship Marina, as construction began.
This week we take a look at an up and coming Mexican land destination, and our Deal of The Week as actually a land package.
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Filed under: Celebrity Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Majestic America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, Podcast 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.
(0) Comments (Leave a Comment)Filed under: Azamara Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America Line, Majestic America Line, Podcast, The Yachts of Seabourn 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.
(0) Comments (Leave a Comment)Filed under: Azamara Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean International Posted by Michael on 07/15/08
It was a very slow week this week so we have a pretty short show.
Celebrity gave us a sneak peak at the shopping options on Celebrity Solstice and has made some improvements to the cuisine fleetwide.
There’s been more progress on the newbuilds for Costa.
Carnival is testing out open seating and we talk a little about last week’s naming of Carnival Splendor which has gotten a lot of media attention in the UK.
(0) Comments (Leave a Comment)Filed under: Carnival Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruises, Podcast Posted by Michael on 07/12/08
Celebrity Cruises is shining the spotlight on a series of enhancements to its award-winning dining experience. A core component of “Celebrity’s Star TreatmentSM” array of fleetwide features and amenities, Celebrity’s culinary program now includes more than 200 new menu offerings, a significantly upgraded casual dining area, and an entirely new brunch offering.
According to Celebrity’s Vice President of Food & Beverage Operations Jacques Van Staden, a highly accomplished chef and restaurateur who joined Celebrity just one year ago, the enhancements were inspired by a combination of extensive studies of guest surveys, constant monitoring of trends in the food and beverage industry, and an unwavering eye on innovation.
Celebrity’s new evening menus are so widely varied that guests on even 14-night itineraries will never be presented with the same menu twice. Each menu contains expanded selections in all categories, from appetizers to desserts.
Casual dining “on the rocks” Celebrity has made significant enhancements to its lido café/casual dining area on every ship, expanding its culinary selections, modernizing the ambience, and upgrading signage and equipment.
One of the most innovative aesthetic enhancements in the lido/casual dining area is the replacement of ice with chilled river rocks throughout the buffet area. Resting on the rocks are literally hundreds of new menu items, new service ware and presentation styles, new action stations and made-to-order areas, and more destination-influenced and ethnic cuisine, including Asian, Italian, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and English.
Celebrity also has upgraded its complimentary coffee to the European brand, “Seventh,” a blend of Arabica and Robusta beans, which guests can sip from new, full-sized coffee mugs.
Let’s do brunch Celebrity has replaced its former once-per-cruise midnight gala buffet with a sumptuous brunch – complete with the line’s lauded ice, fruit and vegetable carvings - in the main dining room. “Our guests loved viewing the elaborate creations we presented at the midnight gala buffet, but very few wanted to actually eat that late,” said Van Staden. “Now, we still proudly present our culinary team’s great artistry, but at a time when our guests can thoroughly enjoy it.”
Once per cruise, guests can indulge in a lavish brunch with an enormous selection of fresh fruits; made-to-order smoothies; gourmet cheeses; cold cuts; a wide variety of salads, sandwiches, meats and seafood; pizzas, paninis and wraps; sushi and stir-fry selections; eggs of nearly every style, and delectable desserts ranging from individual, bite-sized selections to sorbet and ice cream. New options for late-night noshing For guests interested in late-night desserts, sandwiches, specialty coffees or other libations, Celebrity has introduced an “after-theater” menu in its Cova Café venues, to replace the former “Gourmet Bites” served throughout the ships on alternating evenings. “Our guests enjoyed the service and presentation of ‘Gourmet Bites,’ but very few actually indulged in them,” said Van Staden. “The new options in Cova Café allow guests who are interested in late-night dining a light, varied menu, featuring sandwiches, savories, tartlets, hot brochettes, canapés, artisan cheeses, fresh fruit, crackers, petit fours and napoleons.”
Celebrity’s Cova Café presents the new late-night menu from 11 pm to closing.
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