With all the financial issues swirling around...has anyone picked up any good information on the financial condition of Apollo Management? I am cognizant of their plans to invest $40 million into refurbishing the three RSSC ships. However their other major investments include positions in two other cruise lines and Harrah's.

As a private investment group, there is not much financial information about Apollo available. Just feeling a little queasy about plunking down a 2009 World Cruise final payment in a few days and facing the possibility of Apollo or RSSC facing financial problems before our Jan 12 departure or completion of our 116-day WC.

Thanks.

I wonder if it might be a good idea for anyone taking an expensive cruise to buy insurance that covers bankruptcy of the cruise line. Tom.

Queasy isn't the word I'd use for a WC final payment right now. Hope you find the un-queasy answer soon ;)

http://www.apolloic.com/public/home.asp

Hi Larry (and Karen),

Here is the Apollo web site . . .

Mark visited our TA's office. Here is part of what she emailed me:

>>Guess what! Mark Conroy was just here doing an update on RSSC and how everything seems to be running smoothly and that they have more buying power now because of their association with Oceania. That does make sense from an operations standpoint...food, booze, etc.

He also told us about the upgrades to the Mariner and the Voyager when they go into drydock. So I assume that everything will look fabulous for you. We spoke about better entertainment and they're working on it. A major part of reservations is moving into Fort Lauderdale, although some will stay in Omaha. They are also getting a better reservations system, but it remains to be seen if it's better from our standpoint.<<

Doesn't really answer your question/concern but take it for what it's worth.

By the way, since we board in FtL on 12/29, our payment is due tomorrow.

Peggy

Peggy --

Thanks for the info.

However, the site you referenced is for an investment company that is different from Apollo Management LP, the private equity firm that owns RSSC.

Peggy...are you on the entire WC? Karen is the one that is a "bit" queasy. I'm not too concerned (yet!), though we haven't taken out insurance (other than planning to get MedJetAssit).

Looking forward to the enhancements to the Voyager during the upcoming drydock.

Have fun on the transit and see you in LA.

Everyone knows that our country and all investments are in big trouble. Of course, things will get better; but who knows, when? I would not trust any investment company or insurance company at this time. I hope Regent will go through with the enhancements planned. I think most Americans are rethinking how they spend. Maybe Regent will present some deals or extras for '09 cruisers.

Rumour mill has the first NCL F3 ship cancelled. Don't know if it would be due to lack of money on Apollo's part or that they may try to renegotiate the contract or some other reason.

Hi Larry,

Sorry about the mistake . . I googled Apollo Management LP but didn't come up with much.

We'll see you in LA . . .

Peggy