Cruise Industry News Update

Cost Increases

Crew Gratuities: Two Major Changes

Carnival Cruise Line

• Increased automatic daily crew gratuities
• [Note: Specific amounts not mentioned in transcript]

[Second Cruise Line - Name Not Mentioned]

• Also increased crew gratuities
• Key Difference (Important & Under-Discussed):
  • Features twice-a-day housekeeping (vs. Carnival's once daily)
  • Higher passenger-to-crew ratio
  • CRITICAL: This amount CANNOT be adjusted
  • Functions as a mandatory service charge, not adjustable gratuities
  • Cannot be increased or decreased by passengers

Travel Advisory: Fly In Early

The Risk of Same-Day Arrival

• Cruise line NOT responsible for getting passengers to ship on time
• If you miss the ship due to travel delays, cruise line won't hold departure
• Cruise line error = they'll help you reach next port
• But who wants to start a cruise that way?

Recommendation

• Fly in at least one day early
• Advice echoed by travel agents, travel professionals, and cruise content creators

Port Development Updates

Family-Focused Improvements

New Family Beach Area Features:

• Updated playground
• Splash pad
• Ropes course
• Hosted games and tournaments

Additional Amenities:

• Food market
• Specialty restaurant

Adults-Only Addition:

• New exclusive retreat: "Paradise Sands"
• Cost structure unclear (may have additional fee)

Other Features:

• "Shifting Perspective" [details not provided in transcript]

Princess Cruises: Crew & Employment Updates

New Crew Initiatives:

• New incentive programs
• Updated maternity policies
• Updated retirement policies
• Improvements to scheduling tools

Company Statement:

• Part of broader strategy to make Princess Cruises a premier workplace
• Leadership emphasizing commitment to crew welfare

Royal Caribbean: New Ship Class Announcement

Breaking News:

• Royal Caribbean building a new class of ship
• Response to cruiser demand
• [Details cut off in transcript]