Cruise & Ferry Review - Autumn/Winter 2021

6 1 There are no size restrictions for vessels cruising on lakes, which means they can feature catamaran hulls and masts for quieter and more eco-friendly sailing the adventurous few who are comfortable relying on the expertise of niche operators to keep them safe. Reopening the global cruise industry will also provide investment opportunities for investors and backers, particularly in comparison to land-based hotel resorts, which tend to only be of local importance. The most prestigious holiday resorts are located in beautiful, but fragile and remote places that are difficult to reach or leave if necessary. These resorts occupy large areas and irreversibly alter the natural environment. And, however beautiful and well equipped, they become monotonous for guests because they are static and offer limited activities. Cruise ships, on the other hand, are equipped with advanced technical equipment to help reduce their impact on the environment, so they achieve maximum operational and energy efficiency. In addition, they have more recreational options than land-based resorts, and they are less impacted by seasonality, which means the industry is able to amortise costs more effectively. Although it is a conservative choice that recalls the humble beginnings of cruise industry, proximity travel has many advantages. Not only is it reassuring for travellers who wish to minimise their use of public transport, but it is also reliable for operators who can more easily manage logistics for ships sailing in safe domestic waters. For guests on proximity cruises, the ship becomes like a second home – it is comfortable, always close by and provides a worry- free environment for them to rediscover the value of familiar places that are sometimes forgotten and undervalued because they are too close to home. Lakes provide an unexplored opportunity for proximity cruises, particularly in places like Central Europe where operators have the chance to sail eco-friendly itineraries that last more than a week. They offer an interesting alternative to river cruises because there are no limits on the width and heights of the vessels. Hence, operators can use stable catamarans with a low draft that can be powered by ultra-modern technological sails assisted by silent electric thrusters that activate paddle wheels. Consequently, cruise vessels designed for operating on lakes are much more efficient than river ships. CFR Vittorio Garroni is the founder of Garroni Design