New UK agency to focus on high end cruises 

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Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

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Published: 14 February 2023 14 February 2023

A new luxury travel agency, focussing on exclusive, tailor-made cruise and stay offerings, has launched in the UK.

“Above and Beyond Luxury Cruises is offering customers ultra-luxury holidays, with a concierge service to match,” it said in a statement. 

Its portfolio comprises Seadream Yacht Club, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Seabourn, Silversea, Oceania Cruises, Explora Journeys and Ponant, according to its website

Customers will be able to call, email, text, WhatsApp, video call and have a home visit from their dedicated cruise concierge team, in a bid to offer 'ultimate connectivity' during and after the booking process. The concierge will offer premium cruise services to customers, including discounted airport parking, airport lounge passes and high-end shore excursions.

Bespoke services are also on offer to help with individual holiday arrangements. These include extras such as booking pet care, taking care of gifts for friends and family for anyone missing a special occasion, and a 'welcome home' essentials shop after returning, the company said.

TUI AG’s cruise operations reach EBIT break even in first quarter

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Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

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Published: 14 February 2023 14 February 2023

The cruise operations of TUI AG, the German tour operator, have reached a break even level in EBIT terms in the first quarter of its financial year that runs to 31 December, the company said in a statement.

The cruise operations comprise the joint venture TUI Cruises  with Royal CaribbeanGroup in Germany, which operates cruise ships under the brands Mein Schiff and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, and Marella Cruises in UK that is fully owned by TUI AG.

Underlying EBIT for the 16 ships that these operations entail rose to positive by €0.2 million in the review period from being negative by €31.7 million in the same period a year earlier.

The segment operated a full fleet of 16 ships in the first quarter (Q1 2022: 14 ships operated due to a more restrictive travel environment).

Q1 2023 Cruises revenue, reflecting Marella Cruises solely (TUI Cruises is accounted for using the equity method) grew to €115.2m, with both TUI Cruises and Marella contributing to the positive development and highlight the continued improvement across all brands supported by higher volumes as well as improved occupancies. 

“This is the third consecutive positive quarter for our Cruises business with TUI Cruises achieving Q1 2023 EAT (earnings after tax) at €8  million,” TUI said.

The Germany focused contemporary market unit Mein Schiff operated their full fleet of seven ships against six ships in the previous year, offering itin eraries to the Canaries, the Caribbean and around the world with Asian itineraries resuming in the quarter for the first time since the pandemic. 

“Occupancy of the operated fleet in Q1 2023 was 88% as a result (Q1 2022: 53%) demonstrating the strong demand for our German language, premium all-inclusive product. At €139, the average daily rate was close to pre-pandemic levels (Q1 2019: 149€) but -10% lower versus prior year (Q1 2022: €155) due to a higher mix of premium cabins with overall lower occupancies and capacity in the prior year,” TUI said.

The luxury and expedition market unit Hapag-Lloyd Cruises operated itineraries around the world as well as voyages to Antarctica with, as in Q1 2022, their full fleet of five ships in Q1 2023. “Q1 average daily rate was €669, well above pre-pandemic levels (Q1 2019: €591), an increase of 7% on prior year (Q1 2022: €624). Q1 occupancy of the fleet was 65% (Q1 2022: 50%), underlining the increased demand for these cruises,” TUI noted.

Marella Cruises had all four ships in operation against three in Q1 2022, and it offered itineraries to the Caribbean and the Canaries. “The business achieved an average daily rate of £157 up 10.7 % (Q1 2022: £142) and above the pre-pandemic level of £137 with occupancy at 91%, versus a previous Q1 of 48% supported by an improved trading environment,” TUI said.

RCCL closes $700 million note offering

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Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

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Published: 14 February 2023 14 February 2023

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCCL) has announced that it has closed its private offering of $700 million aggregate principal amount of 7.250% Senior Notes due 2030.  “The Notes will mature on January 15, 2030, unless earlier redeemed or repurchased,” the company said in a statement.

The company intends to use the proceeds from the sale of the Notes to repay principal payments on debt maturing in 2023 and/or 2024.

“The Notes will be guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by RCI Holdings LLC, which owns 100% of the equity interests of certain of the Company's wholly-owned vessel-owning subsidiaries,” RCCL said.

Windstar Cruises to launch high-speed Starlink internet across global fleet

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 13 February 2023 13 February 2023

Windstar Cruises has announced the launch of its Starlink Maritime high-speed, advanced broadband satellite internet capabilities. Already connecting the world by sea, Windstar Cruises will provide guests one of the most developed high-speed connections in the world both while sailing and when in port.

Windstar launched the new Wi-Fi technology on Star Pride during a recent Caribbean voyage and plans to implement Starlink across most of its global fleet by mid-2023. Star Legend will offer the service this spring, followed by Wind Surf, Wind Star, and Star Breeze. Wind Spirit will activate the new technology as soon as it’s available in French Polynesia.

Currently, all Windstar Cruises use geostationary satellite service, Anuvu, for internet services. The addition of Starlink technology will amplify Anuvu, delivering more reliable and faster internet to Windstar’s guests. Starlink is the world's first and largest satellite constellation with a low Earth orbit using lasers so communication can happen further away from ground based stations.

“I am thrilled to be working with Anuvu and Starlink to offer our guests the latest in satellite technology," said Gregg Wagner, technology director, Windstar Cruises. “When the ships are inside the service area, faster speeds will alleviate much of the frustration felt at peak use times.”

“Starlink is yet to be available worldwide, but Windstar Cruises is excited to be among the first in the cruise industry to offer this cutting-edge technology. The addition of high-speed internet service with our current geostationary satellite service will enable guests to stay connected to family and friends.”