All articles by Amit Thadani
Amit Thadani
Artificial assistance at the helm
Buoyed by advancements in AI, automation technologies and navigation systems are becoming increasingly prevalent in shipping. Usage is minimal so far, but in the future, this technology could play a vital role in reducing the risk of cruise ship collisions. Jim Banks speaks to Tony Boylen, principal specialist in assurance of autonomy at Lloyd’s Register, and Dor Raviv, co-founder and CTO of Orca AI, about potential uses.
Clear the way
Nearly two years since the pandemic forced cruise lines to halt sailings, Carnival Cruise Line is set for a monumental restart. Jim Banks speaks to Carnival Corporation senior vice-president and chief communications officer Roger Frizzell about the challenges of reviving vessels and recalibrating itineraries after such a lengthy delay, and the safety standards needed to reassure guests that their health and well-being is the top priority.
Pushing cruising forward
When it comes to reducing CO2 emissions and reaping economic savings, a multitude of solutions are available. In the case of Carnival Corporation, it is the increasing use of liquefied natural gas in company ships. Martin Morris speaks to Tom Strang, senior vice-president of maritime affairs at Carnival Corporation, who explains the benefits of this solution and how it will help the company meet its long-term objectives.
Immersed in the deep blue
Hotel interior design encourages luxurious experience alongside the thoughtful use of materials. Buoyed by the desires of its clientele, cruise operators are beginning to do the same. Andrea Valentino talks to Sebastien Flamant of Flamant Interior Design and Malvina Guarnieri at Tilberg Design of Sweden about how cruise ship design is being shaped by onshore hospitality, the obstacles of regulation, and how cruises could look years from now.
Sail into adventure
Interest in expeditionary cruising has surged in the past decade, with trips exploring regions such as Antarctica and the Galapagos. Vessels are refining their approach to education on board, with sleek facilities and detailed lecture programming. But how do companies tailor this to the interests of different guests? Brooke Theis asks Florence Kuyper of Aurora Expeditions, Jen Martin of Seabourn and Simon Evans of Intrepid Travel to share their experiences.
A new challenge
A transport policy expert who has worked in leadership roles at the International Air Transport Association for over a decade, including serving as assistant director for EU affairs, Marie-Caroline Laurent is the newly appointed director general for Cruise Line International Association in Europe during a tumultuous period for travel and tourism. Abi Millar speaks to her about moving into the sector, the challenges facing European operators and Laurent’s priorities for the coming year.
A promising recovery
Despite the continuing pressures of the pandemic, order books show no signs of abating as shipbuilders throughout Europe and beyond continue to work tirelessly to produce an impressive slew of new vessels. Jim Banks takes a look at some of the new ships being readied for launch, including the long-awaited Disney Wish, and how construction processes have been adapted to keep going despite the restrictions imposed due to Covid-19.
Green Marine Future – funding for sustainability projects secured
London’s leading River Bus operator, Uber Boat by Thames Clippers , has won Department for Transport (DfT) funding to support three projects to research and develop green river transport for the future.
Salt of the earth
As environmental considerations and healthy lifestyles become higher priorities for cruise guests, more are either adopting a fully vegan lifestyle or incorporating more plant-based dishes into their diets. Elly Earls speaks to Anton Egger, consultant chef at Seabourn, Dirk Bocklage, managing director of Vegan Travel, and Sandy Pukel, president of Holistic Holiday at Sea about why cruise lines must cater to this growing trend and the onus it puts on culinary ingenuity.
Close to home
After cautious planning and some trepidation, domestic cruising has returned to the British Isles, with the spike in demand marking Britain’s busiest ever summer of cruising. Abi Millar speaks to Nigel Blanks, CEO of Saga Cruises, and Ben Bouldin, vice president, EMEA, Royal Caribbean about vaccine policy, the challenges of safeguarding passengers and staff on board, and restarting operations after almost a year and half of inactivity.