World Cruise Network-Updates

Royal Carribean International: Cast in Shadow

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 19:00:00 GMT

Adam Goldstein is tight-lipped about Project Sunshine, but he is clearly excited by the changes being ushered in. Royal Caribbean International’s CEO tells Phin Foster how the company is responding to a shift in guest demographics, and why the new-bu…

Costa Crociere: Made in Italy

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 16:50:00 GMT

The European cruise industry enjoyed a record year in 2010, helped by the success of its largest group Costa Crociere. Phin Foster meets chairman and CEO Pier Luigi Foschi to discuss new ships, Italian heritage and cultural identity.

The Shipping Forecast

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 15:32:00 GMT

The year 2011 has been challenging for the cruise industry, with world economic events making cabins difficult to fill. Gregg Michel from Crystal Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line’s Kevin Sheehan discuss the lessons learned from a tough year and thei…

The Arab Spring Aftermath: Knowledge is Power

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Cruise ships are returning to Egypt and Tunisia, but the Arab Spring revolutions continue to affect the industry. Giovanni Spadoni of MedCruise and Neil Palomba of MSC Cruises speak to Andrea Ashfield about their response to the geopolitical upheaval…

Fleet Upgrades: Refitting the Bill

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

As cruise fleets age, the coming years are going to see busy refurbishment schedules.
Ian Duncan talks to Carnival’s Peter Fetten and Royal Caribbean’s Kevin Douglas about how operators are getting ready for the deluge.

New Wave Attractions

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Onboard cinemas and theatres are going through a purple patch. Guests are now being
treated to the latest 3D blockbusters and theatre productions in surroundings that supersede many multiplexes and West End playhouses. Ross Davies caught up with…

Exit Strategy: Evacuations at Sea

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Evacuations of cruise ships are rare, but operators are always looking for ways to improve their emergency procedures. Ian Duncan talks to Royal Caribbean’s Chris van Raalten and Princess Cruises’ Paul Debnam about the latest thinking.

The Challenge of the Green Agenda

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Environmental issues are at the top of the cruise industry’s agenda, not least because of a rising tide of regulation. Cruise lines have invested heavily in new technology, better processes and training, but still face a huge task to stay compliant. …

IT and the Guest Experience: Make the Connection

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

IT’s behind-the-scenes role, underpinning and improving the guest experience, is often overlooked. Giuseppe Flammia, chief information officer at MSC Cruises, talks to World Cruise Industry Review about the importance of business partnering and why i…

Designer Dining

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Cruise lines are searching for the next big thing as they look to expand their culinary options. Rhian Owen asks Carnival UK’s Steve Williams, HAL’s Rudi Sodamin and Enrico Borniotto of MSC if celebrity chefs are now de rigueur on board.

A Clean Prospect

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Rising fuel prices and increasingly stringent environmental legislation are two of the industry’s biggest challenges. Andrea Ashfield asks Bob Lintott, chairman of the International Bunker Industry Association, how operators can maximise profitabilit…

Cleaner Fuels: Sky's the Limit

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

IMO regulations concerning sulphur emissions becoming ever more stringent. This has led to a pressing need to source more environmentally friendly fuels. Abi Millar talks to James Hunn,
vice-president of corporate environmental compliance & mar…

Size it Up: the Trend for Larger Ships

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Investment in new vessels is increasingly directed towards larger ships, mostly for reasons of cost-effectiveness. Jim Banks talks to NCL’s Crane Gladding, Disney's Karl Hotz and Cruise Europe’s Jens Skrede to discover what this trend means for costs…

Oil Prices: Hedge Your Bets

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Oil prices are set to rise again in light of the recent unrest in Libya and the Middle East. This has made fuel price risk management is a top priority within the cruise liner industry. Ross Davies examines how operators can offset potential losses t…

Interiors: Crystal Clear Inspiration

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Crystal Cruises spent $25m refurbishing the Crystal Serenity. It underlines the company's commitment to providing the finest luxury experience at sea, and brings the amount the operator has spent on its two ships over the past two years to $50m. Prin…

Keep it Fresh: Onboard Food and Beverage Innovation

Mon, 09 May 2011 23:00:00 GMT

High standards of quality food and a wide-ranging menu play a huge part in passenger satisfaction on cruises. Andrea Ashfield talks to Royal Caribbean's Frank Weber and Holland America's Steve Kirsch about the strategies their lines use to ensure onb…

Room for Improvement: In-Cabin Entertainment

Mon, 09 May 2011 23:00:00 GMT

Spurred by developments in the hotel sector, cruise lines are paying ever greater attention to in-cabin entertainment. Seabourn's Christopher Prelog and MSC Cruises' Tim Skinner talk to Rod James about the influence of consumer electronics on passeng…

Special Attention: Onboard Spas

Mon, 09 May 2011 23:00:00 GMT

Onboard spas are now de rigueur, cruise brochures are full of 'wellness centres' and 'unique spa experiences'. It seems cruise lines all over the world are trying to outdo each other to offer the most complete, customer-tailored spa facilities. Wo…

Lap of Luxury: High-End Brand Survival

Mon, 09 May 2011 23:00:00 GMT
Yachts of Seabourn proves that high-end brands can thrive in a tough economic climate. Leaving the line with an impressive success rate - with full sailings, record bookings and unparalleled growth, outgoing president and CEO Pamela Conover tells Phi…

Size Up: One-Size-Fits-All Ports and Terminals

Mon, 09 May 2011 23:00:00 GMT
Ships such as Oasis of the Seas are changing the face of cruise shipping. Andrea Ashfield asks Royal Caribbean's Juan Trescastro and Fred.Olsen's Matt Grimes how ports and terminals have developed to accommodate these big ships, while continui…