All articles by julian turner
julian turner
Welcome to the safe side – examining the cruise industry’s safety record
Recent reporting on the cruise industry has been so focused on its relatively few operational failures that, for would-be-passengers, a flare and a life jacket might seem to rank higher on the list of voyage essentials than sunglasses and swimwear. However, a new CLIA report hopes to change the narrative, highlighting the sector’s impressive safety record. The strength of these figures suggests that the challenge lies not in improving safety standards, but in getting the truth across to consumers in the face of intense media scrutiny. World Cruise Industry Review investigates.
Green seas ahead – how will environmental regulations affect smaller operators?
The industry is responding to tightening environmental regulations, but will smaller players be able to keep up with the significant expenditure required without jeopardising their operating models? Elly Earls speaks to Crystal Cruises’ Greg MacGarva to find out.
Teenage dream – appealing to the younger demographic
Many cruise lines are betting that teenagers will be the future of the cruise industry, with Royal Caribbean CEO Richard Fain having recently announced his intention to get them “hooked on cruising for life”. But how does one best win over this much-maligned demographic? Ensuring a faster internet connection might be a start, reports Ross Davies.
A taste of things to come – food and beverage operations
With larger ships, more dining options and partnerships with external franchises, managing food and beverage operations has never been more challenging. But where does the balance lie between centralised control and micro-management, and how important is it for on-board and landside staff to work together? Stephen Cresswell speaks to Michael Flesch, Enrico Borniotto and Anthony Wills.
Ride the swell – tapping the Middle East market
The Middle East is growing in popularity as a cruise destination. Recently, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states signed an agreement for a unified visa, which should boost tourism further. But with market penetration still low, and infrastructure undeveloped, how can cruise lines harness the region’s appeal? Helen Beck of Royal Caribbean International and Antonio Paradiso, executive director of emerging markets at MSC Cruises, explain how operators are climbing on board.
Land of plenty – Cuba and the future of the Caribbean
With rapid growth in the popularity of new regions, and passengers increasingly willing to travel further afield for their holidays, the Caribbean – long the mainstay of the cruise industry – is under real pressure to remain competitive. Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association president Michelle Paige and Russell Daya, Disney’s director for marine, port, security operations and maritime affairs, talk to Oliver Hotham about what the industry should be doing to stay ahead and what the potential opening of Cuba as a new destination could mean for business.
With agents comes wisdom – travel agents and the cruise industry
Travel agents remain a key means of reaching out to new-to-cruise passengers, helping operators widen their distribution networks in the process. But how can the industry go about attracting more agents that don’t currently sell cruise holidays? And what are the secrets to maintaining a strong operator-agent relationship? Cindy D’Aoust of the Cruise Lines International Association, and Lars Thykier, European Travel Agents and Tour Operators Association president, talk to Ross Davies.
Captains of industry – China’s first domestically built liner
In what could prove to be a historic agreement, Carnival, Fincantieri and CSSC signed a memorandum of understanding in November with the intention of constructing China’s first domestically built liner. Peter James looks at the reverberations of this potential collaboration and whether it could lead to a new superpower in cruise ship building.
Floating ideas – marine architecture and passenger engagement
The first in Holland America’s new Pinnacle class, MS Koningsdam will feature interior designs from Adam D Tihany and industry veteran Bjørn Storbraaten. They speak to Jack Wittels about the evolution of marine architecture, including a bold new focus on passenger engagement over passive consumption.
MSC Armonia relaunched after ‘stretching’ procedure
MSC Cruises has relaunched MSC Armonia after cutting the ship in half as part of its ‘Renaissance Programme’, adding a nearly 80ft section to the middle of the ship in a ‘stretching’ procedure.