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Royal Caribbean Group cuts second quarter losses as load factor hit 82%

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 28 July 2022 28 July 2022

Royal Caribbean Group, the world’s second largest cruise shipping company, has significantly reduced its losses in the second quarter as load factor hit 82% in the review period, the company said in a statement.

Second quarter operating loss narrowed to $218.6 million from a loss of $1.02 billion in the same period last year, while net loss narrowed to $521.6 million from $1.35 billion.

“Second quarter results exceeded the company's expectations driven by better revenue and cost performance. Second quarter load factors were 82%. Load factors increased to almost 90% in June, with Caribbean itineraries averaging over 100%,” the company said.

Total revenues per passenger cruise day were at record levels and up 4% as reported and 5% in constant currency versus the second quarter of 2019.

Gross Cruise Costs per available passenger capacity day (APCD) improved 2.4% as reported and 1.9% in constant currency, compared to the first quarter 2022. Net Cruise Costs (NCC), excluding fuel, per APCD improved 16.5% as reported and 16.2% in constant currency, compared to the first quarter of 2022.

Gross Cruise Costs per APCD and NCC per APCD for the second quarter included $7.75 per APCD related to enhanced health protocols and one-time costs to return ships and crew back to operations.

Customer deposits hit record high of $2 billion

As of June 30, 2022, the Group's customer deposit balance was $4.2 billion, a record high for the company. “This represents an increase of about $600 million over the previous quarter despite the significant quarter-over-quarter increase in revenue recognition,” the company said.

In the second quarter, approximately 90% of total bookings were new versus future cruise credit (FCC) redemptions. Now that the full fleet has returned to service and load factors are nearly 90%, the company expects customer deposits to return to typical seasonality.

Approximately 20% of the customer deposit balance as of the end of the second quarter is related to FCCs and about 60% of the FCC balance accumulated since the start of the pandemic has been redeemed. Of the redeemed FCCs, about half have already sailed resulting in revenue being recognized. For new bookings, the Group has returned to typical booking and cancellation policies, which were relaxed during the pandemic.

Liabilities of the group totaled at $30.55 billion at the end of the quarter, an increase from $27.17 billion year-on.

Explora Journeys unveils design of Homes at Sea suites

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 27 July 2022 27 July 2022

Explora Journeys, the luxury brand of MSC Group, has unveiled the design of their “Homes at Sea Suites” on its first ship, Explora I, ahead of its maiden journey in May 2023.

“The design reflects the brand’s philosophy of creating an Ocean State of Mind, thanks to light, colour, space, privacy, and connection with the sea.

“The innovative ship will seamlessly blend elegant Swiss precision with modern European craftsmanship and vibrant design, to create luxurious, serene, and spacious ‘Homes at Sea’ ranging from 35 sqm (377 sq ft) in the Ocean Terrace category up to 280 sqm (3014 sq ft) for the Owners Residence,” the company said in a statement.

Each suite has been created with simplicity and comfort as the focus, and presents unrivalled space and privacy to offer a real ‘Home at Sea’. The lead in category Ocean Terrace Suites and the 39 sqm (420 sq ft) Ocean Grand Terrace Suites are some of the largest in the industry, and feature their own private terrace, between 7-11 sqm (75-118 sq ft), creating an extension to the living space complete with daybeds and an alfresco dining area, bringing guests closer to the ocean.

Elevating the suites to a luxurious home, each ‘Home at Sea’ comprises a walk-in wardrobe with a seated vanity area and features a Dyson Supersonic hairdryer, heated floors in the bathrooms, personal binoculars, wireless bed-side charging, a personal mini-bar replenished according to the guests’ preferences, espresso machine with bio-degradable pods, a kettle and teapot, and a complimentary personal refillable water bottle for each guest. 24-hour guest services also ensure every desire or request is provided.

Michael Ungerer, Chief Executive Officer of Explora Journeys, said: “The Homes at Sea have been a long-held vision of the Aponte Vago family. It is a truly exciting and profound moment for us to be able to welcome future guests to the carefully curated suites, penthouses and residences.”

Each of the 461 ocean-front suites, penthouses and residences comes with its own spacious private terrace, boast floor-to-ceiling windows to maximise natural light, and a neutral colour palette and a suite layout designed to indulge in the marine environment.

The design of each suite has been developed in collaboration with De Jorio Luxury & Yachts projects, and London-based architectural and interior design studio NenMar, to deliver considered and innovative interior design and meaningful decoration solutions.

Fusing a plethora of Italian interior details, each suite depicts true elegance and sophistication. Suites will be furnished with some of the best of Italian and European design furniture, such as Molteni&C, part of the Molteni Group, the leading independent industrial group in the high-end furniture sector with 100% Italian production.

The identity of Molteni&C lives in all the Explora suites through high-quality products and iconic pieces by Gio Ponti, all marked by the core values of Molteni: tradition, quality, durability and reliability, supported by research and innovation.

The lighting throughout the suites has been styled to create an intimate lighting concept. Linear lights integrated with the suite's furnishings offer an equally functional and design-led element, mirroring the linear flow from the entrance to the window of the suites, to give a clear perspective of the well-equilibrated spaces.

Conscious luxury is reflected in the choice of materials and Explora Journeys’ commitment to sustainability is demonstrated in their dedication to responsible sourcing of materials, and eco-friendly details such as refillable bathroom amenities and no single-use plastic on board, the company said.

A&K Travel Group confirms first Crystal appointments, provides a new vision

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 26 July 2022 26 July 2022

Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio, Co-Chairman of the A&K Travel Group, Cristina Levis, CEO of A&K Travel Group, and executives from shipbuilder Fincantieri welcomed the arrival of the recently acquired Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity to Trieste, Italy, where the ships are being refurbished.

Lefebvre took the opportunity to formally announce, on behalf of himself and Co-Chairman Geoffrey Kent, the appointments of Jack Anderson as President of Crystal Cruises and Bernie Leypold as Senior Vice President of Hotel Operations.

"Geoffrey Kent and Manfredi Lefebvre are icons and innovators in luxury travel," Anderson said. "With their ownership, leadership and vision for these ships and the award-winning Crystal Cruises brand, we are embarking on a new and exciting chapter. We and the entire Crystal Cruises family look forward to welcoming guests again soon."

"It is an honor to join the new Crystal Cruises with a commitment to not only recreate, but enhance the sophisticated luxury service, cuisine, entertainment, and shore experiences in collaboration with our sister company, Abercrombie & Kent," Bernie Leypold added.

"We welcome the return of members of our loyal and well-trained Crystal crew to our family and they will be given priority in the hiring process."

"There are extensive refurbishments planned for both Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity that will elevate the customer experience. Some staterooms will be combined, creating more butler suites and reducing overall guest capacity," explained Cristina Levis. "This will bring a gracious new feeling of spaciousness to the restaurants and public areas."

The CrystalCruises.com website will soon provide further updates on appointments, ship enhancements, new itineraries and employment opportunities.

New data shows cruise travel will sustain a strong rebound

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 25 July 2022 25 July 2022

According to recent analysis from HundredX, an innovative real-time market share strategy platform, the cruise industry is projected to sustain a stronger rebound than other travel segments, such as airlines, car rental and hotels. Despite the strain of a looming recession, HundredX’s insights show a significant uptick of the industry’s recovery as of March 2022 while other travel segments display a decline. With vacationers reporting an intention to cruise again before the end of 2022, the industry is expected to sustain its upward trajectory.

HundredX collected double-blind feedback from more than 35,000 cruisers by asking a series of curated questions using its proprietary listening tools. The data revealed strong consumer intent to book future cruise travel as early as 2021 and that interest is remaining steady. Cruise consumers also indicated their top booking drivers (in order of priority): food and beverage, price, ship cleanliness, entertainment, staff service and staterooms. See below chart.

Dallas-based HundredX leverages millions of pieces of real-time feedback from a diverse group of consumers from across the US. to help executives, investors and consultants make key competitive decisions in real-time.

American Cruise Lines to sail in California

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 25 July 2022 25 July 2022

American Cruise Lines announced today their first-ever California cruise. Beginning in 2023, the country’s largest small ship cruise line will offer a brand new 8-Day San Francisco Bay cruise which explores the City on the Bay, Napa Valley, and the San Joaquin Valley. Operating round trip from San Francisco, American’s new small ships will transport guests from San Francisco into the heart of wine country along the Napa River. The new itinerary stops in San Francisco, Napa, Vallejo, Stockton, and Sacramento, and cruises San Francisco Bay, San Pablo Bay, the Napa River, and the San Joaquin River.

“American continues to expand the possibilities for exceptional domestic small ship cruises across the country. Exploring this beautiful region of Northern California by riverboat will provide a new opportunity for our guests to discover the Bay area and the Napa Valley in an exceptional way…many have driven there, but not many can say they have actually cruised through wine country,” said Charles B. Robertson, President & CEO of American Cruise Lines.

American’s new San Francisco Bay itinerary highlights the region’s historical, cultural, and geographical influences that gave rise to the stunning seaside city of San Francisco, as well as the lush vineyards and flourishing agricultural communities present throughout the Bay area and its surrounding valleys today.

8-Day San Francisco Bay cruises will encompass a wide range of experiences, including a scenic sail of magnificent San Francisco Bay passing by the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and Treasure Island. Local San Francisco experiences include visits to Fisherman’s Wharf, Ghirardelli Square and Alcatraz. Special experiences include a Napa Valley Winery experience, and a NASCAR-style driving experience at the Stockton 99 Speedway. The cruise also offers a guided tour of Old Sacramento’s underground city and port, and a visit to the California Railroad Museum, home to 5 full-size steam locomotives including Central Pacific No. 1 Governor Stanford, as well as many exhibits including one honoring the Chinese contribution to the building of the Transcontinental Railroad, and the infamous Golden Spike which commemorated the completion of the celebrated railroad in 1869.

On board throughout the cruise, guests will enjoy daily Sunrise Yoga and unique Wine Country experiences. Special wine presentations will offer guests opportunities to learn, sip, and savor regional varietals. American’s culinary team will also give onboard cooking demonstrations on local Northern Californian cuisine and each guest will receive a local cookbook to take home.

American’s new 2023 San Francisco Bay cruise is a first for the company in California and further represents the continued growth of the domestic small ship cruise market and the extensive possibilities for exceptional 100% U.S. cruise itineraries. In just the past few years, American’s portfolio of domestic river cruise itineraries and fleet of small ships has continued to proliferate. In 2022, the company is operating 6 small ships in the Pacific Northwest with multiple all-domestic itineraries available on the Columbia & Snake Rivers, in Puget Sound & the San Juan Islands, and Alaska. Overall, American operates 15 small ships in 34 states – also cruising close to home from convenient ports along the entire East Coast, the length of Mississippi River, and the Hudson River from NYC.