Flu Outbreak Halts Mexico Trips

With the global economy in a funk and cruiselines pulling out of the Vancouver market in 2010.....what could possibly be next? How about an outbreak of "swine flu" in Mexico that has already killed over 100 people in Mexico, and has forced the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise its pandemic alert to Level 5 with Level 6 being a full-blown pandemic.

These recent events have forced Montreal-based Transat AT inc., Canada's largest tour operator, to "postpone" flights from Canada to Mexico until June 1st. Air Canada Vacations has also suspended flights to Cancun, Cozumel, and Puerto Vallarta until June 1 due to the outbreak. Similarly, Sunquest Vacations announced it was cancelling all trips until June 4th, and SunWing Vacations until May 29th.

The Shifting Dynamics of Vancouver's Cruise Industry

First it was Royal Caribbean pulling Serenade of the Sea out of the Alaska market in 2010, because of the high cost of business in Alaska. This amounts to a loss of 19 sailings, with an economic impact estimated to be $55 million. Then came Carnival Cruise Line's decision to move nine of its sailings from Vancouver to Seattle in 2010, for an estimated loss of $18 million. The reason is that 75-80% of Alaska cruise passengers are from the United States, and it's cheaper for these passengers to fly to Seattle than Vancouver. Holland America is replacing 20 seven-day sailings between Vancouver and Seward, with 10 14-day sailings between Seattle and Anchorage. And most recently, Norwegian Cruise Line announced the redeployment of its Norwegian Sun for the summer of 2010, moving the ship from Alaska to Europe. It will be sailing a 12-day Baltic Capitals itinerary from London (Dover) beginning May 11th, 2010. By the time the dust settles, there will be 62 fewer return sailings from Vancouver in 2010, resulting in a loss of 260,000 passengers and $120 million in economic impact to the local economy. Ouch.

However, the good news is that the 2010 Olympic Games will bring millions of Americans to the area, spotlighting the charm of Vancouver for all to see. Also, Cruise Lines International Association is holding its 2010 annual tradeshow bringing travel agents to Vancouver from all over the world.

As for Vancouverites, 2009 presents a tremendous buying opportunity with cruise fares at record lows, a wide variety of sailings to choose from, and itineraries departing from your home port. You may never have a better chance to see Alaska for so little, so hop on a cruise ship if you possibly can!

Seattle Tops Vancouver in Alaska Cruise Business

Seattle posted its best year in 2008, and narrowly beat Vancouver for total number of passengers cruising to Alaska. Its 886,039 passengers on 210 sailings eclipsed Vancouver's 850,000 passengers on 254 sailings. In total, Seattle generated $274 million USD in business revenue, $8 million in taxes, and created 2,380 local jobs.

Seattle has made a strong play to develop its cruise business in recent years, and is set to gain even more business in 2010 when a number of cruiselines plan to move sailings from Vancouver to Seattle.

CruiseShips at the 2010 Winter Olympics?

Cruiseships will be prominent in the waters of Vancouver's Burrard Inlet during the 2010 Winter Olympics. Edmonton-based Newwest Travel has an agreement to bring the Norwegian Star to Vancouver for the Games. The ship would leave Los Angeles on February 6th and arrive in Vancouver 4 days later. It will be moored at the bulk marine terminal near the Lions Gate Bridge in North Vancouver, and will provide accommodations for 2,240 passengers.

The RCMP Vancouver 2010 Integrated Security Unit is also getting into the act. They have chartered 3 ships to provide accommodation for 5,000 police personnel before and during the Winter Olympics. The ships include the 2,052-passenger Carnival Elation, the 1,916-passenger Holland America MS Oosterdam, and the 1,258-passenger MS Statendam. The ships were originally scheduled to be in service, but instead will sail empty when it cruises to Vancouver in early 2010. The total bill comes to $76 million. Passengers who were booked to sail on these ships will be offered alternate ships or sail dates or a full refund.

New Ship Alerts!

2008 Launches:
Holland America Eurodam
Carnival Splendor (July)
Ruby Princess (Nov)
Celebrity Solstice (Nov)
MSC Fantasia (Dec)


2009 Launches:
MSC Splendida (spring)
Celebrity Equinox
Carnival Dream (Sept)
Costa Pacifica
Costa Luminosa
MSC Fantasia\
RCI - Oasis of the Seas - 5,400 passengers


2010 launches:
9 ships of 2000 passengers or more
Norwegian Epic - 4,200 passengers
Cunard - Queen Elizabeth (Oct) - 1,046 passengers

Celebrity Solstice....New Ship on the Seas

With its launch in November 2008, the Solstice is one of the shiniest ships on the seas. With most staterooms 15% larger than on other Celebrity ships, and high ceilings and designer lighting in public areas, this new class of ship is really going for the "wow factor." The ship also has a half-acre lawn featuring real grass, where you can place bocce, croquet, or have a picnic. Solstice will sail the Caribbean in April before starting its European summer schedule.

Next up in the series will be the Equinox, due to launch in August 2009, followed by the Eclipse in June 2010.