10 June 2009

Swine flu 'highly disruptive' to Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean Cruises has estimated the financial impact that swine flu has had on the company.

The company said 2009 earnings would be cut by approximately $22 per share, directly attributable to the impact from the H1N1 virus.

This is the result of vessels forced to change their itineraries away from Mexican ports and ensuing pricing pressures in the Mexican market, the company said

The outbreak forced to cancellation of the launch of subsidiary Pullmantur's Pacific Dream, a new cruise concept targeting Mexican holidaymakers.

This meant the ship, formerly Island Cruises' Island Star, remained idle.

The outbreak also caused a significant reduction in Pullmantur's tour capacity in Mexico.

There was essentially no impact on Celebrity Cruises’ operations, the company said

Chairman and chief executive Richard Fain said: "The flu outbreak had a short, but highly disruptive impact to our operations.

"Fortunately, our vessels are quickly returning to their original itineraries, but the impact from the publicity surrounding the H1N1 virus on our Mexican business is frustrating."

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