News

Carnival Corporation & plc reports record third quarter in challenging year

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 26 September 2019 26 September 2019

Carnival Corporation & plc, the world’s largest cruis shipping group, reported record earnings for its third quarter, but also stated that this is a challenging year.

Group net income rose to $1,.78 billion in threemonths to 31 August from $1.71 billion in the same period last year, while operating income increased to $.189 billion from $1.79 billion. Revenues rose to $6.33 billion from $5.84 billion.

In the first nine months of its financial year, the groip rccorded a net profit of $2.57 billion compared to $2.66 billion year on, with operating income edging higher to $2.79 billion from $2.77 billion. Revenues increased to $16.04 billion from $1.43 billion.

President and Chief Executive Officer Arnold Donald said in a statement: "I thank our 150,000 global employees for their efforts to deliver a record quarter in an otherwise challenging year. We achieved additional cost improvements largely driven by leveraging our scale, offsetting the earnings impact due to voyage disruptions from the combined impact of Hurricane Dorian, the tensions in the Arabian Gulf and the delayed delivery of Costa Smeralda.”

Gross revenue yields -revenue per available lower berth day or "ALBD" - increased 5.6%. In constant currency, net revenue yields decreased 0.5%, in line with June guidance of down slightly to flat.

Gross cruise costs including fuel per ALBD increased 9.4%. In constant currency, net cruise costs excluding fuel per ALBD decreased 3.2%, better than June guidance of up 0.5% to 1.5%, due to the timing of expenses between quarters and cost improvements realized during the quarter.

Changes in fuel prices increased earnings by $0.07 per share, offset by a decrease in earnings due to changes in currency exchange rates of $0.07 per share compared to the prior year. Compared to June guidance, changes in fuel prices and currency exchange rates decreased earnings by $0.03 per share.

Highlights from the third quarter included Carnival Cruise Line's partnership with Thrillist to create Island Hoppers, the first-ever comedy competition show at sea. Princess Cruises announced Phantom Bridge, a first-of-its-kind game combining digital and physical elements for the ultimate immersive escape room, which will launch onboard Sky Princess and Enchanted Princess.

AIDAnova was the first-ever cruise ship to be awarded the prestigious Blue Angel certification for excellence in environmentally friendly ship design by Germany's Federal Ministry for the Environment. Additionally, during the quarter, the company released its 2018 Sustainability Report, detailing the key initiatives and progress made in 2018 toward its 2020 sustainability performance goals.

Royal Caribbean to invest $110 million for Explorer of the Seas amplification

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 25 September 2019 25 September 2019

From coast to coast and bow to stern, Royal Caribbean International’s Explorer of the Seas will sail the Eastern Mediterranean in style come summer 2020. The cruise line has released details of the ship’s upcoming $110 million amplification that will debut a mix of unparalleled feats and Royal Caribbean hits. Guests can embark on historic adventures ashore and on board with new thrills, tastes and sights on deck, including The Perfect Storm racer waterslides, Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen, a fresh twist on a guest-favorite; a redesigned, resort-style poolscape with signature poolside bar The Lime & Coconut; and transformed kids and teens spaces. Beginning May 7, 2020, Explorer – the first amplified ship to cruise from Rome (Civitavecchia) – sets sail on 7- and 9-night itineraries to the best of Italy and the Greek isles, from Santorini to Mykonos and Crete.

New feats

Vacationers will soak up a new scene on Explorer’s maxed-out top decks. Adventures of every kind and for every guest will join the lineup of Royal Caribbean favorites already in play, like the FlowRider surf simulator, a decked-out Sports Court – complete with basketball, soccer and volleyball; rock-climbing wall, and mini-golf. The noteworthy experiences are:

– The Perfect Storm, the popular duo of waterslides, raise the stakes and friendly competition. Guests with the need for speed will race each other through three stories of twists and turns on Cyclone and Typhoon
– A reimagined poolscape brings a new, resort-style look and all-day island vibes, making for the ultimate place to unwind under the sun or stars with a wider variety of seating, from hammocks and daybeds to casitas and in-pool loungers. Adults looking for alone time can escape to the rejuvenated Solarium
– The Lime & Coconut is Royal Caribbean’s signature, poolside bar. The three-level slice of the Caribbean will serve up live music, vacation-mode cocktails and the best views of the action on board as well as the Mediterranean landscape from the rooftop deck

New culinary options

While sailing the Mediterranean, guests can savor even more flavors from around the world on board Explorer. Royal Caribbean will expand on the diverse offering of restaurants, bars and lounges that include Asian cuisine at Izumi, the popular Chops Grille American steakhouse, Boleros Latin lounge, Schooner Bar and more. New venues coming to the table include:

– Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen is the cruise line’s new take on its signature Italian restaurant. The reimagined trattoria will welcome guests to a casual setting and offer classics with a contemporary flair. From hand-tossed pizzas fresh out of the oven and made to order, to charcuterie delights, the elevated menu caps off this “Sunday supper” experience with a wide selection of wines and limoncellos from many of Italy’s well-known regions
– Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, the high-energy spot where guests can root for their home team as the game plays across 52 TVs. On offer will be an extensive menu of bar fare favorites with a twist and ice-cold brews, games of all kinds – arcade classics, trivia, tournaments and pool; and the Owner’s Box VIP area
– Johnny Rockets Express makes its way poolside with American favorites – even spiked shakes
– A standalone Starbucks comes aboard with its signature menu of drinks and pastries

More ways to play

Explorer’s amped-up activities and entertainment will take center stage. From a new laser tag experience to a top-to-bottom redesign of the dedicated kids and teens spaces, everyone can revel in the excitement. The featured highlights making their way on board are:

– Glow-in-the-dark laser tag debuts in Studio B, the venue that doubles as an ice-skating rink for guests and jaw-dropping shows. The latest Royal Caribbean challenge, Clash for the Crystal City will bring two clans – the Yetis and Snowshifters – head to head in the ultimate faceoff to escape extinction
– The new Adventure Ocean will come to life following a major makeover. The award-winning program for younger guests and their families introduces an open, imaginative layout with whimsical and immersive activities. Kids 6 to 12 years old can choose their own adventure, while babies and 3- to 5-year-olds enjoy specially designed spaces for each age group
– An exclusive teens hangout will sport a whole new look and features, including the latest in movies, gaming and music, and the addition of a private outdoor deck

During its time in the Eastern Mediterranean, Explorer will be joined by the reimagined Allure of the Seas, the iconic Oasis Class ship cruising the Western Mediterranean from Barcelona. Summer 2020 marks Royal Caribbean’s boldest season in Europe yet, with two amplified ships among the lineup sailing to bucket-list destinations filled with culture, history and adventure.

As Explorer rounds out its Europe season, the newly amplified ship will set course for the Caribbean. Guests can choose from 5- and 9-night Eastern and Southern Caribbean sailings, roundtrip from Miami, including visits to Royal Caribbean’s new private island destination – Perfect Day at CocoCay. For more information on Explorer’s Eastern Mediterranean and Caribbean itineraries, visit www.RoyalCaribbean.com.

Explorer of the Seas is the fourth ship in the Voyager Class to be transformed as part of the cruise line’s Royal Amplified fleet modernization effort. An investment of more than $1 billion, across 10 ships in four years, the program touches every facet of the guest experience and introduces a wide range of thrilling adventures spanning one-of-a-kind attractions and experiential dining and nightlife.

Thomas Cook collapse leaves legions of holidaymakers stranded

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 23 September 2019 23 September 2019

The collapse of Thomas Cook plc, the London based listed tour operator that is a major cruise retailer and which has operations in several countries, has left legions of holidaymakers stranded and a repatriation effort is to be launched.

“Thomas Cook UK Plc and associated UK entities have entered Compulsory Liquidation and are now under the control of the Official Receiver. The UK business has ceased trading with immediate effect and all future flights and holidays are cancelled,” the group’s UK unit said on Twitter.

“A dedicated support service is being provided by The Civil Aviation Authority to assist customers currently overseas and those in the UK with future bookings,” it added.

The collapse of the company left 600,000 people, mainly from the UK, Germany and Scandinavia,stranded at their holiday destinations and creditors of the company have started to seize its aircraft, a BBC news report said.

A rescue operation is already on the way to bring the holidaymakers home. The BBC also reported that the management of a resort in Tunisia had prevented anyone to leave the resort although coaches are waiting outside its gates to take Thomas Cook passengers to the airport.

The company had about a million bookings for future holidays, which will all be cancelled. Thomas Cook, which was founded in 1843, employed about 21,000 people at the time of its collapse.