Cruise & Ferry Review - Spring/Summer 2021

1 6 5 to discuss how to best work together to safely resume cruise activities. The main goal is to enable our members to improve their daily operations and long-term strategies for the ‘new normal’. Furthermore, we’ve established a dedicated Covid-19 section on our website to provide safety information and updates on when cruise lines and ships are scheduled to resume service in our region. What valuable lessons have you learned from MedCruise member ports that have successfully welcomed cruise ships since the pandemic? Many Mediterranean ports have worked intensively to create safe conditions for cruise guests and their efforts are commendable. Of course, only a limited number of cruise lines have returned to service, so not all ports have received calls yet. Although there were some reservations and false alarms when ships initially returned, I’m glad to say that cruise lines, crew and guests have all been happy with the operations. Our member ports have learned four key things. First, it’s important to stay in close contact with cruise lines when orchestrating the whole process. Second, the entity managing the port must have a clear plan to ensure all protocols have been applied correctly. Third, they need to provide simple yet detailed information to cruise guests so they’re aware of the new safety measures. Fourth, and most difficult of all, ports need to communicate to locals and tourist destinations that they have made all the necessary provisions for safe cruising. MedCruise will continue to educate ports and destinations on how they can further improve on all these fronts. How will MedCruise’s new marketing campaigns help to encourage guests to return to Mediterranean cruises? We’ve produced five videos that focus on the culture, history, nature, gastronomy and touristic activities on offer at destinations in the Mediterranean Sea, Adriatic Sea, Black Sea, Red Sea and Near Atlantic. These powerful videos emphasise the sights, smells and tastes of each country, showcasing the types of lifetime memories guests can create when they cruise in the Mediterranean and its adjoining seas. What is your aim for MedCruise as it celebrates its silver anniversary in 2021? It’s important for us to reflect on the past but also to focus on the future and welcome the coming cruise seasons with hope and optimism. We’ll continue to devote our efforts to make our association stronger and more useful for all members to ensure the sustainable growth of cruise activities in the region. Coming together in 1996 was the beginning, advancing together is our greatest achievement, and continuing to work together will secure our long- lasting success. CFR MedCruise members, such as the Port of Kotor in Montenegro, are working hard to implement new health and safety measures to protect cruise guests, crew and local communities