Q4 2023 Lindblad Expeditions Holdings Inc Earnings Call
Operator: Dolf Berle, Jonathan Jenkins, Dolf Berle, Lindblad Expeditions Holdings Inc. Hello everyone, and welcome to the Lindblad Expeditions fourth quarter and full year financial results. My name is Bruno, and I'll be operating your call today. During this presentation, you can register to ask a question by pressing the star followed by 1 on your telephone number. I will now hand over to your host and Chief Financial Officer, Craig Felenstein. Please go ahead.
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Hello, everyone and welcome to the Lindblad expeditions fourth quarter and full year financial results My.
My name is Bruno and it'll be operating your call today.
During this presentation you can register to ask a question by pressing star followed by one one telephone keypad.
I'll now hand over to your host and Chief Financial Officer, Greg Feldstein. Please go ahead.
Craig I. Felenstein: Thank you, Bruno. Good morning, everyone, and thank you for joining us for Lindblad's 2023 fourth quarter and year-end earnings call. With me on the call today is Sven Lindblad, Lindblad's founder and chief executive officer. Sven will begin with some opening comments, and then I will follow with some details on our 2023 financial results and current expectations for 2024 before we open the call for Q&A. You can find our latest earnings release in the investor relations section of our website.
Thank you Bruno good morning, everyone and thank you for joining us for Lindblad is 2023 fourth quarter and year end earnings call with me on the call today is Sven Lindblad, Lynn <unk>, founder and Chief Executive Officer.
Then we will begin with some opening comments and then I will follow with some details on our 2023 financial results and current expectations for 2024 before we open the call for Q&A.
You can find our latest earnings release in the Investor Relations section of our website.
Craig I. Felenstein: Before we get started, let me remind everyone that the company's comments today may include forward-looking statements. Those expectations are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results and performance to be materially different from those expectations. The company cannot guarantee the accuracy of forecaster estimates, and we undertake no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements.
Before we get started let me remind everyone that the company's comments today may include forward looking statements those expectations are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results and performance to be materially different from these expectations. The company cannot guarantee the accuracy of forecast or estimates and we undertake.
No obligation to update any such forward looking statements.
Craig I. Felenstein: If you would like more information on the risks involved in forward-looking statements, please see the company's SEC filing. In addition, our comments may reference non-GAAP financial measures. A reconciliation of the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures and other associated disclosures is contained in the company's earnings report. And with that, I will turn the call over to Seth.
You would like more information on the risks involved in forward looking statements. Please see the company's SEC filings. In addition, our comments may reference non-GAAP financial measures a reconciliation of the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures and other associated disclosures are contained in the company's earnings release and with that.
Now, let me turn the call over to Seth.
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Sven Lindblad: Thanks, Craig, and good morning, and thank you all for joining us today. When I returned as CEO of Lindblad Expeditions in June of 2023, I laid out for you a variety of priorities that I believed would usher in a new era for our enterprise. Eight months now in the rearview mirror, I would like to take a few minutes to discuss the progress we have made in each of these areas while providing some color on what drove our success this past year and why we are excited about the growth opportunity we have in the months and years ahead. First and foremost, the new era starts with putting the pandemic definitively behind us.
Thanks, Craig and good morning, and thank you all for joining us today.
I returned as CEO of Lindblad expeditions in June of 2023, I laid out for you a variety of priorities that I believe would usher in a new Europe for our enterprise with.
With eight months now in the rearview mirror I would like to take a few minutes to discuss the progress we have made in each of these areas while providing some color on what drove our success. This past year and why we are excited about the growth opportunity.
In the months and years ahead.
First and foremost a new era starts with putting the pandemic definitively behind us the record financial results, we delivered in 2023, including 35% revenue growth.
Sven Lindblad: The record financial results we delivered in 2023, including 35% revenue growth and adjusted EBITDA of over $71 million, are a pretty good indication that we are well on our way to achieving that outcome. Craig will go through our financial results in a moment, but we took nearly 30,000 guests, more than ever before, to the remarkable destinations we've been visiting for decades. And most importantly, the guest feedback has been nothing short of extraordinary. All the drivers of our business were up this year, led by a 33% increase in guest nights as we began to fully utilize our expanded. As we increased capacity, we also saw meaningful growth in net yield up 12% to $1,097 per guest night and occupancy rates up to 77% from 75% a year. I know there is a tendency to focus on occupancy, but in isolation, it is a misleading metric, especially in our business. Understandably, at the big cruise lines, there is an commitment to 100% occupancy, even if the last percentages represent very low or perhaps even no yield. The reason is obvious.
Adjusted EBITDA, although horse over $75 million, a pretty good indication.
We are well on our way to achieving that outcome.
Greg will go through our financial results in a moment, but we took nearly 30000 guests more than ever before and their remarkable destinations we've been visiting for decades and most importantly, the guest feedback has been nothing short of extraordinary.
All of the drivers of our business were up this year led by a 33% increase in guest nights as we began to fully utilize our expanded fleet.
As we increase capacity, we also saw meaningful growth in net yoga up 12% to $1097 per guest night and occupancy tick up to 77% from 75% a year ago.
I know there is a tendency to focus on occupancy, but in isolation or as a misleading metric, especially in our business understandably. It's a big cruise lines. There is a commitment to a 100% occupancy even if the last percentages represent very low or perhaps even know yield.
Sven Lindblad: The onboard spend is meaningful in the casino, shops, spas, bars, land excursions, etc. So even if you had guests for free, you would be better off. In our case, there is minimal onboard spending, so that approach has absolutely no value. Also, we are extremely committed to maintaining price integrity given its long-term ramifications, as there is no benefit in adding occupancy if yield decreases proportionately. So price integrity is a key metric and essential to preserve even if occupancies move ahead a bit slower in the short term. The second catalyst of our new era is capitalizing on the massive growth of interest in expedition travel. The pull to connect authentically with nature and culture is growing by the day. And there's no other company in this segment with our track record or with our commitment to providing authentic and immersive itineraries.
The reason is obviously onboard spend is meaningful in the casino shops, borrower's bars land excursions et cetera. So even if you add yes for free would be better off in our case.
There is minimal onboard spending so that approach has absolutely no value.
Also we are extremely committed to maintaining price integrity, given long term ramifications as there is no benefit in having occupancy of yield decreases proportionately.
So price integrity is a key metric in our central to preserve even if occupancies move ahead, a bit slower in the short term.
The second catalyst of our new era.
Is capitalizing on the passive growth of interest in expedition travel.
To connect a statically with nature and culture is growing by the day and there is no. Other company in this segment with our track record with our commitment to providing authentic and immersive itinerary.
Sven Lindblad: This past November, we further solidified our ability to take advantage of this growth with the extension and expansion of our 20-year-old partnership with National Geographic, one of the world's most respected and beloved brands. This new agreement, which runs through 2040, will enable us to grow our brand on an international scale and reach more citizen explorers than ever before. Beyond enhancing our shared expertise and the onboard experience for our guests, it will increase the earnings potential of the company by opening larger, addressable markets through new worldwide audiences. In short, it will further solidify our position as a leader in expedition cruises and experiential adventure travel, a segment we have been leading for more than 50 years. It also brings with it the power of Disney, the world's largest media and entertainment conglomerate.
This past November we further solidified our ability to take advantage of this growth with the extension and expansion of our 20 year old partnership with National Geographic one of the world's most respected and beloved brands.
This new agreement, which runs through 2014 will enable us to grow our brand on an international scale and reach more citizen explorers than ever before.
On to enhancing our shared expertise in the onboard experience for our guests will increase the earnings potential of the company by opening larger addressable markets through new worldwide audiences in short it will further solidify our position as the leader in expedition cruise and experiential adventure travel.
<unk>, we have been leading for more than 50 years.
It also brings with it the power Disney world's largest media and entertainment conglomerate.
Sven Lindblad: They have so many different capabilities to promote and activate the market. And in the past months, our team, along with their marketing and sales teams, have been deep into strategy and tactical plans on a regular basis, meeting monthly to plan specific initiatives to drive business. By year's end, we will be able to report with far more accuracy the details about the anticipated significant National Geographic and Disney effect, but harnessing that collective power is extremely exciting at a time when the pull to connect authentically with nature and culture is growing by the day. I firmly believe that this will result in meaningful accelerated growth in terms of occupancy, yield protection, and expansion of the fleet for years to come.
So many different flavors of it needs to promote and activate the market.
Past months, our team along with their marketing and sales teams have been deep into strategy and tactical plans on a regular basis meeting monthly to plant specific initiatives to drive business.
By year's end, we will be able to report with far more accuracy the detail about how the anticipated significant national geographic and Disney effect.
The national geographic and definitely affect but harnessing the collective power is extremely exciting at a time with a cold to connect authentically with nature and culture is growing by the day.
I firmly believe that this will result in meaningful accelerated growth in terms of occupancy yoke protection and expansion of the fleet for years to come.
Sven Lindblad: Third, in this new era, building our technology to support innovative ways to drive the business. In many ways, 2023 was a year of transition on this front as we launched our new reservation system in May, the final building block in our digital stack transformation, which also included a new CRM, a new connect management system, a new digital asset management system, and a new customer data platform. Not surprisingly, the rollout of the reservation system was complex, with numerous challenges that had to be solved.
Third in this new era is building our technology to support innovative ways to drive the business in many ways 2023 was a year of transition on this front as we launched our new reservation system in May.
Final building block in our digital stack transformation, which also included a new CRM and new connect management system.
New digital asset management system, and our new customer data platform.
Not surprisingly the rollout of the reservation system is complex with numerous challenges that had to be solved.
Sven Lindblad: It was certainly a distraction for various parts of our organization, but we kept our focus on our guests and have put most of those challenges behind us. We still have a ways to go before we finally exploit the possibilities that these systems provide, but we are already seeing record bookings coming through our website. We are achieving higher conversion rates across all parts of the funnel, and we are delivering stronger guest service metrics at our company. A fourth pillar in this new era is reconnecting with our community in creative ways and creating the most modern marketing and sales platform to propel growth.
Certainly a distraction for various parts of our organization, but we kept our focus on our guests and it put.
Most of those challenges behind us we still have a ways to go before we finally explode exploit the possibilities that these systems provide but we are already seeing record bookings coming through our website, we are achieving higher conversion rates across all parts of the funnel.
We are delivering stronger guest service metrics at our contact center.
Our fourth pillar in this new era is reconnecting with our community and creative ways in creating the most modern marketing and sales platform to propel growth.
Sven Lindblad: The new agreement with National Geographic and our upgraded technology platform will certainly be a big part of that moving forward, but we are already reaching new audiences with an expanded sales team and upgraded digital lead generation capabilities. We have been focusing on driving first-timer bookings through elevated search campaigns to capture and convert more prospects than ever before.
The new agreement with National Geographic and our upgraded technology platform will certainly be a big part of that moving forward, but we are already reaching new audiences with an expanded sales team and upgraded digital lead generation.
Generation capabilities, we have been focusing on driving first time or bookings through elevated search campaigns to capture and convert more prospects than ever before.
Sven Lindblad: Growing first-timers is critical in that repeat behavior is significant, and they become a key community to propel growth. A new era also means bringing R&D back to the forefront in terms of new geographies, new experiences, and parts of the world we have been visiting for years, and innovating the ways we immerse our guests in these remarkable destinations. For 2024, we have developed a variety of new itineraries specifically designed to attract new guests. Most are shorter in duration in order to get people into the system for the first time.
Growing first timers is critical in that repeat behavior are significant and they become key community to propel growth.
Our new era also means bring R&D back to the forefront in terms of new geographies new experiences in parts of the world. We have been visiting for years and innovating new ways for our guests in these remarkable destinations.
For 2024, we have developed a variety of new itinerary, specifically designed to attract new guests most of our shorter duration in order to get people into the system for the first time.
Sven Lindblad: Examples are a multi-month commitment in Iceland this summer and a recently launched collaboration with Food & Wine magazine pairing 14 trips along the Colombian Snake Rivers in Washington and Oregon with programming elements, wine selections, and special guests selected by the editorial staff of Food & Wine. One of our biggest initiatives, the biggest initiative, the new initiative, is a fly-in component for one of our Antarctic ships, creating itineraries that avoid crossing the Drake Passage on some voyages and just one way on others. It also allows for people with more limited time to visit Antarctica.
Examples.
Our multi months commitment in Iceland This summer and our recently launched collaboration with food and wine magazine carrying 14 trips around the Colombian Snake rivers in Washington, and Oregon with programming elements, one selections and specials are guests selected by the editorial staff who've been one.
One of our biggest initiatives the biggest initiatives the new initiatives is a fly in component for one of our Antarctic shifts, creating itineraries that avoid crossing the Drake passage on some voyages and just one way on others. It also allows for people with more limited time to visit Antarctica. These.
Sven Lindblad: These offerings have literally flown off the shelves and are allowing us to connect with new travelers who wouldn't have considered this kind of expedition. The last component of the new era I mentioned was maximizing our diverse portfolio of land businesses while looking for additional expansion opportunities, either through new capacity or further diversification of land offerings. The investments we have made thus far in broadening the land portfolio have proven wildly successful.
These offers offerings have literally flown off the shelves.
Allowing us to connect with new travelers, who wouldn't have been.
Who wouldn't have considered this kind of explanation before.
Okay.
The last component of the new year I had mentioned was maximizing our diverse portfolio of land businesses looking for additional expansion opportunities either through new capacity or further to the diversification of land offerings.
The investments we have made thus far and broadening the land port portfolio has proven wildly successful, bringing the vision of expertise and entrepreneurial spirit of the Saunders with the operating and marketing power of men, but has grown our land portfolio from EBITDA of just over $3 million. When we first acquired natural habitat.
Sven Lindblad: Marrying the vision of expertise and entrepreneurial spirit of the founders with the operating and marketing power of Lindblad has grown our land portfolio from EBITDA of just over $3 million when we first acquired natural habitat to nearly $23 million in 2020, including their 30% growth year-on-year. This has not only created significant value for our guests and shareholders but is also a great calling card as we strategically look to find additional companies to join our family. So, as you can see, the new era has clearly begun for Lindblad Expeditions, and we are excited to further accelerate that new era in 2024. We start the year with a strong foundation for future book, with the Lindblad segment pacing 2% ahead of where we were at the same point in 2023.
Nearly $23 million in 2023, including nearly 30% growth year on year.
This has not only created significant value for our guests and shareholders, but also a great calling card as we strategically look to find additional companies to join our family.
So as you can see the new era has clearly begun for lindblad expeditions and we are excited to further accelerate that new here at 2024, we start the year with a strong foundation of future bookings.
With the Lindblad segment facing 2% ahead of where we were at the same point in 2023, despite having significantly less carryover business from cancellations during COVID-19.
Sven Lindblad: Despite having significantly less carryover business and cancellations during COVID, excluding these carryover bookings, we would be 21% ahead of a year ago. There are a couple of headwinds to point out for the upcoming year due to the gang violence that erupted in Ecuador. On January 10th, we canceled two voyages out of precaution in the first quarter, and there was some booking instability. Fortunately, Ecuador's young, energetic president seems to have quelled the violence.
Excluding these carryover bookings would be 21% ahead of a year ago.
There are a couple of headwinds to point out for the upcoming year due to the gang violence that erupted in Ecuador on January 10th we cancelled two voyages out of precaution in the first quarter and there was some booking instability.
Externally Ecuador's young energetic president seems to have caused the violence.
Sven Lindblad: And for all practical purposes, the country is largely stabilized. We certainly are feeling no disruption of activity, and bookings are returning to a more normal pattern. Another potential headwind in Q2 is the possible rerouting of one of our ships around the tip of Africa to avoid the Red Sea due to the recent attacks from Yemen. We do not operate with guests in the Red Sea, but if we reroute to transit, there would likely be a couple of voyages.
For all practical purposes. The country has largely stabilized we certainly are feeling no disruption of activity and bookings are returning to a more normal pattern.
Other potential headwind in Q2 as a profitable rerouting of one of our ships around the tip of Africa to avoid the Red Sea due to the recent attacks from Yemen.
We do not operate with guests in the Red Sea, but if we reroute to trash that there would likely be a couple of words impacted.
Sven Lindblad: While these isolated events are certainly frustrating, we have come to expect a certain amount of external disruption, and these short-term headwinds pale in comparison to the broader upcoming ones. As to expedition travel more broadly, and including adventure travel, this still represents one of, if not the largest growth segment in the travel industry.
While these isolated events are certainly frustrated and you come to expect a certain amount of external disruption in these short term headwinds pale in comparison to the broader opportunity.
As to the.
Expedition travel more broadly and incorporating adventure travel there's still represents one of if not the largest growth segment in the travel industry.
Sven Lindblad: Nature, and particularly the concern over its long-term future, is fueling interest. And while there is much more competition than ever, I believe that a very strong brand will inevitably be elevated by the expanding interest. So I'm really excited about the next years as we, together with our partners at National Geographic and Disney, build and grow our business, expand our ideas, our relevance, and support necessary strategies that help protect environments, communities, and history. So many thanks for your time, and now I will turn it back to Craig. Thanks, Fred.
I get why nature, and particularly the concern over its long term future is fueling interest.
And while there is much more competition than ever I believe at a very strong brand will inevitably be elevated by expanding interest. So I'm really excited about the next few years as we together with our partners at National Geographic and Disney build and grow our business expand our ideas, our relevance and supporting necessary strategies.
To help protect the environment communities in history.
Many thanks for your time and now I will turn it back to Craig.
Thanks, Ed.
Craig I. Felenstein: As Fen highlighted, Lindblad delivered record revenue in EBITDA in 2023 as we further ramped operations with broader deployment of our expanded fleet and additional departures across our platform of land-based business. As we have discussed previously, the earnings potential of the company has increased considerably over the last several years, with the addition of over 40% more ship capacity and three industry-leading land operators, and the record results we delivered in 2023 demonstrate the opportunity we have across our diverse portfolio of experiential offerings. Before we look ahead, let me take a few minutes to discuss our performance this past year, as we focused on further ramping up ship operations, fueling the growth of our differentiated land portfolio, and solidifying our overall infrastructure, technological footprint, and marketing and sales capabilities to allow us to maximize our earnings potential in the years ahead.
<unk> highlighted lindblad delivered record revenue and EBITDA in 2023, as we further ramped operations with broader deployment of our expanded fleet and additional departures across our platform of land based businesses. As we have discussed previously the earnings potential of the company has increased considerably over the last several years.
The addition of over 40% were shipped capacity and three industry, leading land operators and the record results. We delivered in 2023 demonstrates the opportunity we have across our diverse portfolio of experiential offerings.
When we look ahead, let me take a few minutes to discuss our performance from this past year as we focused on further ramping ship operations fueling the growth of our differentiated land portfolio and solidifying our overall infrastructure.
Technological footprint in marketing and sales capabilities to allow us to maximize the earnings potential in the years ahead.
Craig I. Felenstein: Global company revenue for the full year 2023 of $570 million increased $148 million, or 35% versus 2022, as we continue to ramp operations with strong growth across both our Lindblad and Land Experiences segments. For the Lindblad segment, revenue of $397 million increased $119 million, or 43% year-on-year, primarily due to a 33% increase in available guest nights from broader utilization of the fleet. Additionally, net yield increased 12% to $1,097 per available guest night due to higher pricing and occupancy expansion to 77% despite the significant increase in available guest nights year-over-year.
Total company revenue for the full year 2023 of $570 million increased $148 million or 35% versus 2022, as we continue to ramp operations with strong growth across both our lindblad Atlanta experiences segments.
At the Lindblad segment revenue of $397 million increased $119 million or <unk>, 43% year on year, primarily due to a 33% increase in available guest nights from broader utilization of the fleet.
Additionally, net yield increased 12% to 1097 per available guest night due to higher pricing and occupancy expansion to 77%. Despite the significant increase in available guest nights year over year.
Craig I. Felenstein: As we further ramp occupancy towards historical levels, you can see both the revenue opportunity and the operating leverage inherent in our marine platform as we attract more and more guests while maintaining strong pricing discipline across the expanded fleet. Similar to our ship operations, our land portfolio is also delivering strong growth, driven by additional departures and guests across each of our four unique businesses. Land experiences revenue of $172 million increased $29 million, or 20% versus a year ago, led by Natural Habitat's Polar Bear and Africa trips, Divine's cycling tours across Europe, Classic Journey's walking tours in Italy and Morocco, and Off the Beaten Path trips to U.S. National Parks.
As we further ramp occupancy towards historical levels, you can see both the revenue opportunity and the operating leverage inherent in our marine platform as we attract more and more guests, while maintaining strong pricing discipline across the expanded fleet.
Similar to our ship operations. Our land portfolio is also delivering strong growth driven by additional departures and guess across each of our four unique businesses.
Land experiences revenue of $172 million increased $29 million or 20% versus a year ago led by natural habitats polo bear in Africa trips divines cycling towards across Europe Classic journeys walking tours in Italy in Morocco, and off the beaten path trips to the U S National parks.
Craig I. Felenstein: The strong revenue growth across both segments generated significant operating leverage in 2023, with total company adjusted EBITDA of $71 million, an increase of $83 million versus a year ago, driven by a $78 million increase at the Lindblad segment and a $5 million, or 29%, increase at the Land Experiences segment. Looking a little closer at the cost side of the business, operating expenses before depreciation and amortization, interest, and taxes increased $65 million, or 15% versus 2022, led by a $39 million, or 14% increase in cost of tours versus a year ago, primarily related to operating additional ship and land-based itineraries. Fuel costs decreased year on year, as increased usage from operating additional trips was more than offset by lower pricing versus a year ago.
The strong revenue growth across both segments generated significant operating leverage in 2023 with total company adjusted EBITDA of $71 million, an increase of $83 million versus a year ago, driven by a $78 million increase at the lindblad segment, and a $5 million or 29% increase.
The land experiences segment.
Looking a little closer at the cost side of the business operating expenses before depreciation and amortization interest and taxes increased to $65 million or 15% versus 2022 led by a $39 million or 14% increase in cost of tours versus a year ago, primarily related to operating additional ship in.
Land based itineraries.
Fuel costs decreased year on year as increased usage from operating additional trips was more than offset by lower pricing versus the year ago fuel was 5% of revenue in 2023 as compared to 7% of revenue in 2022.
Craig I. Felenstein: Fuel was 5% of revenue in 2023 as compared to 7% of revenue in 2022. Sales and marketing costs increased $10 million, or 17 percent, versus a year ago, primarily due to higher commissions and royalties related to the increase in revenue, and from increased search and direct mail marketing to drive future bookings. And G&A spending increased $15 million, or 17%, excluding stock-based compensation and one-time items versus a year ago, primarily due to higher personnel costs as we ramp operations and increase credit card commissions related to final payments for upcoming itineraries and higher deposits on new reservations for future travel. The total company net loss available to stockholders of $50 million, or $0.94 per diluted share, improved $66 million versus the net loss available to common stockholders of $116 million, or $2.23 per diluted share, reported a year ago.
Sales and marketing cost increased $10 million or 17% versus a year ago, primarily due to higher commissions and royalties related to the increase in revenue and from increased search and direct mail marketing to drive future bookings.
And G&A spending increased $15 million or 17%, excluding stock based compensation and one time items versus a year ago, primarily due to higher personnel costs as we ramp operations and increased credit card commissions related to final payments for upcoming itineraries and higher deposits on new reservations for future travel.
Total company net loss available to stockholders of $50 million or <unk> 94 per diluted share improved $66 million versus the net loss available to common stockholders of $116 million or $2 23 per diluted share reported a year ago.
Improvement reflects the significant ramp in operations, partially offset by $8 million of additional interest expense net associated with the higher rates and increased borrowings mostly related to our debt refinancing in may of 2023, and $7 million increase in stock based compensation primarily related to the increase in value of natural habitat.
Craig I. Felenstein: The improvement reflects the significant rampant operation, partially offset by $8 million of additional interest expense net associated with the higher rates and increased borrowings, mostly related to our debt refinancing in May of 2023, and a $7 million increase in stock-based compensation, primarily related to the increase in value of natural hab debt. Looking quickly at the fourth quarter of 2023. [inaudible] Available guest nights at the Lindblad segment increased 18 percent, due in large part to an additional transit voyage from Southeast Asia to French Polynesia on the resolution, as well as from the timing of dry dock. As I highlighted on the last call, while taking guests on our transit voyage... This generates additional revenue on voyages that would normally be non-revenue generating. They do have a negative impact on occupancy and yields, which was evident in the Q4 metric.
Looking quickly at the fourth quarter of 2023.
Revenue increased 6% compared to the same period in 2022 due in large part to broader utilization of the fleet and additional land trip operations available.
Available guest nights at the Lindblad segment increased 18%.
In large part to an additional transit voyage from southeast Asia to French Polynesia on the resolution as well as from the timing of dry docks.
Highlighted on the last call, we're taking guests on our transit voyage voyages generates additional revenue on voyages that would normally be non revenue generating they do have a negative impact on occupancy and yields which was evident in the Q4 metrics. The decrease in occupancy versus a year ago was predominantly due to the additional transit nights for <unk>.
Rail as well as from increased cancellations on Egypt.
<unk> itineraries due to the Israeli Hammas War.
Craig I. Felenstein: The decrease in occupancy versus a year ago was predominantly due to the additional transit nights for sale, as well as from increased cancellations on our Egypt itineraries due to the Israeli Hamas. Adjusted EBITDA in the fourth quarter of $4 million increased $7 million from the fourth quarter a year ago, as the majority of the revenue growth in the quarter fell to the bottom line, with operating expenses before depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation, interest, and taxes up only 1% versus the fourth quarter a year ago. Turning to the balance sheet, we ended the year with $187 million in cash and short-term securities, an increase of $58 million versus the end of 2022, primarily driven by the net proceeds of $67 million from the debt refinancing back in May of 2023, which was offset by free cash flows of about $4.5 million. Pre-cash flow for the year included $25 million in cash from operations, led by improved operating performance, which was partially offset by interest payments of $44 million.
Adjusted EBITDA in the fourth quarter of $4 million increased $7 million from the fourth quarter a year ago as the majority of the revenue growth in the quarter fell to the bottom line with operating expenses before depreciation and amortization stock based comp interest and taxes up.
Only 1% versus the fourth quarter a year ago.
Turning to the balance sheet, we ended the year with $187 million in cash and short term securities an increase of $58 million versus the end of 2022, primarily driven by the net proceeds of $67 million from the debt refinancing back in May of 2023.
Which was offset by free cash flow use of about $4 5 million free.
Free cash flow for the year included $25 million in cash from operations led by the improved operating performance, which was partially offset by interest payments of $44 million.
Please note that cash from operations was also negatively impacted by the use of future travel credits, which made up approximately 8% of ticket revenues in the current year cash.
Cash from operations was more than offset by capex of $30 million, mostly from routine vessel maintenance as well as from investments in our digital initiatives.
Looking ahead, we are excited by the sustained operating momentum across our expanded platform and we anticipate significant growth in 2024, driven by higher Occupancies and increased net yields across our fleet as well as additional travelers across our growing land businesses.
Craig I. Felenstein: Please note that cash from operations was also negatively impacted by the use of future travel credits, which made up approximately eight percent of ticket revenues in the current year. However, cash from operations was more than offset by capex of $30 million, mostly from routine vessel maintenance, as well as from investments in our digital initiative. Looking ahead, we are excited by the sustained operating momentum across our expanded platform, and we anticipate significant growth in 2024, driven by higher occupancy and increased net yields across our fleet, as well as additional travelers across our growing land business. The Lindblad segment is in a strong booking position for the upcoming year, and the booking momentum has only accelerated, with bookings since the start of December for travel in 2024 up over 50% versus the same period a year Additionally, we have already booked over 87% of our full-year projected ticket revenues for the year. Given the strong booking trends we are generating, we expect total company tour revenue in 2024 between $610 and $630 million and adjusted EBITDA between $88 and $98 million.
Lindblad segment isn't a strong booking position for the upcoming year and the booking momentum has only accelerated with bookings since the start of December for travel in 2024 up over 50% versus the same period a year ago for 2023 <unk>.
Additionally, we have already booked over 87% of our full year projected ticket revenues for the year.
Given the strong booking trends, we are generating we expect total company tour revenue in 2024 between 610 $630 million and adjusted EBITDA between 80 $898 million. Please note that these projections reflect the increased royalty rate associated with the expansion and extension of our national geographic really.
<unk> chip as well as the impact of the voyage cancellations, that's been mentioned earlier.
In addition to the robust P&L growth in 2024, we also anticipate strong free cash flow generation, excluding any growth capex maintenance capex is expected to be approximately $25 million to $30 million in the current year, which includes vessel maintenance as well as some additional investments in our digital initiatives we.
We do anticipate buying part of the minority interest in our land companies during the first quarter and we will continue to explore additional growth opportunities in the year ahead, including further diversifying our product portfolio, we're opportunistically expanding our fleet to capitalize on the continued growth in the demand for experiential travel.
Craig I. Felenstein: Please note that these projections reflect the increased royalty rate associated with the expansion and extension of our National Geographic relationship, as well as the impact of the voyage cancellations that Sven mentioned earlier. In addition to the robust P&L growth in 2024, we also anticipate strong free cash flow generation, excluding any growth capex. Maintenance CapEx is expected to be approximately 25 to 30 million dollars in the current year, which includes vessel maintenance, as well as some additional investments in our digital initiatives.
Thanks for your time this morning, and now span and I would be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Thank you Les.
Ladies and gentlemen, if you would like to ask a question. Please press star one on your telephone keypad.
Thats Star one on your telephone keypad.
So we draw your question Star followed by two.
And please also remember too and mutual microphone once you turn to speak.
Can we do have our first question comes from Keith <unk> from stifle Steve.
Steve Your line.
Yes.
Hi, This is Jackson Gabe on for Steve Osinski.
So we've seen a fair amount of these disruptions over time.
Craig I. Felenstein: We do anticipate buying part of the minority interest in our land companies during the first quarter, and we will continue to explore additional growth opportunities in the year ahead, including further diversifying our product portfolio or opportunistically expanding our fleet to capitalize on the continued growth in the demand for experiential travel. Thanks for your time this morning, and now Sven and I would be happy to answer any questions you may have. Ladies and gentlemen, if you'd like to ask a question, please press star 1. (inaudible) To withdraw your questions, press star followed. And please also remember to unmute your microphone.
They are magnified.
Your scale and some cases that uniqueness and you replace ability.
Western Nations you visit.
But is there anything about the new expanded Disney deal that might help mitigate that impact by maybe.
Funnel.
More from the demand side moving forward.
Any kind of specifics about how youre thinking about the deal might help mitigate.
Impacts from shifting areas would be helpful.
Okay.
<unk>.
Yeah, that's an interesting question.
Well first of all is it.
Operator: We do have our first question. It comes from Steve Wieczynski from Steyr. Your life. Hi, this is Jackson Gibb on behalf of Steve Wieczynski. So we've seen a fair amount of these disruptions over time, how they're magnified by your scale and, in some cases, the uniqueness and irreplaceability of the destinations you visit. But is there anything about the new expanded Disney deal that might help mitigate that impact by maybe filling in the funnel more from the demand side moving forward? Any kind of specifics about how you're thinking about the deal might help mitigate impacts from shifting itineraries would be helpful. Yeah, that's an interesting question. Well, first of all, as a consequence of this new deal with National Geographic and, by extension, Disney, our marketing prowess or power, if you will, will increase, we believe, rather dramatically. Obviously, we will know more specifically and in greater detail by the end of the year how that manifests itself in terms of combating situations around the world that periodically arise. We will have to see. I mean, one of the things that we have done, first of all, has always been, you know, we're not in for extended periods of time, except for places that are traditionally very, very stable. Alaska, and the Galapagos Islands.
Consequence of this new deal with National geographic and by extension Disney.
<unk>.
Our marketing prowess or power if you will will increase we believe.
Other dramatically obviously, we will.
No more specifically in a greater detail by the end of the year, how does that all of that.
Manifests itself in terms of combating.
Sure.
Situations around the world are periodically arise.
Yeah.
We will have to see I mean, one of the things that we have done his crystal ball has always been.
But if you think about it going back decades, there's always been something.
Almost invariably every every now and then you get through a year, where absolutely nothing happened in the world that has any consequence.
Disruption in any way, but generally speaking there's always.
Couple of things two or three things that cause you to maybe reroute a ship or diminished bookings somewhat in certain instances significantly so.
Most areas with him.
Our.
And for extended periods of time, except for places that are traditionally very very stable.
Alaska Galapagos, Okay, we had some recent disruption.
But that's not.
Historically, there has not been disruption there Iceland.
Arctic.
Arctic so.
We're very conscientious of making sure that we're not in places.
And a significant for a significant amount of time, but are questionable in terms of the degree to which you know.
Political influences and subsequent spectrum.
<unk>.
I would say that put it this way.
We're going to be strengthened as a consequence of this relationship.
Sven Lindblad: Okay, we had some recent disruption, but that's not, you know, historically, there has not been disruption there. Iceland, Antarctica, the Arctic.
While we have a triangle in essence kind of.
National Geographic Disney and ourselves and that's a real powerhouse so anything we say should be safe.
Much stronger way than we would have.
Without them as part of it.
Sven Lindblad: So we, you know, we're very conscientious about making sure that we're not in places or for a significant amount of time that are questionable in terms of the degree to which, you know, political influences and such can affect them. So I would say that, put it this way, we are going to be strengthened as a consequence of this relationship. Now we have a triangle, in essence, we have National Geographic, Disney, and ourselves, and that's a real powerhouse. So anything we face should be faced in a much stronger way than we would have without them as part of it. I hope that's it. Yeah.
I think that side of it but.
Yeah, Thanks, Ben Jackson and the other side of this from my perspective is there's two aspects of our business that are that are pretty unique. One is we certainly havent fair amount of flexibility as spend kind of highlighted which is because of the our expedition by nature and we're less reliant on individual towards so our resources we can.
Take our chips and move them.
When these disruptions happen as long as there's enough notice to ultimately sell whatever the change ultimately we're going to do.
Is the second thing is the company has scaled up pretty dramatically. If you think about where we were back in 2016 before we embarked on our <unk>.
Sven Lindblad: Yeah, thanks, Sven. Jackson, the other side of this from my perspective is that there are two aspects of our business that are pretty unique. One is we certainly have a fair amount of flexibility, as Sven kind of highlighted, which is because we are expedition by nature and we're less reliant on individual ports or resources; we can take our ships and move them when these disruptions happen as long as there's enough notice to ultimately sell whatever the change we're ultimately going to do is. The second thing is that the company has scaled up pretty dramatically. If you think about where we were back in 2016, before we embarked on our expansion of our overall fleet, you know, the fleet itself is up over 60% in terms of size.
Expansion of our overall fleet. The fleet itself is up over 60% in terms of size and then when you look at the land companies that we've expanded the Companys earnings power has increased so dramatically that these kind of issues that youre seeing in somebody like Ecuador or potentially in the red sea have much less of an impact do they ever had before the second.
On that front is we will continue to expand the company as we continue to increase the scale and diversify the company. These things will continue to have less and less of an impact as we move forward. So to <unk> point. It is something that is inherent in our business, but traditionally the impact has not been significant and it'll be even less so here moving forward as we continue to.
Sven Lindblad: And then you look at the land companies that we've expanded, the company's earnings power has increased so dramatically that these kinds of issues, the ones that you're seeing in something like Ecuador, potentially in the Red Sea, have much less of an impact than they ever have had before. The second thing on that front is: Okay, awesome. That's super helpful.
Scale.
Okay Awesome, that's super helpful.
I guess.
Sven Lindblad: I guess on the subject of expanding the company, we've seen a couple of your larger peers put in new ship orders, obviously, you know, of a much different size and scale and, you know, different areas of operation. But, you know, is that something that you're considering more seriously now? And I guess, in a different way, what would have to happen for it to be the right time to order a new ship to make an addition to the fleet? Yeah, so. First of all, it's absolutely clear that the most valuable thing, the single most valuable thing that we can do as a company and are focused on doing as a company, is maximizing the inventory that we have already bought and spent money on acquiring, right?
On the subject of expanding the company.
We've seen a couple of your larger peers.
Put in new ship orders.
Obviously.
Much different size and scale and different areas of operation, but is that something that youre considering more seriously now.
And I guess a different way.
What would have to happen for it to be the right time to order a new ship to make in addition to the fleet.
Yeah. So.
First of all.
It's absolutely clear that the most valuable thing we single most valuable thing that.
We can do as a company.
We're focused on doing as a company.
Is maximizing the inventory that we have already bought and spend money on acquiring right. So getting occupancies back up.
Sven Lindblad: So getting the occupancies back up and making sure that the yields are maintained is the primary key. This year we will learn a lot about what this triangle is, and it's the first time I've actually referenced it in that way, Disney National Geographic, what the power of that is, and as soon as we understand that somewhat better, that will accelerate, in all likelihood, the commitment to acquire new vessels, whether that is acquiring vessels that exist that are no longer viable in the companies where they live or building new ones. Those are two avenues of research. If you think about our fleet broadly, up until 2015, we had always bought existing ships, modified them, and made them suitable for our purposes, and then we started building ships. So we've only built four new ships, but we have acquired a lot more than that over time. And so, going forward, we will also be looking at these two avenues. Are there existing ships that are suitable for us that need a happy home?
Ensure that the yields are maintained.
The primary key.
Element of growth, obviously internally so.
This year, we will learn a lot about what this triangle with an eye on.
It's the first time I've actually referenced it in that way.
Disney milestones without forgetting about what the power of that is.
And as soon as we understand that somewhat better.
That will accelerate in all likelihood.
<unk>.
<unk>.
The commitment to acquire new vessels, whether that is acquiring vessels that exist that are no longer viable in the companies, where they live or building new ships those are two avenues.
Do you think about our fleet broadly.
Up until 2000.
15, there was.
Yes.
Up until 2017, we hit.
Always bought existing ships modified them.
And made them suitable for our purposes and then we started building stuff. So we've only built core new ships.
We have acquired a lot more than that over time.
And so going forward. We will also be looking at these two avenues are there existing chips that are suitable to us that need a happy home or are there or should we be building a new shape and we will begin looking closely at that.
Sven Lindblad: Or are there, or should we be building a new ship? And we will begin looking closely at that, you know, in the not too distant future as to which of those avenues is most suitable going forward? Okay, understood. And if I could just squeeze in one more.
In the not too distant future as to which which.
Which of those avenues is most suitable going forward.
Okay understood and if I could just squeeze squeezing one more I just wanted to get some updated thoughts on how you're thinking about buybacks.
Craig I. Felenstein: I just wanted to get some updated thoughts on how you're thinking about buybacks. You've been unrestricted from a covenant perspective since February 2023, and seem to have fairly ample liquidity. Just wanted to get some perspective on how you're thinking about share repurchases now. Sure, thanks, Jackson. So I would say we really haven't changed the way we look at share buybacks since we put our share buyback plan in place prior to the pandemic.
<unk> been unrestricted by from a covenant perspective since February 2023.
You seem to have fairly ample liquidity.
Just wanted to get perspective, how you're thinking about share repurchases now.
Sure. Thanks, Jackson, So I would say, we really haven't changed the way we look at share buybacks really since we put our share buyback plan in place prior to the pandemic and that is when we think about the cash at the company and what we want to do with that cash.
Craig I. Felenstein: And that is, you know, when we think about the cash at the company and what we want to do with that cash, our first priority is to grow the business organically. Our second priority is to look for M&A opportunities that will, ultimately, increase the earnings potential of the company here moving forward and increase the opportunity to grow. And then third, we have no hesitation about returning capital to shareholders either through buying back shares or, obviously, lowering our outstanding debt when we have the ability to do so. So I would say that's how we weigh all of our cash return at any given moment, and we'll continue to do that moving forward. Got it. That's great. That's all for me.
Our first priority is to grow the business organically. Our second priority is to look for M&A opportunities that will ultimately.
So ultimately increase the earnings potential of the company here moving forward and increase the opportunity to grow and then third we have no.
Hesitation about returning capital to shareholders either through buying back shares or obviously lowering our outstanding debt. When we have the ability to do so so I would say that's how we weigh all of our cash return at any given moment and we'll continue to do that moving forward.
Got it that's great. That's all for me. Thank you.
Operator: Thank you. Our next question comes from Eric Wold from B Reilly. Eric, your line is now open. Thank you, everyone. A couple questions for me. I guess, first, Craig, if we think about the, you know, obviously strong growth and even year-over-year, we think about, you know, the numbers came in towards the lower end of the guidance range that you gave or kind of reoccurred on the Q3 call. And I know that, you know, there's disruption from the Israeli-Hamas war, which was known at that time. Could you maybe just kind of give us a sense of kind of what were the biggest factors that kept them even out towards the lower end versus possibly getting up towards that higher end?
Our next question comes from Eric Wold from B Riley Securities Eric Your line is now open.
Thank you good morning, everyone. Just a couple of questions for me I guess first.
If you think about the.
Obviously strong growth in EBITDA year over year, we think about the numbers came in towards the lower end of the guidance range that you gave or kind of refund on the.
The Q3 call and I know that.
There's disruption from.
These really Hamas war, which was known at that time, you may be just kind of give us a sense of kind of what are the biggest factors that kept EBITDA towards the lower end versus possibly getting up towards the higher end.
Craig I. Felenstein: Sure. Yeah, I think you pretty much touched upon it, Eric, more than anything else, right? So when you look at the fourth quarter, everything pretty much came in where we anticipated it to come in from both the revenue and cost perspective, with the exception of the cancellations that came because of the conflict that was happening in the Middle East. So when you ultimately have... cancellations, they tend to have a pretty dramatic effect on revenue and tend to fall right to the bottom line. So, in the absence of that, the numbers certainly would have been a little bit higher, but the expectations for everything else pretty much came in where we thought they would. Okay, perfect. And then there is kind of a broader question.
Sure, Yes, I think you pretty much touched upon it Eric more than anything else right. So when you look at the fourth quarter.
Everything pretty much came in where we anticipated to come in from.
Both the revenue and cost per se perspective, with the exception of the cancellations that came because of the.
Conflict that was happening over in the middle East. So when you ultimately have cancer.
Cancellations they tend to have a pretty dramatic effect on revenue and it tends to fall right to the bottom line. So.
In the absence of that number is certainly it would've been a little bit higher but the expectations for everything else pretty much came in where we thought they would.
Okay, perfect and then kind of a broad.
To your question I know you've had now a number of months of working with kind of the expanded national geographic Disney teams since you.
Craig I. Felenstein: I know you've had now, you know, a number of months of working with the expanded National Geographic Disney team since you announced the extended agreement. I guess maybe give us, if you had more time to work with them, an updated sense of when you expect kind of the full effect of kind of the Disney travel team to really start working with yours and start pushing, you know, the Lindblad tours. How visible do you think this relationship will be to consumers, now, versus maybe, you know, previously. I mean, how visible will consumers know that you're a part of or kind of working with And then any sense of how those teams will kind of market?
Announced the extended agreement I guess, maybe you can give us if you have more time to work with them updated sense on.
It is timing of when you expect.
Kind of the full effect of kind of the busy travel team to really start working with yours and start pushing.
The lindblad tours.
Visibility do you think this relationship will be to consumers.
Now versus maybe previously you mean houses will consumers know that you are part of our kind of working with it being a part of that relationship and then any sense on how those teams will kind of market.
Sven Lindblad: your voyages relative to Disney's own mass cruises and kind of how they'll be kind of potentially kind of parsed out, you know, in kind of their efforts, so to speak. Yeah, so. So this is a multifaceted answer, because it's a multifaceted campaign, if you will. So there are three buckets of investment in terms of marketing. One is a joint investment between Disney and ourselves, which is managed jointly.
Our voyages relative to disease, one mass cruise isn't going to how that will be kind of.
Because you kind of parse out.
And kind of their efforts so to speak.
Yeah. So.
So.
This is a multi multifaceted answer because it's a multifaceted campaign if you will.
Three buckets of investment in terms of marketing one is is a joint investment between Disney and ourselves, which was managed jointly with the national geographic expeditions.
Sven Lindblad: There's the National Geographic Expeditions investment, and there's our investment. It's all pulling in the same direction because we no longer have any attribution connected with how business comes in. For the 20 years before that, we've had attribution. There's been specific business that's come in through the National Geographic Expeditions channel and through our own, and those have different, you know, and those have different financial mechanisms connected with them. That has been completely eliminated, so we're all pulling in absolutely the same direction. None of us care where the business comes from, from which of the channels it comes from, and there's value in all of the channels.
Investment and as our investments are all calling in the same direction.
Because we have no longer any attribution connected with how business comes in for the 20 years. Previously we've had attribution has been specific business with <unk>.
Coming through the National geographic expeditions channel and through our own and those have different.
So those are different financial mechanisms connected with it.
It has been completely eliminated so we're all pulling in absolutely the same direction, none of us care, where the business comes from.
Which of the channels. It comes from and there is value in all of the channels. So when you think about about the addition of Disney right you had national geographic expeditions in Limbo, that's been going on for 20 years now Disney comes into the mix that's part of it.
Sven Lindblad: So, when you think about the addition of Disney, right, you had National Geographic Expeditions and Lindblad, that's been going on for 20 years. Now, Disney comes into the mix as part of it. They have extraordinary distribution channels when it comes to, I mean, they have a huge sales force, for example, that accesses the trade. They have so many sort of distribution avenues where they are intending to showcase Lindblad Expeditions on National
They have extraordinary distributions.
Distribution channels.
When it comes to I mean, they have a huge sales salesforce for example.
Access is the <unk>.
Trade they have.
They have.
So many sort of distribution avenues, where they are intending to showcase lindblad expeditions national geographic.
Sven Lindblad: The teams meet regularly, once a month, on a disciplined basis for an extended period of time to develop strategies and tactics, and periodically, we get together on a wider basis at different levels of engagement between ourselves, the Disney team, and the National Geographic Expedition team to deal with, you know, longer-term issues that we can, that we believe can drive the business. So the engagement between the organizations has just been hugely cooperative, very excited, and very, very committed to the idea of growing our business together. Because there's lots of value for all parties if we do that.
The teams are meeting regularly once a month on a disciplined basis.
For an extended period of time to develop strategies and tactics.
Periodically we get together on a wider basis.
Different levels of engagement between ourselves with Disney team and the National geographic expeditions team.
Deal with longer term issues that we can.
We believe can drive the business. So the engagement between the organizations has just been.
Hugely cooperative and very excited and very very committed to the idea of growing.
Our business together, because there's lots of value for all parties, if we do that.
Sven Lindblad: You know, the good thing about a really, really good agreement is that you're pretty much assured that everybody that's part of that agreement gains significant value as a consequence of growth. And that's what this agreement is. Helpful. Thank you. Thank you both. As a reminder, to ask a question, please press star 1 on the telephone keypad. Starwond, our next question comes from Alex Fuhrman from Craig Hallam Capital. Alex, you're live.
The good thing about a really really good agreement is where are you where you.
But pretty much you can pretty much assure that everybody that's part of that agreement.
Significant value as a consequence of growth in that.
The disagreement is.
Yes.
Helpful. Thank you.
Okay.
As a reminder to ask a question. Please press star one on your telephone keypad.
Thats Star one on your telephone keypad.
Our next question comes from Alex <unk> from Craig Hallum Capital Group, Alex Your line is now open.
Craig I. Felenstein: Hey guys, thanks for taking my question. You know, it sounds like you're obviously guiding to pretty significant revenue growth this year, and the vast majority of the revenue that you're projecting is already on the books. Can you help to square that a little bit with a relatively modest 2% increase in bookings compared to the same time last year? Are you starting to see people maybe book a little bit closer to the departure time now that it's harder for them to cancel or reschedule their voyages? Yeah, so let me touch on that, and then I'll turn it over to Sven for any comments.
Hey, guys. Thanks for taking my question it sounds like you're obviously guiding to pretty significant revenue growth. This year and the vast majority of the revenue that you are projecting it is already on the books can you help to square that a little bit with a relatively modest.
2% increase in bookings.
Parents at the same time last year are you starting to see people, maybe book a little bit closer to the departure time now that it's harder for them to cancel or reschedule their voyages.
Yes, So let me let me touch upon that and then I'll turn it over to spend for any comments the 2%.
Craig I. Felenstein: The 2% increase in terms of revenue today is very misleading because we had this significant pile of money that was in from cancellations that happened, I shouldn't say cancellations, from deferrals that happened during COVID into 2023 that were on the books at this point versus what we're seeing this year, which is we had less of a carryover, but the week on week growth of bookings is so much more significant than it was a year So what we're seeing is that the 2% growth number is expanding rapidly every single week. So if I looked at it several weeks ago, it was down, and now it's already up, and it will continue to head in that direction.
Increase in terms of revenue.
Today is very misleading because we had this significant pile of money that was in from cancellations that happened I shouldn't say cancellations from deferrals that happen during COVID-19 into 2023 that were on the books at this point.
Versus what we're seeing this year, which is we had less of the carry in but the week on week growth of bookings is so much more significant than it was a year ago.
In terms of the weekly bookings so what we're seeing is.
That 2% growth number is expanding rapidly every single week.
So if I looked at it several weeks ago. It was down and that was already up and it will continue to head in that direction because again as I mentioned in my comments. If you look at the bookings from kind of December 1st through today, we're up 50% five zero versus where we were in the same bookings a year ago. So the momentum is really really strong and it has really just continued.
Craig I. Felenstein: Because again, as I mentioned in my comments, if you look at the bookings from kind of December 1st through today, we're up 50%, 5-0, versus where we were in those same bookings a year ago. So the momentum is really, really strong, and it has really just continued. So we fully anticipate that that opportunity will continue to expand moving forward. Savannah, do you want to add?
So we fully anticipate that opportunity will continue to expand moving forward.
Just anything you want to add.
Sven Lindblad: Yeah, well, just to clarify, so we, you know, when, when, when, during COVID, we issued a ton of, Craig can give you the actual amount of what's called future travel credits, right, rather than canceling, they got a credit for the future. So, we already received the money. And, and, and then they were able to travel in the future.
Yeah, well just to clarify so.
During Covid, we issued a term and Greg can give you the actual amount of what's called future travel credits right rather than canceling they've got a credit for the future. So we already received the money.
And then they were able to travel in the future and so last year a lot of a significant number of those credits were utilized.
Sven Lindblad: And so last year, a lot of, you know, a significant number of those credits were utilized, and we're, you know, we're part of the revenue. So this year, it's all new people, by and large, very, very few future travel credits. So in a sense, the 2% is really misleading.
And work.
We're part of a considered part of our revenue.
So this year, it's all new people by and large very very few future travel credits. So in a sense. The 2% is really misleading if you exclude that particular metric it would be more like 20% 21%.
Sven Lindblad: If you exclude that particular metric, it'd be more like 20, 21%, ahead and 50% in the last couple of months in terms of future growth. You've got to take that in common. Okay, guys. That's really helpful. I appreciate that. Thank you both. Thank you. We have no further questions, so I'd like to hand the call back to you. Thank you, operator. Thank you everybody else for joining us today. We appreciate your time, as always. If you have additional questions, please reach out. We look forward to hearing from each of you. Thank you very much. Ladies and gentlemen, this concludes today's call. Thank you for joining. You may now disconnect your lines.
Ahead, and 50% in the last couple of months in terms of future growth.
You got to take that in context.
Okay got that.
Really helpful. I appreciate that thank you both.
Thank you.
We have no further questions. So I'd like to hand, the call back to you Craig.
Thank you operator, and thank you everybody else for joining us today. We appreciate your time as always if you have additional questions. Please reach out and we look forward to.
Hearing from each of you. Thank you.
Thank you very much.
Ladies and gentlemen. This concludes today's call. Thank you for joining you may now disconnect your lines. Thank you.
<unk>.
[music].
Yeah.
[music].