For the full features, fill in our contact form to get Cruise Week delivered directly to you via e-mail or fax!

Cruise Week 2/3/10

1. Bottom Line Issues: Royal's Earnings & Agents' Earnings
Back in November, Royal Caribbean Chairman/CEO Richard Fain, sounding frustrated, addressed all the reports at that time about the improving economy. "The recent news has been full of reports that the economy is rebounding or is about to rebound," he told financial analysts. "But we haven't seen any evidence of that in our bookings today." Fast forward to Royal's earnings call with financial analysts this past week, and Royal execs clearly sounded much more sure of the direction of the company. "The year is looking much stronger than many thought possible only a short time ago," said Fain. "We're expecting good yield recovery."....

2. Crystal Symphony's $25M Upgrade
Many of the changes took place on Lido Deck. First and foremost was the elimination of Neptune Pool (the midship pool that was under the retractable dome). The line's first ship, Crystal Harmony, underwent this change when the ship became part of the parent company (NYK) a few years back. But such a change is a rarity for the North American market....

Want the full cruise news stories? Go to specials for information on pricing and subscriptions, or fill in our contact form to get Cruise Week delivered by fax or e-mail.