Smooth(er) Sailing Ahead, Finally?

For those of us in the Valley area, it is particularly gratifying to see the cruise ship industry stir back to life. 

As reported in the previous issue of the Business Journal, Santa Clarita’s Princess Cruises recently started sailing its Enchanted Princess from the Port of Los Angeles. That was the company’s seventh of its 14-ship fleet to resume operations in the last few months. And last week, Princess began sailing its eighth ship, that one from Florida.  

But the most significant vessel to return to service may well have been the Grand Princess, which set off from the Port of Los Angeles on Sept. 25. You may recall that was the ship that very early in the pandemic was ordered by the state to stay offshore San Francisco while the passengers were quarantined. A man who had been a passenger became California’s first COVID-19 death. So, it’s a milestone to move past that history and see the next chapter written for that ship.

A year-plus ago, many of us wondered what dark fate may await the cruise ship industry. Local boosters had reason to fret. For whatever reason, the landlocked Valley area is home to four lines: AmaWaterways in Calabasas, Viking Cruises in Woodland Hills, and Princess Cruises and the Cunard Line, both in Santa Clarita and both owned by Carnival Cruise Line. I’ve never been on a cruise and may never board a ship in my life because the whole experience doesn’t call me (pun intended). However, anyone in the Valley area must acknowledge that it’s a sizable industry here that employs many, keeps vendors busy and leases up office space and the like. It’s important to us.

As you might expect, the return to service hasn’t all gone swimmingly. AmaWaterways and Viking specialize in river cruises, and new lockdowns in Austria and Germany have caused some hiccups. Both lines last week said they are modifying schedules rather than canceling. Viking said it will sail right through Austria instead of calling at ports there, for example. Likewise, Princess has delayed the return of two ships, including one that operates from Los Angeles, the Crown Princess, but that was more for scheduling issues. It would be totally unsurprising if there are additional setbacks, given how the industry is coming back from a death-bed experience. 

The resumption of service for Princess is particularly significant for Los Angeles. Each passenger spends an average of $385 in the port city before departing, and Princess sails out of Los Angeles more than any other line. It is also important for symbolic reasons. Princess has a 56-year history here and was the setting for “The Love Boat” TV series. 

Indeed, those of us in the Valley area in particular are gratified to see the cruise business setting sail again.

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For that matter, it is reassuring to see many businesses stirring back to life, particularly restaurants, retailers and hotels. You can see it and feel the energy as you go around town. 

As noted in Stuart Waldman’s column, below, businesses have been burdened for more than 1 ½ years what with mandated closures, a drop in revenue for many and a sharp increase in regulations for more than a few. Lately they’ve had to deal with the fact that it is difficult to attract workers at the same time that prices are rising quickly. Now they’re starting to fear that the new Omicron variant may give elected officials an excuse to lock down businesses again. 

Of course, we must acknowledge that not all businesses made it through this year, and some of those that did now face a business model that has been upended, perhaps permanently. 

Despite all that and more, a surprising amount of them are coming back. Our businesses have demonstrated that they are resilient; many have overcome what seemed like lethal setbacks and challenges. That is invigorating and reassuring. 

I can’t help but imagine that if Winston Churchill were with us today, he would look around the Valley area and declare that this was our finest hour.

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This is the final issue of the year for the Business Journal. Paid subscribers will receive The Book 2022 on Dec. 20 instead of the usual newspaper. By the way, we expanded the book last year, mainly by adding award recipients, which helps you identify dynamic and successful people locally. I hope you find the new offerings helpful and informative. The next issue of the newspaper will be Jan. 3.

For this holiday season, let me wish the best to you and all those you hold dear. 

 

Charles Crumpley is editor and publisher of the Business Journal. He can be reached at [email protected].