CNBC Cruise Special

[martodd]

There will be a special on CNBC tonight titled Cruise Inc. Big Money on the High Seas on the effect the economy is having on the cruise industry. It is on at 9pm eastern and 10pm pacific.

[Schplinky]

I taped this. did anyone watch? I haven't seen it yet but it seems mostly about NCL.

[Morris4me]

I recorded it too and hope to watch it tonight. I did see the beginning and I think most of the show was recorded on the Norwegian Pearl.

[librarylady19]

I watched most of it. Interesting to see how the ship has target "profit centers" such as the bars, casino and also how the shore excursion are a big money maker for the cruise line (all the more reason to book your own).

It's worth watching for any cruiser - not just NCL people; I would imagine cruise lines all operate with similar business practices.

The reporter's conclusion would appear to be that there will be even more bargains ahead for cruisers as cruiselines get desperate to fill those new, expensive ships that are coming on line!!

[Veronica13]

Shoot. I missed it, but sounds like nothing we didn't already know.:cool:

[cruzeluver]

I thought it was very interesting. Some great "behind the scenes" stuff showing the chaos of embarkation day. I also thought the V.P. from NCL was more forthcoming with financial information than others I have seen.

[Schplinky]

Shoot. I missed it, but sounds like nothing we didn't already know.:cool:

 

You might check your listings. When I set the DVR, there were a number of showings listed.

[hcat]

It was interesting to see how they constantly monitor sales/profits for each revenue area on each cruise.. the bar, spa, casino, excursions etc. Weather is apparently a big factor for them--just as for the cruisers, but for different reasons.

 

They also highlighted Roatan & Belize--how much money cruising brings to the local govt & workers, & plans to "improve" the ports & docks. Cruise line makes 100% profit form their own islands but much less on others since everyone takes a cut.. They said 50% of cruisers are repeat customers but only a small percentage (can't recall the #) in US have actuallly taken a cruise vacation.

 

They covered how much NCL lost by having three US flagged ships due to labor costs & need to follow US tax rules for workers, so now they have only one flagged in the US.

 

As an aside, it definitely convinced me I would not be happy on the Pearl. Too big, garish decor, many announcements, freestyle dining & fairly dressed down. It just did not seem like the elegant experience of "X" but does offer a popular choice for their niche clientele....