All articles by Amit Thadani
Amit Thadani
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.
Revitalising the voyage
The creative team behind Virgin Voyages’ first vessel, Scarlet Lady, brought a new perspective to the design process, having never worked on cruise liners before. Elly Earls speaks to Dee Cooper, senior vice-president of design and customer experience at Virgin Voyages, to find out how approaching the project with fresh eyes allowed them to challenge conventions and reimagine ship design.
Cleaner cruising
With environmental sustainability at the top of the political agenda, cruise ship operators are trying harder than ever to meet their targets. Yet very real challenges remain – not least in waste management. John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises and chief experience and innovation officer for Carnival Corporation, explains how his company is addressing these issues and how it intends to meet its sustainability pledges.
Full steam ahead
With new fuel usage regulations by the International Maritime Organisation set to go into practice November 2022, cruises are rushing to meet the new demands in time. Jim Banks speaks to Andreas Ullrich, global market leader, passenger ships and ferries at Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore, to learn more about the new Energy Efficiency Index for Existing Ships requirements and how cruises can adapt their fuels for a more sustainable future.
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.