Cruise & Ferry Review - Spring/Summer 2021

5 9 Guests on Albatros Expeditions’ ships can enjoy dining outside, giving them the chance to spot wildlife and admire the passing scenery remain closed to cruise ships for the rest of 2021, for example, has been a significant blow. “We had planned for two ships to cruise the Great Lakes, and one to sail from Vancouver to Alaska,” says Wertanzl. “But we’re now having to rethink without answers to many of the questions we’re facing. However, we have always operated at a level way beyond compliance and we’ll continue to follow protocols that more than satisfy everyone. It’s especially important now that we eliminate the fear of travelling.” While the Covid-19 pandemic has been challenging to navigate, it has also provided CMI Leisure with a unique opportunity to identify areas for improvement. The company has enhanced its training programmes and reviewed all of its operating processes and manuals. “Our onboarding programme for new crew members is a critical process for setting out the standards that we expect them to achieve and the way we want them to engage with passengers,” says Wertanzl. “They must live up to the brand values set by our shipowners and/ or charterers to make sure that passengers get the vacation experience they’ve been promised, and we must ensure they have all the skills and knowledge they need to do this.” In addition, the pause in operations has enabled CMI Leisure’s team to reflect on what it has achieved to date and what goals it aspires to attain in the future. “The strength of the human spirit and our natural problem-solving instincts are getting us through this crisis, in our business, in the cruise industry and in the wider world,” says Wertanzl. “And our natural penchant for travel has created a pent-up demand that will revive the industry when restrictions are lifted.” Forging strong client relationships has always been a fundamental tenet of CMI Leisure’s business approach, and Wertanzl aims to continue building on this in the future. The benefits of this strategy are exemplified by the company’s strong partnership with Albatros Expeditions. “Søren Rasmussen, the owner of Albatros Expeditions, is a pioneer of small-ship expedition cruising,” says Wertanzl. “He has an unrivalled depth of knowledge and an irresistible passion for this business. We are very fortunate to have the opportunity to work with him and Hans Lagerweij, the company's president, and we treasure this special bond.” Throughout the pandemic, CMI Leisure has been collaborating with the cruise line to design the galleys and develop the food, beverage and hotel concept for its two new expedition cruise vessels, Ocean Victory and Ocean Albatros. “We’re excited that Albatros Expeditions is getting its first new ship this November and a second in November 2022 – both vessels will delight guests and support the company’s growth plans,” says Wertanzl. “We’ve got a special connection with these ships because we designed the galley. It’s a first for us and using all of our experience in food preparation