New beginnings Foreword S S / 22 Although Covid-19 continues to be a dominant theme, the perspectives shared within this issue of CFR convey implicit optimism for the future of the global passenger shipping industry. Moreover, other topics are now starting to earn headlines in our consciousness, and these pages, as we fight for a fulfilling future beyond the pandemic. Certainly, the incredible collection of new ships launching this year do not deserve to arrive under a cloud. In the year that Carnival Cruise Line turns 50, it is apt that the brand is taking delivery of Carnival Celebration. Carnival Corporation’s Arnold Donald is understandably sanguine in his keynote, starting on page 12. Celebrity Cruises’ Lisa Lutoff-Perlo will welcome a new addition this year too, Celebrity Beyond. However, in her interview on page 50, her most heartfelt comments are reserved for the company’s crew: “the best part of returning to service was bringing the crew back to work.” And so say all of us. Ferry expert Philippe Holthof inaugurates our new executive interview slot in the Ferry Business section by speaking with Baleària’s Adolfo Utor (page 88), who discusses new market dynamics in the Balearics. Elsewhere, our ‘Interior favourites’ feature on page 154 yields a few surprises. Perhaps not the choice of Carnival’s Christine Duffy, which is well-reasoned despite her claim that “I’m not supposed to have favourites!” We also hear from American Queen Voyages’ Jethro Beck on page 124 and MSC Cruises’ Elisabetta De Nardo on page 212, while ports and destinations share ‘welcome back’ messages in our feature on page 192. Readers can browse through the featured partners in our Marine Operations section on page 148. We’ve endured tough times, but we should be proud of the resilience our industry has shown and celebrate the many people involved in making it happen. Happy reading! Jon Ingleton Executive Editor, Cruise & Ferry Review CONTRIBUTORS CFR would like to thank all of those who contributed to this issue, including: Figen Ayan Figen was appointed as president of MedCruise Association in 2021 and will serve in the role until 2024. She is also chief port officer at Galataport Istanbul in Turkey. Philippe Holthof Philippe began his career as a freelance journalist over 30 years ago and was Shippax’s editor until September 2021, when he stepped down to focus on his consultancy business. He still contributes to select trade publications. Simon Maher Simon Maher is vice president of global sales for cruise maritime services at SES, which provides communication and connectivity services to multiple ship operators. Mary Scott Nabers Mary Scott Nabers is president and CEO of Strategic Partnerships, a USbased business development company specialising in government contracting and procurement consulting. 5
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