Travel Agent - December 10, 2007 - (Page 80)

NEWS IMPACT CRUISE New Beginnings at Carnival LEFT: The reporter with Gerry Cahill, Carnival’s new president and CEO, and Vicki Freed, senior vp of sales ABOARD CARNIVAL FREEDOM—CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES holds a distinctive place in the annals of cruising: It is responsible for introducing everyday Americans to the affordable cruise vacation. Since Carnival’s inception more than three decades ago, the Arison surname has ruled with an unassuming yet shrewd demeanor that has catapulted the Carnival brand into the stratosphere as the most recognizable cruise operator in the world. For 15 years, Bob Dickinson served as president and CEO of Carnival Cruise Lines, Carnival Corp.’s flagship brand. As such, Dickinson—who retired in CONNECTING YOU For more information on Carnival, including a video, visit www.travelagentcentral. com/carnivalcruiselines July—was one of Chairman and CEO Micky Arison’s righthand men. Ironically, it was Dickinson who hired Arison at Carnival after Arison’s father and company founder Ted Arison had felt uncomfortable giving his son a job (due, in part, to the potential whispers of nepotism). Dickinson’s departure created a void that has been filled by Gerry Cahill, who formerly served as Carnival Corp.’s CFO, a finance position that differs from the operations and leadership post he now assumes. Cahill is the first to admit that he is still picking up the nuances of the job, but those working for him have given him positive reviews. Cahill and fellow Carnival executives addressed travel agents last month aboard Carnival Freedom, only days after the ship’s return from its inaugural European season. In front of more than 400 agents from around the world, Cahill sang the praises of his predecessor and expressed sincere wishes that when it is his time to retire, he can do it with as much class as Dickinson. Moving Forward Sentiment aside, Cahill—a tireless worker in his own right—seems to be getting up to speed with the business at hand. With the majority of Carnival’s fleet in the Caribbean, knowing the region is paramount. For the good part of the year, pricing concerns and shrinking demand have dogged the Caribbean, although the market has rebounded for the most part, according to Cahill. “The pricing pressure now seems to have turned,” noted Cahill during a Carnival executive Q&A session. “The increase in demand is continuing, and we are very positive.” One development aiding Carnival, Cahill said, is other cruise lines’ redeployment of their ships out of the Caribbean to what they believe are more lucrative regions, such as Europe. It’s giving Carnival a bigger chunk of the Caribbean market. “That’s the opportunity for us and our 18 ships here,” he said. “The key is to create more exciting itineraries.” Cahill lists Half Moon Cay and Grand Turk as two such destinations. He also cites Carnival Destiny’s new route, which entails six calls in one week, several of them at less-visited ports. That itinerary starts in March. In addition, we are told that next year Carnival will again dock at Cozumel’s Porta Maya pier, which has been rebuilt after it was devastated by Hurricane Wilma two years ago. Of Cozumel’s two piers, Porta Maya was superior due to its shopping and restaurant choices, and the newly constructed facility is promised to be just as appealing. Travel agents should note that Cahill will listen to any suggestions they might have, but he is not automatically pliant. “We listen, yes,” he said. “Not sure if we’ll always do it.” At the very least he’s fair, and perhaps some of the changes at Carnival’s top, combined with three new ships coming out over the next four years, will reinvigorate the line—not that it ever lost its zest. “Micky [Arison] is more excited now than I have ever seen him in my 13 years,” said Cahill. And what of Cahill’s first five months on the job? “So far, so good,” he said. —DAVID EISEN 80 | TravelAgent December 10, 2007 http://www.travelagentcentral.com/carnivalcruiselines http://www.travelagentcentral.com/carnivalcruiselines

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Travel Agent - December 10, 2007 Online Now From the Editor Contributors Europe: Liverpool, The Beatles Hometown, Is also Known for it's Maritime Heritage, Art and Architecture European Hotel Highlights Central and South America: What You Need To Know About Selling Quito, the Historic Capital City of Ecuador Pacific/Asia: Malaysia Seeks to Grow Tourism as it Celebrates the 50th Anniversary of it's Independence Spa Resort in Goa, India Caribbean: Venerable Jamaican Resorts Tryall Club and Half Moon Marry Contemporary Design and Old-Time Elegence Caribbean Deals Las Vegas: A Three-Day Itinerary for Your Gen-Y Clients Las Vegas News and Notes Hotels: Sandals' 6th Annual Star Awards Tours: Escorted and FIT Packages in Western Canada Cruise: Barging 101 Cover Story: Wyndham's Way Agent Profile: Casto Travel's Marc Casto Technology Transportation Agenda: Fam Trips, Deals & Incentives, Calendar Carnival's Plans for the Future Fairmont Expands in Africa Liberty Travel/Gogo is Sold Turks and Caicos Developments The New River Cruise Line, Jewel How to Protect Yourself When a Tour Operator Shuts Down In the Spotlight Classified Marketplace Editorial Index Advertising Index Trendwatch Special Supplement: Destination Africa

Travel Agent - December 10, 2007

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