Cruise & Ferry Review - Autumn/Winter 2021

3 CONTENTS 56 8 Cruise Business 40 Michael Ungerer provides an insight into how MSC Group’s new brand Explora Journeys will transform the concept of luxury cruising 44 Crystal Cruises’ Jack Anderson discusses the outlook for the luxury cruise line 46 Christine Duffy outlines the future for Carnival Cruise Line as it leads the pack for cruising’s return to US and Caribbean waters Keynote 8 Richard Fain talks about the factors behind the success of Royal Caribbean Group’s momentous return to service in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic Marketwatch 18 A collection of news from ship operators, ports and destinations and other businesses operating in the cruise and ferry sectors, plus an update on the cruise ships pioneering the industry’s restart Cover story 36 MSC Cruises executives explain how the brand has resumed operations and continued to grow sustainably 48 Christian Verhounig speaks about new brand Ambassador Cruise Line, which is set to boost the UK’s cruise market in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic 52 Nigel Blanks shares details of Saga Cruises’ two new boutique, purpose-built ships and how they are redefining cruising in the ex-UK market 54 Tom McAlpin of Virgin Voyages discusses brand heritage, healthy sailors and why the line made the decision to launch in the UK 56 Julian Pfitzner talks about his plans for strengthening the Hapag- Lloyd Cruises brand following his appointment as CEO in January 58 Following Azamara’s purchase by Sycamore Partners, Carol Cabezas speaks to CFR ahead of the line’s first sailing out of the Royal Caribbean family 60 Cruise operators must overcome several hurdles as they navigate the right route to recovery, says Vittorio Garroni of Garroni Design 62 Niels-Erik Lund explains how SunStone Ships is continuing to develop after the challenges of the pandemic 64 Cruise Line International Association’s Kelly Craighead discusses the outlook of the cruise industry