Royal Caribbean presented a plan to authorities of Nicaragua to build a port in the city of San Juan del Sur that could handle large cruise ships.

While feasibility studies have yet to be carried out to even see if the proposal is feasible, the city is optimistic that the project would bring a large amount of tourists.

Currently, most cruise passengers arriving take tenders to get into port.  With a strong tourism industry developing in the country, there's a demand for more.

Deputy Mayor of San Juan del Sur, Rivas Rosa Adelina, estimated that the proposal by Royal Caribbean would give the town a big tourism and economic boost, and benefit the country and to attract other international cruise companies.

"The main focus of contribution is the extension of the pier, tourists would arrive directly at the port, and with them new establishments is like an invitation to stay longer," she said.

Royal Caribbean reported its second quarter fiscal results for 2012 of a net loss of $3.6 million.

Larger than anticipated discounting in Europe has hurt Royal Caribbean's bottom line, despite solid demand in the Caribbean and Asia.  The impact of the Costa Concordia disaster continues to affect Royal Caribbean, particularly in the second and third quarters.

"The steady drumbeat of negative news emanating out of Europe is certainly having an impact," said Richard D. Fain, chairman and chief executive officer. Fain continued, "As a result, we are seeing pluses and minuses in the different geographical markets - North America is holding up reasonably well; Asia is a big plus; but Europe is a pretty consistent minus. Overall we have seen about a 100 basis point drop in our yield projections, but we expect to offset over half of this decline with lower spending."

The outlook for the rest of 2012 is being reduced somewhat, due to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar.  The dollar's gain has reduced the company's full year outlook by approximately $0.13 per share. This outlook reduction has been largely offset by the reduction in bunker pricing that occurred during this same time period. The net effect of these currency and fuel price changes is essentially neutral for the company's full year earnings outlook. However, the mark-to-market loss on the options is expected to cost the company a ($0.05) per share charge at current prices versus prior guidance.

You can view the full quarterly results.

Dates for the Beatles Tribute Cruise 2013 have been announced. The cruise will be on Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas March 3 - 10, 2013.

Special guests for this 4th Beatles cruise include

• Mark Hudson (Producer for Ringo Starr)
• Billy J. Kramer (Recorded songs written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney)
• Joey Molland (Singer from Badfinger, a band signed by the Beatles' label)
• Joe Johnson (Emcee)
• Revolution (Tribute Band)

Special events are planned for those who go on the cruise such as

• Welcome Registration and Guest Introduction by: MIM's Host, Angela & Emcee, Joe Johnson of Beatle Brunch
• Individual performances by Mark Hudson, Billy J. Kramer & Joey Molland
• Trivia Contests by Joe Johnson
• Q & A with Special Guests
• Revolution, The Beatles Tribute special performance
• Photos & autographs with Special Guests and items available for purchase
• Karaoke

Veteran developer Bob Ell has a plan to build a new $200 million cruise ship terminal for the Gold Coast of Australia  and Royal Caribbean supports the idea.

The new terminal would include three cruise ship terminal berths, three hotels, a casino, a water park, an underwater observatory, a new North Kirra surf club and a super-yacht marina.

Royal Caribbean managing director for Australia, Gavin Smith, indicated that Royal Caribbean may back the new venture.

"We would investigate the potential for capital involvement in any project," Smith said.

Royal Caribbean was excited by the business community's interest in a new cruise terminal in the area, ""We will certainly work with them and assist with providing any information they require."

"The challenge for the Gold Coast is the marine navigation of the area and building a facility that could be reliably accessed by visiting cruise ships."

Photo by Ambius

A Royal Caribbean sponsored excursion in St Martin ended in an accident when thirty-six passengers were on a bus that crashed into a ditch last Thursday.  No major injuries although a few were taken to a local hospital.

The accident occurred when the bus was trying to avoid a taxi heading up a steep hill.  The bus hit the taxi, causing it to overturn.

The passengers were on an excursion from Freedom of the Seas to visit Loterie Farm for a treetop ropes courtse and zipline adventure.  The bus was taking them from Philipsburg, St Maarten to St. Martin.

Six passengers from the United States and the bus driver were injured according to Royal Caribbean. The injuries were minor, with the worst being a broken wrist.  

All the injured "were immediately transported to the local Louis Constant Fleming Hospital for treatment." Guest care team members and a ship doctor remained with the passengers during their stay at the hospital. All returned to the ship the same day. The guest care team and onboard medical team also continued to provide onboard treatment for passengers, including counseling, for those who asked for it. 

Royal Caribbean is looking to attract more cruisers from Spain and has developed an interactive online cruise guide to help those new to cruising become acclimated to the process.

The guide is a series of videos that are introduced by a friendly hostess, who takes novice cruisers through various sections that address typical concerns for people who are cruising for the first time. 

These short videos show statements by people that have cruised a lot and they also can learn about the destinations Royal Caribbean serves as well as the ships in Royal Caribbean's fleet.  There's also access to frequently asked questions.

For fans of steampunk, there's a new cruise theme for you.  The Steampunk Cruise and Duchess of Nola High Seas Ball will be held on Navigator of the Seas on March 16, 2013.

The cruise offers on-board workshops and performances from established steampunk writers, speakers, artists and musicians.

Steampunk is defined as Victorian science fiction, which is basically how industrialized 19th century people would have viewed science fiction.  Steampunk uses this existing technology and structure to imagine an even more advanced 19th century, often complete with Victorian-inspired wonders like steam-powered aircraft and mechanical computers.

Other events aboard the cruise include

• The Steampunk Duchess Of Nola High Seas Ball
• The Chrononauts Parade
• The Magnificent Captain’s Formal Night on the Navigator of the Seas
• Performances by Hellblinki Sextet in the exquisite Shipboard Ixtapa Lounge
• Performances by Unwoman under the stars
• Appearances by the infamous Mary Robinette Kowal, Writer and Puppeteer
• Appearances by the renowned Author GD Falksen
• Readings with award winning Author Jay Lake
• Mind-bending Steampunk Confabulations on everything from, Steampunk History, to the Future of our Past
• Steampunk Film Festival sharing some of the best Steampunk Movies and shorts
• Ballroom Dance class and Dance Attitudinal workshop
• Sunset Sail Aways of Romantic Splendor
• Dinners in the magnificent three tiered Formal Dining Room
• Late Night Rendezvous on the top deck all glass wrap around Viking Crown Lounge
• Tea Get Togethers as you step back in time in the Dungeon Dance Club
• The Steampunk Cruise Craftroom Extravaganza Gatherings
• The Great Mad Scientists Monologue Competition
• Vintage Bathing Suit Contest Deck-side as we sail out to sea…
• Pipe and Brandy after dinner in the Connoisseurs Club (cost not included)
• Formal Portraits in your Costumed Best with amazing backdrops and green screen.
• Cocktail Party with Prizes for the weeks best! Prizes, Swag and so much more!
• Optional High Tea excursions in Jamaica and Grand Cayman ( Add on cost)

More information on the cruise can be found at steampunkcruise.com

Voyager of the Seas became the fifth ship in Royal Caribbean's fleet to offer the Dreamworks Experience onboard.

Characters from “Madagascar”, “Shrek”, “Kung Fu Panda” and “Puss in Boots” will be available to guests to meet and see.  Voyager joins Oasis of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas as the ships that offer the Dreamworks package.

The ship, which offers itineraries of four to fourteen nights out of Shanghai and Beijing, will now offer special entertainment options to its passengers such as parades, character breakfasts in the main dining room or surprise encounters with the characters.

Royal Caribbean CEO Adam Goldstein commented on the addition, "Extending the DreamWorks Experience to  Voyager of the Seas illustrates, even more, our commitment to the Chinese market and the regions of Asia and Australia."

Voyager of the Seas passengers will also be able to watch 3D movies like "Puss in Boots" or the latest film from the Dreamworks, Madagascar 3: Lost in Europe.

After China, where the ship will be until October, Voyager of the Seas will operate on the Australian mainland, in November, departing from Sydney, performing routes from eight to 18 nights in Australia and New Zealand.