YTB will offer free cruises to military and clergy.
Apparently YTB did a few full charters and not enough people love the Coach enough to cruise with them. So, might as well give away the stuff you already bought in hopes of some good PR. Maybe he can offer a cabin or two to the kids in Tennessee that were scammed by one of his RTAs. Just a thought.
Why do I think this might happen? Here is an excerpt from the 10K now that I have read it a little more deeply:
Cruise cabin inventory represents $2,254,496 in cabins held to be sold on two cruises set to sail May 30, 2008 and June 30, 2008, net of a $1.7 million reserve. The cruise cabin inventory is comprised of the full value of the contracts with the cruise line and includes all cost directly related to the selling price of the cabins, including related taxes and fuel costs. The Company recorded this reserve since the Company has evaluated the inventory as of March 31, 2008 and believes it will not be able to sell the majority of these cabins before the departure date of each of the cruises.
Taking thos TN kids a long actually makes a whole lotta sense, but how will they get around having unaccompanied minors in all those cabins? Who will Chaperone?
ReplyDeleteNot only does it make sense, it makes them into heroes!
From my understanding it is a full ship charter so the rules likely could be bent to accommodate the group.
ReplyDeleteIt is leaving 6 days later and if the space is unsold, it is wasted space.
This would let YTB look like a hero and position them to go after the RTA in the courts for any losses. They may actually MAKE money on that if they can sue for the retail value!
Let me get this straight, they have a net loss of 3.5 million dollars and they are basically chartering a ship to make them look good?
ReplyDeleteAnd, what was the stock price today. $1.34 last I checked.
No the ships (there are two) were chartered a long time ago. Apparently Coach's ego is a bit larger than the RTA's wallets because I think he was expecting 4000 RTAs to jump at the chance to be on the same ship as him. Probably the ones that did not win the cruise in January for his Bash.
ReplyDeleteWell, the RTAs were not biting--probably about $400 per person short based on their travel commissions from last year--and now they are desperate to fill the ship.
The feel good move will be clergy (then they will owe one to the Coach and possibly allow YTB to recruit more heavily in churches) and military.
I imagine you may also see a special YTB only pricing at a ridiculous level. Cruise for $49.99 Or maybe sign up as an RTA and get your first cruise for free. There will be some catch where hoipefully he can recruit others to join the ranks.
And of course the kids from Tennessee!
Better check your watch Johnny. Your 30 min per day obsession with YTB is running into overtime. Geez, go spend some time with the family why don't ya. Why do you want to give Coach so much of your valuable time? What's next, stalking the mansion? Give it a rest.
ReplyDeleteYTB incurred a $1.7M loss reserve against total costs of $2.25M for the two cruises. That means they expect to sell only one quarter of the space available if this was priced to break even. That is a huge hit for a company that only made $5.3M in travel commissions for the quarter.
ReplyDeleteWith business decisions like that it won't be long before they will be back below a buck.
You're a little disingenuous, John. The free military cruises were announced on Thursday.
ReplyDeleteDisingenuous? How so? Well it may have been announced on Thursday on one of those conference calls--maybe led by Seligman? Nut you read it here first!
ReplyDeleteNo, it was in a Biz Report. http://www.yourtravelbiz.com/images/Biz_Rep_Images/Military_Cruiseflyer_May.pdf
ReplyDeleteYou know--as a retired Navy Officer, that flyer turns my stomach. Our troops are having a tough enough time surviving as it is now (financially) and because of a poor business decision on the part of YTB (chartering a ship and not being able to sell it) they are now offering a "free cruise"...but you need to listen to the pitch for YTB.
ReplyDeleteCoach is using this as a recruiting tool and it is despicable--and ministers and priests as well.
Talk about disingenuous! There is a place in Hell reserved for Coach Scott and Kim!
ministers and priests? what are you talikng about?
ReplyDeletehow does giving a free cruise hurt our service people or their families?
ReplyDeleteRTO,
ReplyDeleteThere is no flyer. There are no hooks. There is nothing disingenious. Since I've known Coach, it's a characteristic of Coach to be generous, so offering a free cruise to service members returning from war is characteristic of him.
Anon 1,
The free cruise offer is for rabbis, pastors, and priests in full time ministry. Coach is going to train them on church growth in a 2 hour seminar in a Christian format on the ship.
Or traine them how to make millions selling travel websites and by putting a YTB booking engine on thier website?
ReplyDelete"how does giving a free cruise hurt our service people or their families?"
ReplyDeleteIt's NOT a free cruise as promoted. No such thing as a free cruise. YTB is going to make them drink the Kool Aid and manipulate them into buying into the program. Same with the clergy. They will have a captive audience for their dog and pony show. It's disgusting that YTB stoops so low to get business and uses people.
I think it will be more along these lines. "Imagine while your overseas, your wife is alone at home with the kids. You could use some extra income, and she could keep busy with a at home business. Sign your wife or husband up for the opportunity of a lifetime." If anyone doesn't think there will be a salespitch on this "free" cruise...then you got another thing coming. Maybe the pitch.."You could cruise for FREE like this all the time!". As a veteran of the military, I find it disgusting that YTB is going to pray on these poor folks.
ReplyDeleteOnly Coach knows what the motive is, but I tend to agree that it will be a pitch. I also agree that it is preying on our service members and their families because it has been proven time and time again that the system does not work except for those at the top of the pyramid!
ReplyDeleteTimeshare sales do it all the time usually on a small unknown plus only they don't cover taxes and fees. YTB is covering everything except the cost to get to the port.
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard anyone say they are required to attend any marketing sales meeting.
What I have heard is this is in honor of America's heros.
I am a retired AF NCO and I have no shame in telling my AD AF family about the opportunity to go on a "real" free cruise.
Nothing is really free in life except a fart. I am sure the people that accept this offer will smell more than one coming from the YTB recruiters. With the thousands of RATS out there I wonder why they couldn't sell this cheap 3 night cruise? I guess Coach isn't that popular so now YTB came up with this so they can write it all off as a tax deduction. At least that's clever.
ReplyDeleteRod,
ReplyDeleteI would never subject a friend in the military to a cruise sponsored by YTB. I can only imagine the salespitch going around bugging the hell outta people. I would never EVER do that to someone. And I wouldn't subject someone at a vulnerable time.
So let me see, Crotch is now trying to prey on soldiers and families. You know the foam statue, free cruises to military. This is pathetic and a insult to the active duty people serving our country. What next? They scumbags won't stop at anything.
You TTAs are pathetic.
ReplyDeleteThe retired Navy officer that says there is a place in hell for Scott and Coach, I would suggest you go there yourself.
This is what it is.
There were cabins left and they are offering them for free to enlisted servicemen and their families.
No strings attached.
No meetings to attend.
Enjoy a cruise on YTB.
Coach is a former Airborne.
Scott's son served in Iraq as a Marine.
Again, you TTAs are absolutely pathetic on this one.
YTB and TRAVEL: A Great Mix!
No strings attached.
ReplyDeleteNo meetings to attend.
Enjoy a cruise on YTB.
Yea, and I have swamp land in Florida to sell you.
"Again, you TTA's are pathetic."
What's pathetic is you RTA's buy into the crap spoon fed you.
What's pathetic is YTB even involved in travel.
What's pathetic is the way you keep defending a losing proposition.
What's pathetic is it has been proven none of you make any money, yet you keep throwing money into the Coach's money pit er pockets.
What's pathetic is the blindness you have for a company clearly interested in making money and preying on poor suckers.
What's pathetic is that you RTA's are in an abusive corporate culture and fail to see it.
What's even more pathetic is YTB in travel without any industry knowledge.
What is pathetic is how some of you keep deflecting and never answer a direct question.
What's pathetic is the majority of YTB RTA's are a bunch of namby pamby losers who believe in the garbage.
Big deal Coach served in the Airborne. He will sell out anyone to make money. And, you people are too stupid to see that.
ReplyDeleteTTAs who are complaining about the upcoming cruise -
ReplyDeleteYes, you are pathetic.
I stand by every word I wrote.
And you are ignorant.
All of the typical TTA talking points above.
I love this new one:
"What's pathetic is that you RTA's are in an abusive corporate culture and fail to see it."
Now that is written by a true mental giant.
You people take our little company WAY too serious.
Obsession with our every move.
Next we will hear from the YTB-obsessed about some connection between YTB and Al-Qaeda.
Life must be really dismal for a few of you.
Watch out . . . YTB is gonna get you!
YTB and TRAVEL: A Great Mix!
Doug--you really need to just let it go man. If the TTAs are so wrong and messed up in their thinking, why not just let it go like you said you were going to do? Be a man of your word and this blog will be better for it!
ReplyDeleteYTB and TRAVEL: A Great Mix! said....TTAs who are complaining about the upcoming cruise -
ReplyDeleteYes, you are pathetic.
I stand by every word I wrote.
------------------------
Sure you do! That's why each time you've been asked who you are, show us your website, answer any question, etc., you hide behind your anonymous postings. So for you to "stand by every word I wrote" means nothing because you're a cowardly and scum-sucking polecat. It was also very Christian of you to tell us to go to hell and today is Sunday! Shocking!
Has YTB ever done anything for anyone that is free? No! They even make the RATS and reps pay for their calls to listen to the weekly propaganda sales and training calls. There isn't even a toll free number if you need support. Need training? You pay. Want their magazine? You pay. Need brochures? You pay. Want to attend the Founder's Tour? You pay.
The link to the flyer no longer works. Just Picture it Now: YTB idiots on an entire ship. Wouldn't you hate to be working on that ship?
YTB and TRAVEL: You suck!
Martha--why do you always insist on sugar coating your opinions? For once, please just let us know how you feel.
ReplyDeleteDougie thinks we are all obsessed with YTB. If you weren't so obsessed with TTA's and what's being said over here why do you keep showing up and posting? ROTLMAO. What a hypocrite.
ReplyDeleteOh and I love the deflection back on TTA's. Love how you never answer the question.
John said...Martha--why do you always insist on sugar coating your opinions? For once, please just let us know how you feel.
ReplyDeleteI would, but you know me - always the delicate little flower and very proper.
Have a blessed day!
"YTB idiots on an entire ship. Wouldn't you hate to be working on that ship?"
ReplyDeleteThe above quote from the wonderful Martha.
I know some great servicemen and their families that will be on that ship. Not idiots, oh dear Martha.
As if we know how to contact you because you are so courageous to use the name "Martha".
My comments were not directed to you. Only the couple of TTAs who were so opinionated about the cruise. Particulary our Navy man who wanted Coach and Scott to go to hell.
But, since you mention it:
Go suck some scum, girl (or maybe you are a guy . . . kinda sound like one)
And, yes, even on Sunday.
YTB and TRAVEL: A Great Mix!
Hey Doug when was the last time you served in the military? I would say NEVER. With that fake tan you have maybe you should be consulting a doctor. Your creepy.
ReplyDeleteI'm a vet of the Navy and I wouldn't subject anyone to the Crotches cruise either It's unfortunate that alot of people don't know about YTB and their SCAM. And for crotch to take advantage of them, is just downright pathetic and disgusting!
But that's how you guys roll,lies, promises and alot of BS.
YTB, MILITARY : A HORRIBLE MIX!
"I know some great servicemen and their families that will be on that ship. Not idiots, oh dear Martha."
ReplyDeleteSure, you do. They are part of your down line.
"Go suck some scum, girl."
This from a reformed alcoholic. And a proclaimed Christian. Sorry, your opinions mean little here you jerk.
ytbscam -
ReplyDeleteStick to flipping burgers or whatever mindless job that you do.
Forget about being a detective.
I am not Doug.
But I like Doug.
And I like watching you make a fool out of yourself on a daily basis.
I would suspect the closest you came to being in the Navy was playing with toy ships in the bathtub.
I will copy your post as a Navy vet and show it to the enlisted servicemen and families that I know who are going on the cruise.
One is active-duty Navy.
They are excited to go.
I will wait until they have returned to show them your feelings.
And they will laugh about how a Navy vet can be so clueless.
YTB and TRAVEL: A Great Mix!
"Anon 1,
ReplyDeleteThe free cruise offer is for rabbis, pastors, and priests in full time ministry. Coach is going to train them on church growth in a 2 hour seminar in a Christian format on the ship."
Hmmm...I bet the Rabbis are going to just LOVE being subjected to a "Christian format". How come no Imams?
I wonder whether there is some connection to Dickinson bailing? (Getting pressure form CCL to do so?) It's true there is no immediately apparent loss for CCL - YTB will have ot pay for the whole ship regardless of whether they've sold all the space. the problem is that a half full ship sold at rock bottom pricing (as CCL tends to do) does not produce the expected on-board sales and profits for CCL - so in the end, they make very little money off this......
ReplyDeleteOops! Forgot to sign the above. But to illuminate what I was trying to say...perhaps CCL is finding out that YTB does not really produce much of anything for them other than certificates? AND, I beleive the certificates can not be used on Group Space?
ReplyDeleteOkay - having a really strange morning - the two posts above are by:
ReplyDeleteCTA in MD.
Sorry, everyone.
CTA -
ReplyDeleteYou have been around in the anti-YTB daily dose for months.
You are usually more reasonable than most TTAs. (ie . . . Martha, etc.)
And you want us to believe that you when you say all YTB does is sell Carnival certificates?
And tell me you have never seen the "Groups" link on a YTB travel website?
Come on, CTC.
Check it out and see how ridiculous your comment is about YTB only selling "certificates".
Be a bit more credible, please.
YTB and TRAVEL: A Great Mix!
"I am not Doug."
ReplyDeleteLiar, liar, pants on fire.
How many other aliases do you have Doug?
"They are excited to go."
I would be excited to go on a cruise too if it were free. Wait till they have to sit through the Dog and Pony Show.
Here is what I said:
ReplyDelete"perhaps CCL is finding out that YTB does not really produce much of anything for them other than certificates?"
I asked whether YTB produces much mroe than certificate sales for CCL. Two half empty ships would indicate that this may in fact, be true. You may list many groups, but are you filling them? And I do believe the most of anything YTB did for CCL last year was the great certificate sale.
I have to say that contracting two full ship charters is a ballsy move - one that most TAs will not do untless the "danger" is shared by a Sponsor (A Club, a Rock Band, a best selling author.) To try to fill an entire ship with one's own customers is very, very difficult and fraught will all sorts of financial mine fields. Again, this is something TAs know from experience. Even Orbitz and Expedia - even Cruise Web and Cruise Masters do not have so much hubris that they will try this! A very poor business decision, really. The only silver lining is that it would give Coach and opportunity to try to do something for those TN High School students, and of course with the Military and Clergy being invited he might recoup some cost by selling them website....
As for your commment that I'm not as bad as most TAs here - believe me, I am as anti-MLM for travel as anyone else here - I just don't believe in sinking to name-calling and letting anger lead my way.
And once again, I forgot to sign this!!!!
ReplyDeleteCTA in MD
YTB and TAVEL: A Great Mix! said...."As if we know how to contact you because you are so courageous to use the name "Martha".
ReplyDeleteBut, since you mention it:
Go suck some scum, girl (or maybe you are a guy . . . kinda sound like one)"
You still didn't answer any of my questions. You never have and never will. That is because you're a coward in the first degree. I'm not hiding behind just a name. You've never asked me for any information about myself. All you do is spout off about subjects you know nothing about or ever will.
I can assure you that I am a female. I was born with a vajayjay and it's magnificent! If you don't believe me then just ask any sailor down at Pier 43, you old turd!
YTB and TRAVEL: What a mess!
No, Martha baby.
ReplyDeleteThe "What a mess" award goes to YOU.
Hands down.
Not even a contest.
YTB and TRAVEL: A Great Mix!
Just wanted to repeat this for you, Ole:
ReplyDelete"As for your commment that I'm not as bad as most TAs here - believe me, I am as anti-MLM for travel as anyone else here - I just don't believe in sinking to name-calling and letting anger lead my way."
And for that matter the rest of you on both sides of this issue. You make yourselves look as low as the very things you are accusing and labeling one another with.
Ole - the Vendors who read these posts can not identify who Martha is, for example. But the do read that you are involved with YTB. They are not going to let a couple of annonymous posters control the way the think of TTAs as a whole - but the do identify you and your posting behavior with YTB. Do you think it's wise for you to continue to post in such a manner?
And I say this to all of you as well - so what if someone attacks you using scatalogical language or calling you names? Do you have to respond in kind? I don't thinkk so.
Well it's been about a month and a half and the truth finally has made it's way through the false comments. I found this letter in YTB Biz Report dated June 26, 2008. Here's a letter to YTB from the Commander-in-Chief, Department of the Navy dated 11 Jun 08:
ReplyDelete"Dear Mr. Sorenson,
I take great pleasure in commending you for your exemplary effort, resourcefulness and generousity for providing our sailors and their families the opportunity to enjoy their Memorial Day week aboard the cruise ship your company chartered. Your efforts have given those that took part a chance to reflect on thier reasons for serving while being appreciated for service.
Specifically, I'd like to thank Ms. Carolyn Walker for the invitational offer and Mr. Jaime Murray for coordinating all the efforts that allowed all our sailors to participate. The work performed by these two dedicated co-workers added tremendous improvements to the quality of life of our sailors and their families. If possible, I ask that you recognize and reward them for their outstanding efforts.
I truly appreciate your dedication to our armed forces and hope you recognize your valuable role you and your staff played in our staff's morale.
Please accept my personal congratulations for a job well done!
Sincerely,
H.P. Roux, Jr.
Commander, U.S. Navy
Chief of Staff"
Rod--what false comments and what truth...I predicted he woudl do that and use it for good PR. He did and by pasting the letter on the web, he is doing exactly that?
ReplyDeleteNot sure you get it