All articles by Amit Thadani
Amit Thadani
Shake it up
Operators are eager to give customers more sophisticated food experiences, encompassing everything from on-board cooking lessons to visits to famous restaurants. Not that any of this is easy. Andrea Valentino talks to Dom Gamba, director of fleet operations at Royal Caribbean and Adam Sachs, director of the S.A.L.T. programme at Silversea to understand how these new culinary adventures take careful planning and solid relationships, both on the ground and at sea.
Surviving in a new world
Australia has always been a seafaring nation – or it was anyway. Even more than the industry as a whole, the country’s cruise industry has suffered heavily from the government’s strict lockdown rules, with international tours only recently restarting. Yet, with new environmental pressures and seaside infrastructure growing apace, the dramas of the past few years seem far from finished. Andrea Valentino talks to Joel Katz, the Australasia managing director at Cruise Lines International Association, and Professor Ross Dowling from Edith Cowan University to learn more.
A thoughtful cruising experience
It often seems like bigger is better when it comes to the cruise industry. From Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas to the Costa’s Toscana, many operators are plumping for miniature cities on the waves, capable of carrying thousands of passengers and offering dozens of activities. Yet, buoyed by environmental concerns and the desire among passengers for more elegant, intimate holidays, some operators are going the other way. Andrea Valentino talks to Silversea Cruises’ Roberto Martinoli, president and CEO, and Roberto Bruzzone, senior vice-president of marine operations, to learn about such a vessel – and how it could presage broader shifts in balancing sustainability and comfort.
What a waste
With new standards and regulations demanding better wastewater management, cruises are required to process all wastewater on board. With this in mind, Royal Caribbean Group is retrofitting several of its vessels with next-generation advanced wastewater purification (AWP) systems. Abi Millar speaks to Nicholas Rose, associate vice-president of environmental stewardship at Royal Caribbean Group, and Johan Johansson Iseskär, principal engineer, maritime advisory at DNV, to find out the benefits of having an AWP system on board.
Arrival of Coral Princess signals return of cruising to Port of Newcastle
Port of Newcastle has welcomed the first cruise ship in more than two years, with the arrival of Coral Princess on its maiden voyage into Newcastle this morning.
Deltamarin designs archipelago connecting vessel for Finferries
Deltamarin has been selected as the designer of a new Finnish archipelago connecting vessel which will start operating in summer season 2023. Finferries – Suomen Lauttaliikenne has recently signed a shipbuilding contract with Oy HL-metal Ab, that will build the vessel at their premises in Pargas, Finland.
Unsung challenges of the Black Sea
The Eurasian sea has long been eclipsed by the Mediterranean to the west, and it hardly helps that nearby regions have often been troubled by war – not least in Ukraine. But with a wealth of natural and historical wonders to explore, could it finally fulfil its potential? Andrea Valentino talks to figures across the region’s cruise industry to understand how far the market has fallen, how operators are adapting to uncertainty and how integration could help the Black Sea rebound.
An odyssey for the senses
More operators are investing in fun and immersive dining experiences to draw travellers to their cruise line, from interactive on-board adventures to once-in-a-lifetime excursions. Elly Earls speaks to Michael Bickel, president and CEO of TableMation Studios, which uses technological innovation to create a theatrical dining experience for Celebrity Cruises, and Christopher Prelog, president of Windstar Cruises, about creating unique dining environments at sea.
Cruise through the beauty of Asia
Prior to the pandemic, more and more cruisers were being drawn to the Mekong’s fascinating network of waterways, offering entry to its astounding natural beauty and its rich cultural heritage. Elly Earls talks to AmaWaterways president Rudi Schreiner and Aqua Expeditions CEO Francesco Galli Zugaro, to find out about the evolution of river cruising in the region, and why the Mekong continues to entice adventurous travellers through a diverse array of itineraries.
An ocean of entertainment opportunities
Themed cruises can bridge the gap between a fun time at sea and an unforgettable experience. And as the industry emerges from the Covid-19 pandemic, there will likely be no shortage of choices available on the high seas over the coming year. Martin Morris speaks to Anthony Diaz, CEO of Sixthman, and Chris Hackney, managing director of Cruise TUI UK & I, about the entertainment available for those looking to enrich their cruising with a unique experience.