Travel Agent - August 13, 2007 - (Page 8)

News Vital Signs Grand Cayman is in the process of improving its cruise terminal sun, better shading (tents, umbrellas etc.). Other projects include adding more seating in the terminal and improving bathroom facilities. Carnival’s New Water Features The Week in Cruising The buzz last week in the cruise world was centered on a downturn in cruise passengers to the Cayman Islands and Carnival’s new water features for its Fantasy-class ships. Cayman Islands Chatter June sailings to the Cayman Islands were down, but air arrivals were up, according to the latest word from the Cayman Islands Ministry of Tourism. A total of 95,955 cruise ship passengers touched down in Grand Cayman, which is 34,589 fewer than in May (a 26.4 percent decrease). Conversely, air arrival figures grew by 2,410. So, what gives? Tourism Minister Charles Clifford notes that one of the reasons for the downturn could be that cruise lines tend to deploy some of their inventory to Alaska and Europe during the summer months. But a 26.4 percent drop is quite abrupt—any other reason for the slide? Ah, of course, and it’s one that’s been thrown around by travel agents and cruise lines alike over the course of this year. “In addition,” says Clifford, “there has been a general softening of the U.S. economy, which may have impacted the number of cruise travelers during the period.” Follow the money, eh? Then explain the rise in air travel to the Caymans? Referring to the 6.5 percent increase in air arrivals over the previous year, Clifford said he’d like to take credit, but that the reality is arrival numbers are One cruise line that contributes a ton of cruisers to the Cayman Islands is Carnival Cruise Lines (www.carnival.com), which is as ubiquitous in the Caribbean as Red Stripe. But the news this week is about its new water elements that are part of a $250 million “Evolutions of Fun” influenced by a number of factors, many initiative for its Fantasy-class ships. outside the government’s control. The line is taking the onboard water Continuing, Clifford shifted some of the park to a whole new level and last week blame for the cruise passenger downturn unveiled the blueprint of what the new on the Western Hemisphere Travel Initia“Carnival WaterWorks” aqua parks and tive having a negative impact on travel main pool areas will look like on its eight to the Caribbean as a whole. That said, Fantasy-class ships. he applauded the U.S. government on The new resort-style main pool area relaxing the restrictions “in light of the will be on Lido Deck and feature new backlog of applications for passports.” oversized umbrellas and a new color Here’s some good news. The Cayman scheme at the pool and beach area. Say Islands is in the process of improving its goodbye to the common Carnival colors $18.5 million Royal Watler Cruise Termiof red, white and blue, and say hello to nal, which officially opened in September new shades of blue and yellow to give the 2006. July talks among various tourism area a more tropical feel. offices concluded that a proper visitor’s The fun really is kicked up a notch at reception center was needed and also, the new “Carnival WaterWorks” aqua always important in the hot Caribbean parks slated for the verandah decks. The parks will feature four-deckCarnival Imagination and Carnival Inspiration will be the high, 300-foot spiraling tube first two ships to feature the new Carnival WaterWorks water slides and separate aqua parks later this year on their verandah decks 82-foot-long, triple-lane waterslides. There will also be a spray park for kids. The first two ships to receive the new features are Carnival Imagination and Carnival Inspiration later this year. (Fleet-wide implementation should be completed by the end of 2009.) “Evolutions of Fun” began in 2005 and also includes renovations to other guest areas, including spas and staterooms. — David Eisen 8 TravelAgent August 13, 2007 http://www.carnival.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Travel Agent - August 13, 2007

Contents Editor's Letter News You Can Use Agenda: Fam Trips, Calendar of Events, Deal of the Week Cover Story: Open Skies PACIFIC ASIA: New Zealand Tourism Update CARIBBEAN AND BAHAMAS: One&Only Ocean Club’s Slow Season Package MIDDLE EAST: Middle Eastern Airlines ALASKA: Cross-country Skiers Flock to Fairbanks CRUISES: Azamara Assails The Sea HONEYMOON AND ROMANCE: Honeymoon Survey Results Agent Profile Luxury Travel Expo Update Classified Marketplace Advertisers’ Information People & Places

Travel Agent - August 13, 2007

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