ROYALCaribbean International has seen its net income
for 1999 rise by 16.3% to reach
$90.2m despite the withdrawal of several ships from service during this period.
Monarch of the Seas missed 11 scheduled cruises during the quarter as it needed repairs after it hit an underwater reef as it was leaving Pittsburgh in December.
Grandeur of the Seas and Enchantment of the Seas also lost one voyage apiece due to engine trouble. However, the company claimed reduced operating expenses and sustained net yield (net revenue per passenger cruise day) had led to the improved result.
RCI chairman and chief executive Richard Fain said:”I am pleased with the first quarter results and especially our ability to improve our earnings in the face of extraordinary operational challenges.”
Gross revenue was $610m in the first quarter of 1999, compared to $659.8m in the previous year. The cruiseline said this was due to the reduction in ship capacity and the redemption of cruise coupons by passengers booked on the ships that were out of service.
n RCI has cut the price of a cruise to the Norwegian Fjords this summer to ú784 – a reduction of ú655 on the brochure price.
Splendour of the Seas departs Harwich on June 22 for a 12-night cruise. The price is based on two people sharing.