Travel Roundup: MGM Mirage Loses $1 Billion, Royal Caribbean Joins Universal, Hawaii Superferry Ends and More

(MoneyWatch) 

MGM Mirage Loses $1 billion -- MGM Mirage Inc. lost $1.15 billion in the fourth quarter of 2008, but chief executive Jim Murren said that hard work will make the struggling company -- $13 billion in debt -- succeed. "I do not at all harbor any ill feelings towards people who think we will fail, because this is not without risk," Murren said. The casino operator also reported it had to write down $1.17 billion because of losses on its Mandalay Resort Group. MGM Mirage repaid $300 million to lenders for some "breathing room" until May 15. [Source: Associated Press]

Universal teams up with Royal Caribbean -- Universal Orlando Resort and Royal Caribbean International are teaming up, starting March 31, to offer a theme park and ocean cruise vacation package. The week-long vacations start with a three- to four-night stay at the resort and followed by another three or four nights on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship to the Bahamas. The partnership is directly competing with Disney Cruise Line, which also offers similar resort and cruise packages with Walt Disney World. [Source: Orlando Business Journal]

Hawaii Superferry suspends service -- Hawaii Superferry ends its passenger ferry service Thursday and will lay off more than 200 employees Friday. An environmental survey is underway and the state Supreme Court won't allow the ferry to operate until it's done -- and then again, maybe not. Critics say the 350-foot car-and-passenger ferry linking Oahu and Maui could harm whales and damage coastal wildlife. The state required the environmental study to see if the service could operate without significant environmental harm. [Source: Associated Press]

Carlson appoints Gregory Byrnes -- Gregory Byrnes was appointed senior vice president of corporate development for Carlson, a Minneapolis-based global hotel, marketing, restaurant and travel company. Byrnes previously worked for Merrill Lynch and Deutsche Bank and has experience in mergers and acquisitions, as well as financing. Carlson's holdings include Radisson Hotel & Resorts, Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts, T.G.I. Friday's and Carlson Wagonlit Travel. [Source: Carlson]