Cruise & Ferry Review - Spring/Summer 2021

Hope and optimism abound in the passenger shipping industry as some parts of the world appear to be emerging from the Covid-19 pandemic and cruise and ferry lines prepare to resume normal operations when it is safe to do so. In our keynote on page 8, Carnival Corporation leader Arnold Donald says: “I’m optimistic that most, if not all, of our vessels will be back in service by the end of 2021 or early 2022”. Meanwhile, MSC Cruises’ Pierfrancesco Vago notes that “holidays will become more meaningful” in an interview on page 42, suggesting that this bodes well for the industry as it delivers unparalleled adventures for guests. After a year of maintaining essential, but often profitless, trade routes, the ferry sector has been badly bruised by the pandemic. However, it is set for a welcome boost when passenger operations resume in earnest, hopefully this summer. “We’re ready to really thrive in a very different world,” says P&O Ferries’ Peter Hebblethwaite on page 81. Interferry CEO Mike Corrigan echoes this sentiment in his regular column on page 76, highlighting how the pandemic has created a wider customer base for the ferry industry to tap into. Elsewhere in this issue, we focus on other prominent topics. For example, we have a compelling feature on navigation and communication technology on page 114, and our regular Green List feature on page 152, which showcases a selection of ports that have made great environmental strides. Whether taking a voyage to Norwegian Cruise Line’s Great Stirrup Cay (read our cover story on page 36), a short journey on an E-Flexer ferry (read our Ferry Business roundtable on page 78) or something entirely different, your next seagoing adventure will be memorable for all the right reasons. I hope you enjoy the issue. Jon Ingleton Executive Editor, Cruise & Ferry Review Hope on the horizon Foreword S S / 21 CONTRIBUTORS CFR would like to thank all of those who contributed to this issue, including: Justin Merrigan Justin is a communications practitioner with more than 30 years of experience in the ferry sector, including 10 years with Incat Tasmania. Tony Roberts Tony serves as both vice president of Princess Cruises UK & Europe, and chair of Cruise Lines International Association UK & Ireland. Johan Roos Formerly Stena Group’s head of sustainability, Johan became Interferry regulatory affairs director in 2011 and represents the association at the International Maritime Organization and other maritime authorities. Michele Witthaus Michele is a former editor of Cruise & Ferry Review . Now freelance, she writes about passenger shipping and ports with a particular focus on maritime sustainability. 1