All articles by julian turner

julian turner

The importance of interior refreshes

With most cruise ships that are already in service having a major refit every two years, and some new-build ships planning a major refit up to every five years, maintaining the high standards of the ship interiors between refits is vital to the overall passenger experience. At any time during the ship refit cycle, the passenger expects the same standard of interior furnishing.

Lightweight composite cabin project secures Innovate UK funding

Following the success of the prototype launchat SMM in 2016, the UK consortium consisting of composite specialist PE Composites Ltd (PEC) and marine interior refurbishment specialist Trimline Ltd has secured further co-funding from the UK’s Innovation Agency, Innovate UK, to productionise and certify its Lightweight Composite Cabin.

Dellner to launch new heavy duty SKD disc brakes at Nor-Shipping 2017

Dellner Brakes AB, a leading manufacturer of technologically advanced braking systems, is introducing two new heavy-duty disc brakes to its SKD range at Nor-shipping in Oslo, Norway, from 30 May to 2 June.

Boutique disruptor – the rise of Virgin Voyages

With three ships on order and the power of a global brand at its disposal, Virgin Voyages is being positioned as a genuine disruptor to cruising’s status quo. Phin Foster meets president and CEO Tom McAplin to discuss the lessons learned from his love of the start-up experience, his plans to appeal to untapped market segments and the creation of a corporate culture that is unafraid to do things a little differently.

Access all areas – catering for disabilities and special needs

The cruise industry today provides an attractive means of leisure travel for guests with a wide range of disabilities and special needs. But, whether it’s inaccessible tender boats, a shortage of pool lifts or simply unclear regulations for operators, many barriers remain. Sarah Williams speaks to industry veterans Jan Tuck, access compliance manager at Princess Cruises; Debra Kerper, founder of Easy Access Travel; and Andrew Garnett, CEO and president of Special Needs at Sea.

The smuggling crackdown – fighting narcotics and contraband trafficking

A recent spate of headlines have identified passenger ships as the latest way for smuggling networks to transport narcotics and other contraband on the high seas. Greg Noone talks to security consultant Gerry Northwood OBE and Special Agent Brent Iglehart from US Customs and Border Security about the extent of the threat and what cruise lines can do to minimise the practice.

Sweat set – tapping into the wellness trend

Amid growing focus on fitness and well-being, cruise lines are catering to healthy and active travellers. Moving beyond the essential offering of on-board gyms, operators have tapped into the wellness trend with surf simulators, climbing walls, running clubs, kayaking expeditions and mountain hikes. Bradford Keen speaks to Christopher Rudolph at MSC, Paul Ludlow at P&O Cruises and CEO Captain Dan Blanchard at UnCruise Adventures about working up a sweat at sea.

Dining with the stars – partnering with celebrity chefs

The list of restaurants with celebrity chefs at the helm grows by the year, but what can ensure the right partnership? Elly Earls breaks bread with Royal Caribbean’s John Suley and Norwegian Cruise Line’s Karl Muhlberger to find out.

Cuba on the roster – a new addition to Caribbean cruising

As operators announce plans for new itineraries featuring Cuba, how transformational could the island be as an addition to the Caribbean region and what efforts must operators make to steal a march on the competition? Roger Frizzell of Carnival and Richard Twyman of Azamara Club Cruises give their input on whether the recent hype is a sign of anything more substantial.

Total immersion – HAL’s Exploration Central

From 2017, Holland America Line (HAL) guests can immerse themselves in destinations more fully than ever before, thanks to a new initiative called Explorations Central. Elly Earls meets HAL’s president, Orlando Ashford, to find out what they can expect.