All articles by Amit Thadani
Amit Thadani
Getting to the great unknown
Passengers are increasingly looking for a different, more exotic cruising experience, notably to off-season destinations. Yet that comes with its own issues – not least adapting to the often harsher climatic conditions involved. Kevin Smith, vice-president of sales at American Queen Voyages, tells Martin Morris what those challenges are and what his company is presently offering when it comes to expedition cruises.
Opulence on the oceans
Luxury has always been a key part of the cruise industry, but over the years a new trend has emerged in the form of VIP areas. Increasingly becoming a common option for many cruise lines, exclusive experiences offer guests the option of luxury wherever they sail. Phoebe Galbraith speaks to Cristian Comirla, brand performance director at MSC Cruises, and Eamonn Ferrin, vice-president of international business at Norwegian Cruise Line, about the rising trend of VIP areas and whether exclusivity is the way forward for luxury.
Elegance closer to home
Demand for river cruising has never been higher as guests ease themselves back into holiday mode post-pandemic. Europeans looking to explore uncharted beauty close to home can avoid large crowds without compromising on experience. Brooke Theis speaks to Janet Bava, chief marketing officer at AmaWaterways, and the director of global brand at Scenic Nichola Absalom, to discover the benefits of European waterways and what they have to offer guests in the current climate.
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.
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.