| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 16/10/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 6 |
| Copyright: Other |
Cruise operator extends into touring to catalyse repeat business
Royal Caribbean International launches Alaska tour itinerary
Report by JANEARCHER
ROYAL Caribbean International is launching an Alaska tour programme to encourage repeat visitors.
Royal Caribbeanand Celebrity Cruises chairman and chief executive Richard Fain said the cruiseline is building rail carriages with domed viewing roofs and luxury coaches. In addition, it is signing strategic alliances with hotel groups in Alaska.
The aim is to launch the programme in time for the 2001 season starting in April, offering a one-way cruise on either a Royal Caribbean or Celebrity Cruises ship, and a joint branded one-way land tour.
Clients can choose to cruise at the beginning or end of their holiday.
Senior vice-president international Gary Bruton said the tour operation could be extended to other destinations, such as the US for European passengers.
Bruton said: “I don’t see us as a tour operator but we want to enhance the value of the cruise.”
Meanwhile, Fain did not rule out positioning one of its new Eagle-class mega-ships in Europe.
The company launched its first Eagle-class vessel, Voyager of the Seas, last November, and has just introduced Explorer of the Seas to the UK trade.
“We have three more of these ships on order and one will certainly go to the Caribbean but we have not decided on the other two. Europe is a possibility,” he added.
* SeeCruising page 31
Explorer of the Seas:the new ship’s cruise operation could be positioned in Europe