Royal Dis

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A couple weeks ago, I warned about how bad Royal Caribbeans 4th quarter numbers would be. The morning I wrote it, the financials had not been out yet, but later that day we came to find out fourth-quarter earnings tumbled 98 percent. No big surprise as the entire industry is struggling in this economy, but when you combine it with poor business decisions it’s clear that those decisions are starting to catch up with them. Terminating entire agencies, upping commission thresholds for others who they’re suppose to be supporting, combined with the mega ships they’re building and can’t afford has the company cutting back in other areas that has many either concerned or just downright upset.

Having someone like me miffed is one thing, but when you get an entire state upset over how you conduct your business is another. The 49th state in the Union, who happens to be celebrating it’s 50th Anniversary of Statehood this year is now “worried” over Royal Caribbeans decission to take an entire ship out of circulation starting 2010. Serenade’s removal next year will decrease tourists by 42,000 passengers, and is estimated to drop revenue by some $55 million.

alaska-cruise I can’t think of another destination that is more pristine than Alaska. Every client I have ever booked for Alaska has come back with comments of breathtaking views and once in a lifetime experiences. Other than the Caribbean it’s the most popular destination we sell at BandBVacations.com. With Alaska’s 50th anniversary this year there are more folks than ever looking at this destination for their family, even with the drastic time change (here on the east coast) and the higher cost of this cruise experience.

So why would Royal Caribbean drop Alaska?

Taxes. (A $50 per passenger tax that was put into effect back in 2006.)

One company’s loss is another company’s gain. Princess is the cruise line of choice not only passengers, but it’s been voted Best Cruise Line in Alaska by the readers of Travel Weekly magazine. (The last 5 years no less.) Princess has introduced a special new lineup of cruisetours that offer passengers the extra convenience of roundtrip travel from Seattle and due to the economy, unprecedented low fares. These new options make planning an Alaska land/sea vacation easier than ever by including all travel once the passenger gets to Seattle, including airfare between Seattle and Anchorage, as well as a free stateroom upgrade.

“Since 2009 is the 50th anniversary of Alaska’s statehood, this is the perfect year to visit the 49th state,” said Charlie Ball, president of Princess Tours. “And with these special cruisetour packages, we’re making a visit to the heart of Alaska more convenient than ever. All our passengers need to do is plan their travel to and from Seattle. We take it from there, so visitors can simply enjoy this incredible opportunity to visit Alaska’s top attractions, including Glacier Bay and Denali National Park.”

The new Alaska Wilderness Sale cruisetours include the line’s famed Voyage of the Glaciers sailings between Vancouver and Whittier — featuring calls at Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway with daylight cruising of Glacier Bay National Park and the 16 glaciers of College Fjord. Passengers can choose departures on either the 2,670-passenger Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess or the 1,970-passenger Coral Princess and Island Princess.

In addition, passengers will enjoy Direct to the Wilderness rail transportation right from their ship to the Denali area, giving them extra time in the heart of Alaska’s wilderness. Cruisetour options include two nights at Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge and one or two nights at Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge. The packages also include an overnight stay in Seattle.

Princess’ 2009 Alaska season runs from May 9 to September 14, and features a total of 130 Alaska sailings — including the signature Voyage of the Glaciers sailings, Inside Passage routes from Seattle and San Francisco, and a small ship experience on 14-day Connoisseur voyages to some of the state’s less-visited ports. In addition, Princess will again take more passengers to the ice-filled wonder of Glacier Bay National Park than any other line, with 81 cruises scheduled for this season.

I can’t think of a better time or way to visit Alaska. The low fairs, combined with the states 50th anniversary makes it a win win for anyone looking for a trip of lifetime.

As a side note, I’ll be somewhat out of touch with this blog the next two days. I’ve been invited up to the YTB Home Office for a Directors Meeting Tuesday and Wednesday and from the looks of the schedule, along with flying up and back, I don’t know how much time I’ll have to dedicate here. (In other words, don’t look for comments to be posted until late in the evening.)

You can be assured that most of what will be discussed will be found in this weekends Newsletter. Of course, I’ll update what I can here for everyone, but as you know, most of what myself or YTB puts out is taken out of context and twisted into something it’s not, so be sure to check here or via our newsletter to get the facts from someone who was actually there. (Remember one of my favorite quotes: “Don’t believe a word you hear unless you can verify it on your own to be true”.)

It will be good to see and be around so many friends again, some whom I’ve not seen since the National Convention this past summer.

Hope to see you Thursday!

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