All articles by shirleyaccini

shirleyaccini

Retrofit special: design below decks

Set against a backdrop of economic gloom and legislative deadlines, engine-room efficiency has become a priority. This will forever alter the way ships consume fuel. Ross Davies reports on the growing trend of retrofitting as the industry looks to meet these demands as smoothly as possible.

Salad days: onboard menus

Growth in specific dietary requirements and popular demand for healthy eating options has forced cruise operators to position nutrition and well-being at the forefront of food and beverage operations. Holland America Line’s director of culinary operations Steve Kirsch discusses how best to maintain a balance.

Cruising down under: on the up

For years, Australia’s cruise sector was served primarily by a domestic brand and older vessels from the likes of Princess Cruises and Holland America, but it is now one of the world’s fastest-growing markets with more cruise lines and prestigious vessels flocking to the country. Jim Banks talks to Cunard Line’s Peter Shanks and Celebrity Cruises Australia’s Gavin Smith to examine its growing appeal.

Cruise weddings: all aboard the love boat

Weddings are becoming big business for the cruise industry, as operators enter an increasingly saturated market. But with legal constraints in place, some ships are having to take difficult measures before they can get brides and grooms onboard. Abi Millar examines the challenges of providing ceremonies at sea.

Fuel sourcing: satisfaction guaranteed

Keeping costs down, meeting regulatory commitments and ensuring availability – all are priorities for cruise lines. These all demand a huge amount of collaboration from fuel suppliers. Paul Litvinov, Royal Caribbean International, explains how the financial landscape has transformed partner priorities and the work that still needs to be done by both sides to maintain and cultivate a healthy relationship.

Ship emissions: all things considered

Legislation requires ships at sea to reduce their emissions of sulphur dioxide. Research into making current fuels more environmentally friendly is progressing, but lines also need to consider technological capabilities and economic realities, says Jamie Sweeting, Royal Caribbean International.

Cruise supply and command

As lines extend their itineraries, it is vital they maintain the versatility and reliability of their supply chains. Throw in tightened security standards and a demanding customer base, and supply chain management becomes a key area for investment. Giorgio Zagami from MSC Cruises and Alvin Dennis of Norwegian Cruise Line discuss their companies’ approaches, and the vital role that technology has to play in driving future efficiency gains.

Plug the gap with cold ironing

The cruise industry is looking to embrace a greener future, particularly when it comes to lowering emission levels. MSC Cruises’ environmental coordinator Francesco Balbi discusses the latest developments in cold ironing.

Bring me Sunshine: Carnival Destiny’s makeover

The renovation of Carnival Destiny into Carnival Sunshine marks the cruise industry’s most ambitious refurbishment project. World Cruise Industry Review profiles the project and asks whether revitalisation programmes on this scale are an indication of things to come.

ECC and CLIA: safety in numbers

Two cruise line industry organisations reacted swiftly following January’s sinking of Costa Concordia. Phil Davies talks to David Dingle, executive member of the
European Cruise Council, and Bud Darr, Cruise Lines International Association, about their collaboration to introduce new voluntary safety measures ahead of any enforced legislation.