Cruise & Ferry Review - Autumn/Winter 2021

CONTRIBUTORS CFR would like to thank all of those who contributed to this issue, including: Vittorio Garroni Vittorio founded Italian studio Garroni Design in 1971, building on his expertise in yacht design to deliver luxurious interiors with an Italian flair on multiple passenger ships. He also lectured on maritime design for 40 years. Simon Johnson Simon is the director of Shipshape Consulting and CFR ’s expert ferry industry advisor. He regularly contributes to the Ferry Business section of the magazine, often hosting roundtables. Susan Parker Susan has written about the shipping industry since 1990 and was editor of Lloyd’s Cruises International until 2008. She is now a freelance cruise shipping specialist. Sandra Speares Sandra has more than 20 years’ experience of writing about the cruise and ferry industry, as well as the technical, legal and regulatory issues affecting the sector. These turbulent times have tested the resilience of every industry. However, while it is emerging from the pandemic severely bruised, the global passenger shipping sector is still able to deliver amazing vacation adventures and is well-positioned for a profitable future. In fact, Royal Caribbean Group’s Richard Fain predicts that the industry’s “growth trajectory will undoubtedly continue long into the future” in our keynote on page 8. Credit for our industry’s survival is shared with every stakeholder group. Cruise Lines International Association’s Kelly Craighead proudly recounts the industry’s collective strength on page 64, saying: “We wouldn’t have been able to overcome the devastating impacts if it were not for the resilience and support of the wider cruise community.” Our cover story on page 36 explores how MSC Cruises led both my own and the industry’s safe return to international cruising in summer 2020 with insights from Gianni Onorato, Adrian Pittaway and Marialuisa Iaccarino. Starting on page 40, our Cruise Business section is full of joyous reports of happy passengers returning to the seas. “The response to our cruises thus far has been nothing short of sensational,” says Carnival Cruise Line’s Christine Duffy on page 46. Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ Julian Pfitzner is similarly upbeat, noting “increased levels of customer satisfaction” on page 56. Broadly speaking, ferry passenger volumes are lower than expected due to “new variants and fluctuating infection rates,” says Interferry’s Mike Corrigan on page 69. But justifiable optimism is still driving action and investment. “We could be about to see a renaissance in ferry travel,” forecasts Brittany Ferries’ Christophe Mathieu on page 74. Both cruise and ferry operators will prioritise rebuilding passenger volumes and yields in the years ahead. Meanwhile, greater investment in crew well-being, health and safety, sustainability and technology will protect our industry for future generations to enjoy. All of these topics and more feature in this issue. Happy reading! Jon Ingleton Executive Editor, Cruise & Ferry Review Triumphant return Foreword AW / 21