As he reflected back on the year, he was delighted that the company had weathered the global recession. Despite reduced leisure travel demand,the U.S. government's advisory against travel to Mexico as a result of the flu virus, terrorist fear,fuel price uncertainty,and a host of other factors,Carnival managed to carry a record 8.5$ million guests. Although 2009 sales were below the 2008 record,the company still posted a $1.8 billion net income. Quick responses by management offset the revenue declines through cost containment efforts,most notably a 5% reduction in fuel consumption,and through expansion in is European market.This expansion represented 39% of the company's operations.