n NCL welcomesfinancial results
Norwegian Cruise Line has reported a pre-tax profit of $9.6m for the second quarter – up from $3m in the same period last year. Revenue increased by 14% to $207.1m. The cruiseline has signed a letter of intent to build a second2,000-passenger ship based on the design of the new Norwegian Sky, which is scheduled for delivery in 2001. It has until February to take up an option on a third ship.
n swan hellenic sets up new agents’ club
Swan Hellenic has created a new club named Swan Elite for its five top-performing travel agents. The members have been drawn from the existing Swan Select group, which was set up in March 1998. This club currently has 30 members. The agents in Swan Elite will get benefits such as marketing support, access to monthly statistics and priority on educationals.
n irish ferries cuts five-day prices
Irish Ferries has slashed the price of a five-day return from Holyhead to Dublin or Pembroke to Rosslare to £199, representing a saving of up to 45% on the brochure rate. Meanwhile, the Nightrider return between Holyhead and Dublin has been cut by up to 35%, and is now available for £299. UK passenger manager Victor Williams said the changes were aimed at stimulating the short-break market, which usually experiences a slump in the summer months, and encourage people to use late-night and early-morning sailings.
n royal caribbean sees rise in 6.9% net profits
Royal Caribbean International has announced a 6.9% rise in net profit to $85.3m in the second quarter of this year. This was achieved despite a 5.9% drop in revenue to $617.7m. It blamed the drop on reduced capacity.