All articles by Schattopadhaya
Schattopadhaya
Pearl of the Mediterranean: the new AIDA cruise ship
After a protracted construction period, AIDA Cruises’ new ship, AIDAperla, is finally on the water. Boasting a new dual-fuel engine room, slender hull and foil-covered domes, the vessel was worth the wait, as Christian Schönrock, the group’s director of new builds, tells Ross Davies.
Cleaning up their act: environmental practices of the cruise industry
In the wake of a major investigation into illegal bilge-water discharge by five Princess ships, a new CLIA report examines how environmental practices stack up across the industry.
Crowded waters: pressures in shipbuilding
Specialist shipbuilders feeling the squeeze from struggling oil prices have begun expanding into the cruise sector, but what services are they offering? How difficult a transition might it be? And should established yards have cause for concern? World Cruise Industry Review speaks to experts from across the industry to find out.
An enduring saga: shipping experience for the over-50s customer
Saga has embarked on a new-build programme for the fi rst time in its history. Andrea Valentino meets Saga’s new-build director, David Pickett, to talk fuel effi ciency, leveraging existing partnerships and the challenges of building a ship with the over-50s in mind.
Rebranding the European cruise industry
As a destination and source market, Europe has been a major driver of growth in recent years. But how can it maintain and build upon such success while the industry’s attention is drawn towards new emerging markets, and what legislative and logistical hindrances still exist? Tom Fecke, secretary-general for CLIA Europe, and Jens Skrede, Cruise Europe’s managing director, share their thoughts with Eleanor Wilson.
Disruptive lifestyle: cruising 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, plans to appeal to untapped market segments and the creation of a corporate culture that is unafraid to do things a little differently.
Seabourn Encore: bigger and better luxury cruises
Having entered full service in January 2017, Seabourn Encore is Seabourn Cruise Line’s largest ship to date, boasting an additional deck and expanded public areas. Fuel consumption is also significantly reduced by optimisation of the ship’s hydrodynamics. World Cruise Industry Review charts the evolution of the vessel.
Progressive partnership: Royal Caribbean Cruises joins WWF
Last year, Royal Caribbean Cruises (RCL) launched a five-year global partnership with the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF), centred on emissions reductions and supply chain sustainability. With a joint report soon to be released, Ross Davies hears from RCL’s Rob Zeigler and WWF’s Jeff Malcolm on the partnership’s potential to create a more environmentally progressive industry.
Passenger ships, new route for drug smugglers
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: cruising gyms for the fitness freaks
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.