Cruise & Ferry Review - Spring/Summer 2021

1 4 6 V IEWPOINT Signs of hope By Patrick McNulty, Bourne Group The Covid-19 pandemic has had a detrimental impact on many companies operating in the cruise sector, but they can remain successful by adapting to meet clients’ new needs P rior to the Covid-19 pandemic, the cruise sector was a challenging, but exciting and dynamic, industry. Everyone from designers and manufacturers to outfitters and service providers took great pride in playing their part in helping cruise lines create fun, adventurous or luxurious experiences for their guests – and we enjoyed travelling the world while we did it. That’s why it was hard not to fear the worst when global operations ground to a halt in March 2020. Certainly, the past year has been a struggle for Bourne Group and many of our colleagues and friends, and we know that the tough times are not yet over as our clients will be tightening their belts when it comes to spending during the industry’s recovery period. However, we also know that to remain successful, we must embrace change and ensure our business is lean and agile so we can meet clients’ needs as they arise. Bourne Group has spent almost 14 years perfecting the art of crafting high-quality signage, graphics and wall coverings, and we do not anticipate reinventing our core business because of the pandemic. Instead, we have proactively anticipated what our clients’ needs may be as they prepare to resume operations, leveraging our knowledge and experience to assemble comprehensive return-to-service signage catalogues. These catalogues have been well received by the industry, particularly because we have considered the materials and substrates that can be used on ships and all the new health and safety protocols. In addition, we are using this time to build on our relentless work ethic, problem-solving skills and ambition to hone our craft – and diversify more across many sectors. With all the uncertainty that still surrounds us, the one thing I have tried to embrace throughout this past year is the notion that something will always come up. Our clients have always called on us to adapt and readapt to their needs, and this keeps everything new, fresh and exciting. It also brings out the very best in us, and it will be no different this time. CFR Patrick McNulty is owner and principal of Bourne Group Bourne Group’s headquarters in Charleston, South Carolina