The call for the world to ‘build back better’ became a sort of mantra throughout the pandemic, so much so that US President Joe Biden, the UK government and the G7 all latched on to the phrase to set out their plans for recovery. Now, with cruises back up and running, demand surpassing pre-pandemic levels in some cases and many lines relaxing the need for testing or vaccination (depending on the duration and destinations visited), is it a case of business as usual or have things really changed for the better?
Increased sustainability
Environmental concerns have certainly taken centre stage more than ever before, with many new ships pushing the boundaries for lower-emission technology, using cleaner fuels like LNG (liquefied natural gas) or battery power to reduce their impact on the marine ecosystems in which they sail.
Industry body CLIA (the Cruise Lines International Association) estimates that by 2027, more than 80% of its members’ ships will be fitted with advanced wastewater treatment and exhaust gas cleaning systems (where they are not already powered by LNG), and two-thirds will be able to plug into shoreside power when in port, instead of using fuel.
The industry is evolving as quickly as the technology will allow, with some ships now fitted with rechargeable batteries – including the fleet from new Norwegian-owned line Havila Voyages and river cruise ship A-Rosa Sena – allowing them to sail completely silently and emission-free in and out of ports. As stricter environmental regulations come into force in key cruise destinations such as Norway’s Geirangerfjord, where from 2026 only zero-emission ships will be allowed to sail, this is guaranteed to continue shaping the future of the sector.
Catch some winter sun in the Cote D’Azur, an ever-popular cruise spot
(Alamy Stock Photo)
What customers are looking for is changing too, whether because of the influx of first-time cruisers – specialist travel agency Bolsover Cruise Club has seen double the number of ‘new to cruise’ customers this year – or because of shifts in the overall travel landscape.
The rise of flight-free travel has translated into growing demand for cruises that depart from UK ports. Ambassador Cruise Line, which launched its first ship in April, focuses solely on ex-UK cruises from London Tilbury and, starting next year, from another six regional ports including Newcastle, Liverpool, Belfast and Bristol. Italian line MSC Cruises has announced it is keeping MSC…
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