Dear Rolling Pin Cruise Readers,
I’m happy to have the opportunity to address the readers of Rolling Pin Cruise magazine, especially those of you working on board. Many years ago I began my career in the cruise industry by going to sea as a crew member on the MS Skyward.
While my seagoing career was relatively brief, it was there while selling shore excursions and calling bingo, that I was bitten by the cruise bug that has led to a life-long career in this great industry.
I want to congratulate and thank all of you for the great job you do in delivering terrific vacations to the more than 12.5 million guests who select a cruise for their vacation each year. Our crews are truly what makes a difference between a good vacation and a great one. You can have the most modern ship at sea with latest and greatest innovations but it will be the crew of that vessel who will turn it into a vacation experience filled with memories that will last a lifetime.
As we prepare to enter a new year, we know that the current economic uncertainty we face will bring many challenges to our industry in 2009. The brands of Carnival Corporation & plc have 17 new ships scheduled for delivery between March 2009 and June 2012. We are proud to operate the most successful cruise brands in the world and, as always, we will be relying on our professional and dedicated shipboard employees, as well as our shoreside staff, to help us overcome whatever challenges may come our way.
Thanks again for all you do to make our companies such successes and thanks to Rolling Pin Cruise magazine for giving me this opportunity to express our appreciation for your efforts.
With my very best regards,
Micky Arison
Chairman and CEO, Carnival Corporation & plc
