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BeckyThane
Super Cruiser
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Posted: Wed Mar 5th, 2008 11:27 pm | 1st Post |
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An excerpt from the Disney annual stockholders report (p. 27):
"One of the best examples of how consumers look to Disney as a trusted source of quality travel and leisure offerings is Disney Cruise Line. Disney established the new family category of cruising a decade ago and since then has remained the leader in this growing industry. Given this success, two new ships are being built in Papenburg, Germany, and they are scheduled to join the fleet in 2011 and 2012, respectively.
"Last summer, the flagship Disney Magic embarked on Disney's first-ever Mediterranean cruise vacation. In 2008, it's back by popular demand to the Port of Los Angeles for 12 consecutive seven-night cruise vacations to the Mexican Riviera. The mobility of these ships presents unique opportunities to test new markets and introduce the Disney experience to new audiences. Each new itinerary provides Guests a reason to return. By meeting the needs of families as only Disney can, Disney Cruise Line has succeeded in bringing new Guests to Walt Disney World and new cruisers to the industry. It has proven that Parks and Restors' family market business model can complement its growing theme park business with new ways to vacation with Disney."
[emphasis is mine]
You have to credit Disney with having the most readable and entertaining annual report in the world! I chewed my hubby's behind BIG TIME several years ago when he opted for electronic delivery of shareholder documents, because the Disney report is one I actually bother to read, nearly cover to cover.
So, reading between the lines of what's written above, what insights might we gain for the future of DCL?
(1) That the two new builds will be ADDITIONS to the fleet. Speculation thus far has surrounded whether they would be replacements or additions. I think the above highlighted statement pretty much settles that speculation.
(2) DCL will be positioning ships, at least temporarily, in new areas. They will be seeking to add new itineraries to their offerings. I believe this will be in advance of the delivery of the new builds. With the addition of the new ships, we can probably expect to see one positioned year-around in Europe. Also, with the strength of the Disney brand in Asia I think we can expect to see at least the temporary positioning of one ship in the Asian market; most likely this will occur after delivery of the new ship(s).
Anyone else draw any conclusions from what's contained in the report?
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hstrybuf
Founders
| Joined: | Sat Jun 17th, 2006 |
| Location: | Kansas |
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Posted: Thu Mar 6th, 2008 01:13 am | 2nd Post |
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I haven't tried Disney yet, but that could change in a few years.  Disney is a product known around the world. With the addition of 2 new ships, I expect they can only improve their revenues and send their stocks soaring.
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Deb - Research, research, research!
My pics: http://community.webshots.com/user/hstrycrsr
Liberty 10/07; Miracle 10/06; Navigator OTS 10/04; Legend 04/04; Grand Princess 09/03; Dawn Princess 01/03; Enchantment OTS 10/02; Destiny 01/02; Sensation 10/99
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BeckyThane
Super Cruiser
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Posted: Thu Mar 6th, 2008 01:21 am | 3rd Post |
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Disney CEO Robert Iger said, in his letter to the stockholders: "This business [DCL] has not only delivered impressive returns, but it has become an important brand builder for us." Looks like he agrees with you, Buffy. 
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