Proposed competition for P&O?

Just read this in an agents mail out.There is no date as to when it was announced and on reading further they are only thinking about it.......

but it looks like P&O may have some competetion coming.

Has any one heard any more?

Royal Caribbean looks at all-year presence here

Royal Caribbean appears to be planning an expansion of its Australian presence faster, and on a bigger scale, than initially indicated.

Miami-based dr of international sales, Bob Tavadia, told CW today that Royal Caribbean plans to be a “long-term player” in the Australian and NZ markets and is looking at the possibility of basing Rhapsody of the Seas here full-time from late 2009.

The vessel would be homeported in both Sydney and Auckland. Asked if this market could support that much capacity on a year-round basis, Tavadia, who’s on his first visit to Australia, said that Rhapsody’s first program here, starting next month, is already attracting 70-80% Australian bookings.

He said Royal Caribbean would pin its marketing on its highly-rated service standards and its innovative onboard features, like the trademark rock-climbing wall.

It would not try to compete on price.

“We don’t want to engage in a price war”, he said.

“The quality of our product speaks for itself.

“We won’t resort to price wars just to get passengers on board”.

I can only see this as a good thing. Australia has been ignored for long enough and with P&O, Princess and Royal Caribbean its the more the better.

This will give many people who many not have thought about cruising the opportunity to try it. From this listing I think you would be able to target many different markets.

Maybe I should start saving now?

can only be a good thing for us as far as i can see.....:)

Looks like i may be cruising RCCL sooner than i thought.

Although, all we need is for MSC cruises to get the ship out here that they were talking about earlier in the year and the fun will start.

We've been selling the charters on the Rhapsody for later this year they have gone like hot cakes!

great news for aust and nz. lest hope other brands consider basing ships here full time as well more the better.

Would it be too cynical to say RCI are only doing this as a tit-for-tat reaction to Carnival setting up a new cruise line in Spain in competition to RCI/Pullmantur there?

But whatever the reason, if it happens it will be a good thing for us - more choice is always good.

We have needed some healthy permanent competition here for years..and of course a better class of ship...lol.....hope they stick to their plan... cheers shiona

Yay!!:D A choice other than Carnival!!

Yay!!:D A choice other than Carnival!!

More ships = more berths = more competition = more cheap fares = more happy Aussie Cruisers.

Here is a press release from Star Cruises re sale of Gemini.

Following are selected paragraphs.Full release here........

http://www.starcruises.com/News/2007/20070929.html

Press Release 29th Sep 2007

CRUISES SELLS SUPERSTAR GEMINI AS PART OF FLEET OPTIMISATION PLAN

Star Cruises today announced the sale of the SuperStar Gemini which is to be concluded in the following weeks. SuperStar Gemini will be chartered back from the new owner until December 2008 to continue offering her cruise itineraries before being handed over to the new owner...................

“SuperStar Gemini has an extremely loyal following especially from the Australians as it is a truly unique ship that offers an ambience that is filled with a very personalised level of service and genuine warmth and hospitality. The crew onboard are very dedicated and many repeat guests have fondly commented that it really does feel like they are part of an extended family onboard, and this is what keeps them coming back time and time again." said Mr. David Chua, Star Cruises’ President..........................

SuperStar Gemini currently offers 7, 10, 11 and 21-night cruises from Singapore to destinations in South East Asia before moving Downunder to Australia where her ardent fans are in November for three months. In Australia, she will do two full circumnavigations of the continent, creating many memorable itineraries taking in ports of call such as Perth, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin and others. The decision to deploy the ship for three months Downunder during some of the very best cruising conditions, the Australian Summer, was largely due and in response to the huge popularity of SuperStar Gemini with the Australian market. On returning to Singapore, she will continue with the ever popular 7-night Straits of Malacca cruises as well as another six 10, 11 and 21-night cruises taking in Thailand, Vietnam, China, Hong Kong and Malaysia.