Plain Sailing It might not be plain sailing for the cruise industry but enhanced health and safety protocols together with successful restarts and a healthy pipeline point to recovery. Words: Catherine Martin • Photography: © MSC Cruises
W
hile the global pandemic
focus on design and the ensuing guest experience
of Europe and Asia has instilled confidence
has
unexpected
were high on the agenda for many a cruise line,
amongst both operators and passengers that
benefits for both society
but along came a virus that saw even the best-
such journeys can be taken safely. Singapore
and the environment – a
made plans grind to a halt. “As with the rest
Tourism Board’s CruiseSafe Certification
welcome slowdown in
of the world, our plans for 2020 were turned
kickstarted the sector when it launched in
pace of life and a marked
upside-down at the emergence of the Covid-19
October 2020, with Genting and Royal Caribbean
reduction in harmful CO2 emissions – its impact
pandemic, culminating in the voluntary
amongst the first to sign up. The scheme’s
on businesses operating in the hospitality,
suspension of cruise operations worldwide in
strict guidelines stipulate that ships are to
travel and tourism sectors has been, in a
mid-March,” continues Craighead, speaking in
operate at a reduced capacity of up to 50%, are
word, catastrophic. There’s no denying that
CLIA’s State of the Cruise Industry Outlook for
for Singapore residents only, and must depart
the lockdowns sweeping the globe have hit
2021. “In the months that followed, our industry
and return to the same port with no stop-offs in
operations, jobs and revenues across the
wasted no time engaging leading experts and
between. The stamp of approval confirms that
board, but for a sector that was in the midst of
government authorities to strengthen already
sailings meet comprehensive health and safety
unprecedented growth, the repercussions have
robust public health measures and to put people
requirements and has so far been a resounding
been particularly hard to take.
and communities first.”
success, so much so that Royal Caribbean has
had
“The reality of 2020 sits in stark contrast
Published at the end of 2020, CLIA’s report
announced that Quantum of the Seas will
to the year that immediately preceded it,”
outlines the immediate response to the
continue sailing from Singapore through to
confirms Kelly Craighead, President and CEO of
pandemic and addresses the enhanced protocols
October 2021, marking its longest season yet.
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).
required for a return to service. According to
Genting meanwhile restarted service on World
“In 2019, the global cruise industry welcomed
the association, which represents 57 cruise
Dream with Singapore as its debut homeport;
nearly 30 million passengers, creating jobs
lines accounting for 95% of global capacity,
more recently, the group has resumed sailings
for 1.8 million people around the world and
there were more than 200 sailings between July
from Hong Kong, offering two- and three-
contributing over US$154 billion to the global
and December 2020, demonstrating that new
night ‘seacations’ for the city’s residents.
economy. With this growth came increased
protocols were operationally successful. Full
In the UK, cruising restarted on 17 May 2021
recognition of cruising as one of the best ways
passenger and crew testing on embarkation
in line with the easing of restrictions for indoor
to experience the world, and our industry was
as well as additional screenings throughout
hospitality spaces. Sailings are once again only
focused on achieving previously unthinkable
the trip were just some of the measures put
for domestic travellers, though some operators
milestones to pave the path for a brighter and
in place, along with compulsory face masks,
have been wary of diving straight in. Cunard
more sustainable future.”
physical distancing and ventilation strategies.
for example has launched a series of staycation
A return to the water for cruise ships in parts
voyages on board Queen Elizabeth, but it will be
Refurbishments, newbuilds and a renewed
