MJC

Ten Reasons to Invest in Florida

The author has overlooked not only the huge expense of insurance for hurricanes and flood damage, but how malpractice insurance has chased many Ob/Gyn's from the state. While many people do relocate there, a high percentage leave within a year. Food may be cheaper, but rents on the east coast are not.

This article is also out of date, since CCL cancelled their dividends for 2009.

Royal Carribean Cruises: Down But Not Out

Little Joe alluded to a shareholder benefit that is rarely discussed on the financial pages. RCL shareholders not only receive nice quarterly dividends, but can receive onboard ship credit when they cruise on RCL carriers. If you become a loyal customer, this can be a very nice benefit that can make up for short term losses in the market. CCL does the same for their shareholders, and I don't forsee any reason for either company to stop doing this.

Smooth Sailing Ahead for Carnival - Barron's

One thing that is often overlooked by analysts is that both CCL and RCL offer shipboard credit to stockholders who own 100 or more shares. Very few companies offer shareholder benefits of any kind, and both these companies offer one that is equivalent to a very nice dividend. Depending on which company you cruise, and how long your cruise is, you can get anywhere from $50-$200 to spend onboard. This builds company loyalty as well as happy customers.