By
Alex Smith |
Cruise Britain has confirmed incumbent chair, Ian McQaude, for a second tenure as its director and appointed a new Steering Group at its annual winter event in London.
The Steering Group will include Mary Bond of Seatrade; Perry Dack of Solent Stevedores; Ian Diaper of Portsmouth International Port; Gary Hall of Belfast Harbour; Isla Haddow of Denholm Port Services; Rebekah Keeler of ABP Southampton; Kate O’Hara of Fowey Harbour and James Stangroom of Bristol Port. They will begin a three-year term at the start of 2025 and will be joined by new cruise line representative Kai Algar, marine and port planning manager at Fred. Olsen Cruise Line.
The sixth London event saw 120 attendees, including 34 cruise executives from 20 cruise operators, gather for a day including two trips on the River Thames, a speech by the Governor of the Tower of London and a quiz.
Over 40 ports and destinations from across all four UK home nations and the Crown dependencies of the Isle of Man, Guernsey and Jersy are represented by Cruise Britain, including new member Stornoway. The community also includes service providers such as ground handlers, shore excursion specialists, port agents, stevedores and car parking operators.
Cruise Britain gathers members together three times a year, with spring sessions focusing on regulation, legislation and imminent challenges, while summer events visit a member port to go onboard a cruise ship.
“2024 has been another successful year for Cruise Britain and its members,” said Ian McQuade, chair of Cruise Britain. “Our thanks must go to all the cruise lines that we’ve worked with and who are increasing their presence in Britain and British Isles waters; and also to all our generous sponsors for events across the year. Our membership is immensely supportive and this is reflected in the presence that the association is able to maintain. Our springboard to 2025 is looking on a firm footing and I look forward to next year.”