Royal Caribbean International announced it is pulling Serenade of the Seas out of the Alaskan market.  Among the reasons mentioned was a $50 per person tax on every ship putting into ports in Alaska, and also the fact that the ship can earn far more in other markets at present.  Rhapsody and Radiance of the Seas will both remain in the market, which across the industry is seeing rapid decline up north.

Travel costs almost certainly play a factor in the move as well.  More than a few travel agents whose comments I follow have noted as much.  Counter-marketing the announcement, Royal Caribbean also sent a note out mentioning the rail based cruise-tours offered in conjunction with sailing the northern waters.

Something is brewing at Royal Caribbean, and it has something to do with Coffee.  I received a note asking my interest in participating in a marketing event presently in the early planning stages.  The details are sparse, but suffice to say it involves Royal Caribbean and the ship-board Coffee supplier Seattle’s Best.  More on that as I learn about what is coming.

Next week I’m excited to bring you the first edition of “Ten Questions with Royal Caribbean Fan,” a feature that poses ten questions to folks within the world of Royal Caribbean International.  The first ten questions have been posed to Rachel Hancock, director of the Crown and Anchor Society for Royal Caribbean!

Want more?  Visit the member galleries, and view photos by Matthew and Ann!