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Link here (sorry in French only):http://www.meretmarine.com/article.cfm?id=108224
[ 09-15-2008: Message edited by: Vaccaro ]
Given Galaxy is to move to TUI next year perhaps her sister might be the one to move given all the new tonnage arriving at Celebrity.
So does Azamara, and there has been speculation that its two ships would go to CDF if it is shut down.
If indeed both are loss-making, I would be inclined to send ISLAND STAR to Pullmantur and the Azamara ships (which combined have around the same number of berths as ISLAND STAR) to CDF.
quote:Originally posted by dougnewman:It is my understand that Island Cruises operates at a loss.So does Azamara, and there has been speculation that its two ships would go to CDF if it is shut down.If indeed both are loss-making, I would be inclined to send ISLAND STAR to Pullmantur and the Azamara ships (which combined have around the same number of berths as ISLAND STAR) to CDF.
Well if Azamara are not in the black by now something is seriously wrong - mind if they continue to run it simply as a part of Celebrity.... it would seem that RCI are not as adept at running multiple brands as they are at Carnival Corp. but we knew that already. Would be a serious set back if they have to close it down.
I just have a feeling that with all the new Solstice class ships coming the Century class are going to be surplus to requirements and new homes for them will be needed, TUI is taking Galaxy, they are supposed to taking delivery of a new build in 2010 and another in 2011, well even if orders were placed tomorrow that is not going to happen (well maybe 2011) - perhaps all 3 Century class will find a new home in Germany.
As for the Azamara ships France would, I am sure do well for them. Both are familiar with Marsailles !
The above makes sense, RCI (and others) can't just keep building new ships - RCI especially given last years drop in profits needs to edge fares upwards which you cannot do while adding new tonnage when your biggest 2 markets are in or close to recession. To add new ships you need to start moving older tonnage to new markets where you can still charge a premium as if they were also new. It may not be long before they have to start moving Vision class ships from RCI and Spain may well be able to take the 3 Sovereigns but doubt they could absorb Visions as well.
Would seem crazy to build new ships for Germany when the tonnage is there and Doug is right that the R duo would be great for France.
I believe that they would be better off dropping old tonnage and one off brands focus on maintaining RCCL and improve Celebrity. They haven't left well enough alone like Carnival which has consolidated shared services, but allows each brand to focus on a specific market. RCI just seems to be drifting IMO.
RCI has publicly admitted to making many errors in getting Azamara up and running. Even allowing for present global economic woes, would they wind up this operation so (relatively) quickly. Given a firm purpose and identity, there is no reason why this niche brand could not succeed.
Tony
Could the Mercury be the ship that is being transferred to CDF?
Just a thought, Troy JorgensKetchikan, Alaska
They also went down a list of others calling etc in Durban for 2009 as follows:
Rhapsody MelodyAstor (returning to her original home)Hebridean SpiritSeven Seas NavigatorEuropaHanseaticDeutchlandAuroraAlbatrosVistamarRotterdamSun Princess
Several will be making multiple calls, MSC ships are based out of Durban for the entire season.
2010 will see Simfonia move to SA replacing one of the MSC ships. QM2 makes her maiden call, Celebrity evidentally will be here, Princess makes more calls, P&O will return. There are still rumours that we will have several large cruise ships being used as hotel ships during the world cup but I can't see it given it is in June and July. They are further expecting that the numbe rof ships calling will nearly double.
it is indeed most interesting that "Celebrity Mercury's" 2009/2010 Caribbean season has been pulled completely.
I don't think they would turn her into "TUI Mein Schiff II" *, but sending her to CDF would turn her into a rather odd running mate to "Bleu the France", IMHO. It should be interesting to know how the situation develops.
Best,
Raoul
* The name TUI Cruises currently uses for "Celebrity Galaxy" in its brochures being "TUI Mein Schiff" ("TUI My Ship"), which is particularly silly but likely not the final name. I consider it weird, however, that a company produces brochures and opens bookings for a new product without having announced a name for the ship. Apparently, they have decided against "TUI Aqua", after all, but who knows...
quote:Originally posted by r.fiebig:* The name TUI Cruises currently uses for "Celebrity Galaxy" in its brochures being "TUI Mein Schiff" ("TUI My Ship"), which is particularly silly but likely not the final name.
according to Celebrity Cruises, "Celebrity Mercury" will introduce Caribbean cruises out of Charleston and Baltimore in 2009/2010 while her originally scheduled cruises will be taken over by "Celebrity Millennium" with that ship's Australia / New Zealand season being cancelled.
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