Top Headlines

Carnival Cruise Lines to modify US travel agent commission tiers

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 20 September 2012 20 September 2012

Carnival Cruise Lines will modify its U.S. travel agent commission tiers for new bookings made as of 1 January , 2013. "The modification will not impact business sold during 2012 for 2013 or 2014 sailings. This is the first modification to commission tiers Carnival has made in the past 10 years and the majority of travel agents will not see a change to their current commission level," the company said in a statement.

With the new modifications in place, travel agent commission tiers will now be more in line with the marketplace, as well as reflect Carnival's 50 percent capacity growth during the past 10 years. Additionally, in order to simplify the structure, the basis on which commission percentages are determined for each travel agency will be modified.

Commission percentages will continue to be based on volume instead of revenue and will be based on net cabin volume in 2013 rather than the current seven-day equivalent volume structure. This change is the result of agency feedback which indicated that the seven-day equivalent structure was cumbersome and confusing.

"We rely on and appreciate the support of travel agents and remain fully committed to helping them grow their businesses," said Lynn Torrent, executive vice president of sales and guest services for Carnival Cruise Lines. "Most North American cruise brands have decreased capacity in the U.S. as they've substantially increased international sourcing and deployment, while Carnival remains focused on the U.S. market. As such, Carnival pays more commission to U.S. travel agents than any other cruise brand and the vast majority of our guests are sourced from the U.S. which continues to create huge earnings opportunities for domestic travel agents."

Added Torrent, "The Carnival brand has been, and will continue to be all about providing fun and memorable vacations at a great value. We are committed to our brand and product, and to ensuring a healthy and robust distribution system. Carnival continues to focus on helping strengthen the travel agent distribution system by investing millions of dollars in growing the number of new cruisers and investing in tools and training to help travel agents more efficiently and effectively grow their business with us."

New York icons The Rockettes named godmothers of Norwegian Breakaway

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 18 September 2012 18 September 2012

Norwegian Cruise Line and MSG Entertainment announced today that the Rockettes, one of New York's most illustrious and beloved icons, will christen Norwegian Breakaway as the official Godmothers, further strengthening the ship's strong ties to New York. The christening ceremony will take place in New York City on May 8, 2013 on board Norwegian Breakaway, the largest ship to homeport year-round in New York. The partnership with the Rockettes will include Norwegian Cruise Line as the designated "Official Cruise Line" of the Rockettes and Radio City Music Hall, and as the "Official Partner"of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. As part of their role as Godmothers, two Rockettes will sail aboard the first six sailings of Norwegian Breakaway, beginning May 12, 2013, and the first sailing of each month thereafter, taking part in special events for guests to enjoy.

"Norwegian Breakaway is being designed as New York's ship and we want everyone to know that this is the "must-sail" cruise ship from New York in 2013 and beyond," said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line's chief executive officer. "I strongly believe that the Rockettes, one of the most beloved and recognizable New York icons, are the perfect choice to serve as the ship's Godmothers. The Rockettes not only epitomize New York, they are known as strong role models and talented stars. We couldn't be more pleased to have these renowned dancers as the Godmothers of New York's ship, Norwegian Breakaway."

"We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Norwegian Cruise Line as we bring together three of our iconic New York based properties in the MSG Entertainment portfolio, Radio City Music Hall, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and the legendary Rockettes," said Melissa Ormond, president, Madison Square Garden Entertainment. "This signature partnership will provide Norwegian Cruise Line with unprecedented access to the Rockettes, Radio City and the Christmas Spectacular, providing their customers an opportunity to experience firsthand these New York icons. The Rockettes have been beloved by millions of fans for the past 85 years in New York and it is such an honor to celebrate their legacy as the official Godmothers of the largest ship ever to homeport in New York City."

The larger partnership across the MSGE properties, Radio City Music Hall, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and the Rockettes, will create expansive brand exposure for Norwegian Cruise Line at Radio City Music Hall, including onsite venue presence during the 2012 production of the Christmas Spectacular. Guests attending this year's Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall can participate in the "Spectacular Sweeps," a sweepstakes that can be entered right from their seats with the opportunity to win one of two cruises for a family of four on Norwegian Breakaway.

Norwegian Cruise Line will have a year-round display in Radio City Music Hall's Grand Lounge that features an 11-foot replica of Norwegian Breakaway, along with information on the ship's unique attributes, entertainment, dining, destinations and more.
Onboard Norwegian Breakaway, the Rockettes,with their unparalleled grace, athleticism and precision technique that has made them part of the fabric of New York City for 85 years, will be showcased with a variety of offerings, including a historical retrospective in the ship's library, exclusive fitness class designed by the Rockettes, featured beverages and more. On select sailings, guests will have the exclusive opportunity to meet two of the Rockettes. Sailing on the first six cruises from New York, as well as the first sailing of every month, two Rockettes will offer special fitness classes, photo opportunities, meet and greet speaker series and more.

"Having two Rockettes on board select sailings is going to be a very special opportunity for our guests to have more interaction with these incredibly talented and dynamic women," added Sheehan. "This truly takes the role of Godmother to a new level as the Rockettes will be a special part of Norwegian Breakaway's unique cruising experience."

Starting with their inaugural New York City performance in 1927, the Rockettes have wowed audiences for the last 85 years. From appearances on the Tony Awards, Project Runway, Dancing with the Stars and the Super Bowl Halftime Show to Presidential inaugurations, the Rockettes are the epitome of teamwork and the embodiment of the belief that "together we're better." Each dancer achieved their lifelong dream of becoming a Rockette through hard work, determination, dedication and dreaming big. Known for their rich history, unrivaled talent, strength, dynamism, precision and athleticism, the Rockettes have become one of the nation's most beloved icons. As the stars of the annual Christmas Spectacular production, the Rockettes entertain more than one million people each year and have played to 75 different cities across the country with the national touring production.

Known as the showplace of the nation, Radio City Music Hall has hosted some of the biggest names in entertainment and music since it opened its doors on December 27, 1932. More than 300 million people have come to the Music Hall to enjoy stage shows, movies, concerts and special events, as well as the annual Christmas Spectacular production. The 2012 edition of the Christmas Spectacular invites audiences to take part in the Rockettes Celebration! This year's production commemorates 85 years of the past, present and future of the Rockettes featuring dazzling dance numbers, beloved favorites, breathtaking special effects and a brand new showcase featuring the Rockettes' most extraordinary costumes through the years, alongside beloved favorites that have been in the show since its inception.

Global cruise market reached 20 million passengers 2011

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 13 September 2012 13 September 2012

The number of people around the world who took a cruise holiday grew by 10% last year – an increase of almost two million people which topped 20 million global ocean cruise passengers for the first time.

The figures were compiled from industry associations including the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the European Cruise Council, Passenger Shipping Association, International Cruise Council Australasia and industry analysts G P Wild (International) Limited. The numbers increased from 18.7 million to 20.6 million between 2010 and 2011. The main markets are North America (11.5 million) and Europe (6.2 million).

Christine Duffy, CLIA President and CEO, said: “We are delighted to see 10% annual global growth in cruise passengers last year, with milestones being broken all over the world as growth continues. This is the first time that European figures have passed six million and the first time Australian cruise passengers have topped half a million.

“The latest statistics clearly show that the cruise industry has proved resilient during difficult economic conditions and these results are a testament to the industry’s ongoing innovation and investment. As we continually improve operations, an d add new and exciting innovations and itineraries, we’re confident our sector has huge potential for continued growth on a global basis.”

William Gibbons, Director of the Passenger Shipping Association, said: “ British ocean cruise passengers exceeded 1.7 million for the first time in 2011 and are currently the second largest source of cruise passengers in the world. We’re looking forward to that growth continuing as new ships come on stream to satisfy demand.” European cruise numbers last year were up nine per cent on the 5.56 million Europeans who took a cruise in 2010.

Countries including the UK, Germany, Italy, Spain and France have seen cruise passengers increase by an average of seven per cent to 15% in the past five years. Australia is a region of rapid growth, with cruise passengers increasing by 30% in the past year to exceed more than half a million for the first time. The International Cruise Council Australasia has predicted that there will be one million Australians who will take a cruise holiday in 2020.

Carnival Corporation appoints Pier Luigi Foschi to oversee company's Asian cruise strategies

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 12 September 2012 12 September 2012

Carnival Corporation & plc has appointed Costa Cruises Chairman Pier Luigi Foschi to oversee the company’s growth strategies within the rapidly expanding Asian region.

In his role as chairman and chief executive officer of the new Carnival Asia unit, Foschi will be responsible for establishing Carnival Corporation & plc’s new corporate offices in Singapore and providing guidance and assistance to the organization’s various operating units in pursuing their Asian cruise strategies.

Currently, Carnival Corporation & plc’s Asia operations include two Costa Cruises ships based in China and Singapore and Princess Cruises’ Sun Princess, which will launch a series of voyages from Japan next spring.

Foschi, who retired as CEO of Costa Cruises in July, will continue to serve in his current role of chairman and a managing director of the Costa group and as a member of the board of directors of Carnival Corporation & plc.

Foschi has extensive experience in the Asian marketplace, overseeing Costa’s initial entry into the region in 2006 and has also maintained excellent relationships with local government and tourism officials. Additionally, prior to joining Costa, Foschi resided in Hong Kong and Singapore for many years while serving as executive vice president of Pacific Asia operations for the Otis Elevator Company.

"With Asia such an important part of our global strategy, it’s critical that we increase our presence in the region by establishing this new office in Singapore and appointing an experienced executive to coordinate our current operations and our future expansion efforts," said Micky Arison, Carnival Corporation & plc’s chairman and CEO. "Pier is the ideal candidate for this new role and considering that his responsibilities at Costa are winding down, we are delighted that he agreed to oversee our growth strategies in this emerging cruise region," he added.

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises to focus on the luxury and expedition segments

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 07 September 2012 07 September 2012

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has announced its future strategy will be focused on luxury and expedition cruises and is looking to grow these segments by expanding its international marketing activities. The newly-built Europa 2 – "sister ship" to the existing EUROPA – will be positioned in the 5-star luxury segment as of May 2013. In addition to the Hanseatic and Bremen in the Hapag-Lloyd Cruises fleet, growth opportunities in the expedition segment will be identified and evaluated.

In German-speaking countries, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is regarded today as one of the leading operators in the luxury and expedition segment. The expansion of marketing activities in international markets goes hand-in-hand with the focus on the areas of luxury and expedition. "By consistently focusing on these two pillars, we strive to enhance further our strength and our leading position as regards quality in these segments and at the same time we will address new markets," explains Dr. Wolfgang Flägel, Managing Director of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises.

Selected cruises aboard all of the ships of the present fleet, except for the Columbus 2, will be marketed internationally. "With Europa 2, we will put into service a ship designed to offer an international flair and address a sophisticated, cosmopolitan target group, planning in future to increase market share in English-speaking countries such as the USA, UK, Belgium and the Netherlands," adds Flägel. The first English-language EUROPA 2 brochure is due to be published in mid September.

Columbus 2: The Hamburg-based operator has taken over operation of the Columbus 2 from Oceania Cruises in the context of a two-year charter contract through to April 2014.