What will be interesting for 2009, is the effect that the forthcoming new ships will have, whilst they will not be available for a couple more years, In my opinion, the fact they are on order means that
DCL cannot retreat back into the Caribbean only, it has to be bold and establish it self in new markets.
We have seen the West coast of USA, DCL is establishing itself there, two times now in 2005 and 2008. Very popular.
We have seen the Med cruises this year, again very popular and a money spinner for DCL, high prices during low season in the Caribbean, and so many shore excursions must have brought in considerable funds.
Both these trips, expanded DCL to new areas, new cruisers, and a common link, where Disney has some foothold nearby either Disney Adventures ashore, or a Disney park,
Disneyland California, Disneyland Paris.
So in summary, with two new ships coming, DCL cannot retreat back to the Caribbean only, its there September to April with two ships anyway. There are contracts with ports of call and Port Canaveral which means it cannot leave these areas. DCL has to be bold and push boundaries, test markets, -as so many other cruise lines are getting exclusive port contracts forcing DCL out to less desirable ports.
Captain Tom hinted at Northern Europe, in the summer and also said DCL will be back to the Med, we shall see, but I cannot see them just staying in the Caribbean, when they have to service four ships in a couple more years time.