I am finding this thread very interesting. I think RSSC is great, and it is definitely my preferred cruise line, but I also think their marketing department leaves a lot to be desired. I cannot remember when I last received a brochure (or even flyer) from RSSC, let alone an e-mail notifying cruisers of new specials, and we are booked for two upcoming cruises. Last year I certainly received e-mails when many new specials were announced. Sending an e-mail is certainly less expensive than sending brochures. It seems RSSC expects cruisers to be completely proactive and search their Web site frequently to see what's new.

The discussion about the South American "brochure" is only another example of poor marketing. (By the way, Linda of B&K also told me that some very fancy brochure(s?) were in the works from RSSC.) Both Oceania and Silversea have very nice comprehensive brochures (and Oceania includes a nice DVD). I also think RSSC's Web site is not as good as other comparable cruise lines. And the appearance and disappearance of the 2006 schedules when they first came out, and then the 2006 PG schedules, which disappeared for several weeks, are other examples of marketing problems. While I would not want to see fancy brochures result in significant increases in cruise fares, I think a certain standard is expected, especially if the brochures provide a primary source of information needed to plan one's cruise.

That's my two cents.
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Eugene