SHIPPING FORECAST ON WATER
Beacon of Hope Prior to 2020, demand for cruise holidays was on the rise. The
l’Atlantique shipyard for interior fit-out. Celebrity Cruises
need for newer, larger and ever more ambitious vessels was
meanwhile marked the keel laying of Celebrity Beyond, the
growing and shipyards were booked up for years to come. 2018
next ship in the Edge Series, and P&O took delivery of Iona,
saw the arrival of the 6,680-capacity Symphony of the Seas
its new LNG-powered ship. The benefits of those ships under
– the largest cruise ship in the world – and there was no sign
construction or in the pipeline, is that layouts can be altered
of a slowdown. But of course 2020 came along and has since
and new antimicrobial finishes specified for a post-Covid
thrown the very existence of mega-ships into question thanks
generation of traveller – the work goes on for the sector’s
to concerns over confined spaces and proximity to others.
suppliers of products and services.
However there is hope. Despite the immediate headwinds,
Operators meanwhile are working together to come up with
interest remains robust and new construction has continued.
solutions to get ships back on the water, and they can take
There have inevitably been delays, and potentially a drop in
some comfort from the pent-up demand that will inevitably
future orders, but vessels already in the works have pushed
see bookings return when it’s safe to do so. The passenger
ahead. In September, Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas
experience may be a little different, but with enhanced
hit a significant milestone as it transferred to Chantiers de
measures and the right communication, cruising will return.
000
