APT’s Travelmarvel Contemporary Class River Ships will set sail in Europe in March 2022 reschedule the launch three times, so we’re really pleased that two ships have now set sail and looking forward to TUI Isla joining the fleet this year. We’ve also had to continually change our programmes to align with government updates and destination requirements; our team have worked hard to ensure changes happened quickly with minimal disruption to customers. And it’s paid off – feedback and ‘intention to recommend’ rates are extremely high. PM: Due to the constant changes in restrictions, not being able to operate in 2021 was our biggest challenge. We had planned to launch some sector-changing new products, including our three Travelmarvel Contemporary Class River Ships, and our new yacht in Croatia, Lady Eleganza – it was deeply frustrating not to be able to unveil them. However, with challenges also came opportunities and the gift of time: we spent last year ensuring that our product would be the best it’s ever been. We couldn’t be more delighted to be bringing our ships to market from March 2022. LR: The pandemic has been a rollercoaster of ups and downs, but I am extremely proud of what we have achieved as an industry. One of the biggest challenges has been the constant changes around testing and quarantining – when you combine the mixed messaging with the on-off red lists, it can all feel a bit overwhelming for British guests. Unlike our European guests, who have been travelling much more during the pandemic, Britons often need to fly to reach embarkation points and the ever-changing restrictions and testing has knocked their confidence. Can you share how you are addressing ongoing sustainability issues? JF: CroisiEurope’s long-standing environmental position focuses on nature as our most valuable asset. We consider ourselves pioneers, as our commitment goes above and beyond our legal obligations. Three of our ships already run on gas to liquid (GTL) fuel which is cleaner than off-road diesel – and we are looking to introduce GTL fuel on our remaining fleet in France. Water savers on all boats result in a 35 per cent saving in drinking water and a 35 per cent reduction in waste; we also have systems to dispose of waste water in the urban sewerage network and/or water treatment stations. 5 5 “We can achieve a return to pre-pandemic growth levels through an increased focus on the long-haul market” John Fair, CroisiEurope Photo: ATP
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