All articles by Schattopadhaya
Schattopadhaya
Collision course
The Covid-19 pandemic has sent shock waves through the global travel industry, with the cruise sector facing unique and widespread challenges. Sailings are cancelled and builds delayed, with the potential for customer-apprehension about stepping back on board high. With cruise lines needing to restructure operations and build public trust, how does the sector proceed from here, and what steps are already being taken? Irenie Forshaw investigates.
In deep water
Beginning the year with bulging order sheets, the lockdown has forced shipbuilders to shutter their yards, delaying some new build and refurbishment programmes, and stopping others in their tracks. Francesca Walker-Stevens investigates how they are adapting to this new reality, and how quickly deliveries can be expected to come back on track after the global economy finally reopens.
The French connection
A European Commission decision on whether to approve Fincantieri’s merger with Chantiers de l’Atlantique has been delayed, but, whatever the call, it is likely to have a profound impact on cruise shipbuilding on the continent. With uncertainty only further increased by the impact of Covid-19, Adele Berti looks back at the troubled history of this agreement between two of Europe’s three largest yards, and hears from experts on what any decision might mean for the sector at large.
Inside story
Seven Seas Splendor was among the most eagerly anticipated launches of 2020, boasting, among a number of other highlights, the largest luxury suite at sea. With interiors overseen by Tillberg Design, the promise has long been that this ship will redefine maritime luxury and set new standards for the sector to follow. Abi Millar speaks to Tillberg partner Helena Sawelin about the designs underpinning these promises, and asks what premium guests are looking for from interiors in today’s cruise sector.
Travelling salesmen
How instagrammable can a cruise holiday be? That’s the question confronting cruise lines and the passengers they’re looking to attract. With multiple 2018 launches hailed for their Instagram-friendly designs, Tim Gunn turns to Instagrammers, social media managers, and entrepreneurs to find out how important the app might be to promoting and, ultimately, enjoying a cruise.
Designs on the ocean
Adam Tihany is famed for his intricate, bold design of restaurant and hotel spaces. As he brings his stylistic sensibility to the Nieuw Statendam, Greg Noone looks back at the designer’s long career, and asks how a commitment to delivering the ‘architecture of music’ influenced the grand hallways and atria aboard Holland America’s latest new build.
Variations on a theme of cruising
Hobnobbing with famous authors, enjoying high fashion and dancing with the stars – themed cruises offer experiences that would otherwise be out of reach on land. Abi Millar chats to Lee Powell from Cunard and Crystal Cruises’ Keith Cox about the principles behind these once-in-a-lifetime holidays.
If the cap fits
Last year, the IMO agreed to cap sulphur emissions from all ships. With less than a year to go before the enforcement of the new rules, Jim Banks talks to Tom Strang from Carnival and Dr Lucy Gilliam from Transport & Environment about the implications of the new regulations and whether the industry is prepared.
Jewels of the Levant
Riven by terror attacks and economic instability in recent years, the Eastern Mediterranean is once again being viewed optimistically by cruise operators. Bradford Keen speaks with Justin Poulsen, vice-president for strategic pricing and itinerary planning at Silversea, and Chris Theophilides, CEO at Celestyal Cruises, about why interest in the region is reviving.
Cruising with tourist popularity: Mexican wave
Mexico emerged triumphant from the ups and downs of 2017, named as passengers’ most popular destination in CruiseCompete’s ‘CruiseTrends 2017 Annual Report’. Eleanor Wilson discusses the secret of its success with Michele Paige, president of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association, and Neil Rippon, Princess Cruises’ vice-president of product management.