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Royal Caribbean executives anticipate travel agency consolidation

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After the coronavirus crisis, there may be fewer travel agencies due to consolidation and more advisors working from home, Royal Caribbean executives said on Monday.

Vicki Freed

Vicki Freed

During a virtual media roundtable, Royal Caribbean International senior vice president of sales, trade support and service Vicki Freed, said, “None of us has a crystal ball but I think on the top end, you’ll see the consolidation of retail locations,” she said.

Meanwhile, Royal Caribbean execs anticipate an increase in home-based workers, including independent contractors.

“I think the home-based type of setup for travel advisors will likely grow even more than it was,” said Azamara COO Carol Cabezas.

Although she anticipates fewer travel agents working in retail locations, Freed indicated that the number of agents could be relatively unchanged post-coronavirus, although it could take some time to ramp up to that level.

“As we reintroduce cruising to so many people, I think in time they will grow their business back,” Freed said.

Royal Caribbean is guiding travel agents about relief options available to small businesses and individuals in the Cares Act. Royal Caribbean calls its education program RCL Cares, and the company launched the effort to help keep its sales force intact.

“We want to make sure we have a healthy distribution system that is going to be part of our future,” Freed said.

When the Major Cruise Lines Plan to Restart Service

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Spectrum of the Seas

The major cruise lines are planning to start operations again as soon as May in most cases.

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival is planning to start some operations by May 11, according to a statement.

Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean Cruises announced it has decided to extend the suspension of sailings of its global fleet. At this time, it aims to resume service where it can on May 12.

MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises has decided to further extend the pause of its cruise operation through May 29, according to a statement. This is due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the company said, extending its operations pause from April 30 for another month.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings announced an extension of its previously announced voluntary suspension of all cruise voyages to include voyages embarking between April 12 and May 10, for its three cruise brands: Norwegian, Regent and Oceania.

Costa Cruises

Costa Cruises has extended the voluntary suspension of its cruises until April 30.

Princess Cruises

Princess plans to resume some cruise operations on May 11.

AIDA Cruises

AIDA has stopped operations through April 30.

Celebrity Cruises

Royal Caribbean Cruises announced it has decided to extend the suspension of sailings of its global fleet. At this time, it aims to resume service where it can on May 12.

Holland America Line

Holland America has cancelled sailings scheduled to depart through May 14.

TUI Cruises

TUI Cruises has paused operations through April 30.

The above are the top 10 cruise brands by market capacity, according to the 2020 Cruise Industry News Annual Report.

Royal Caribbean bosses take pay cuts

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Royal Caribbean's Richard Fain to agents: This is a tough time ...

Top bosses at Royal Caribbean Cruises are taking six-month pay cuts amid the coronavirus crisis.

Chairman and chief executive Richard Fain have agreed to forego payment of his base salary, estimated to be worth more than $1 million.

Chief financial officer Jason Liberty, Royal Caribbean International chief executive  Michael Bayley and Celebrity Cruises counterpart Lisa Lutoff-Perlo have each elected to reduce their respective base salaries by 25% until September 30.

“These reductions were made in light of the Covid-19 pandemic and the negative financial and operational impacts resulting therefrom,” the company said in a filing to the US Securities and Exchange Commission.

Royal Caribbean Cruises extended the suspension of sailings of its global fleet last week until May 12 with Alaska, Canada and New England sailings not expected to resume until July 1.