Cruise and Ferry Review - Summer/Spring 2020

7 8 New ships like P&O Cruises’ Iona are helping to inspire travellers to try cruising for the first time Overcoming cruise challenges Sandra Speares asks three cruise executives how they are turning some of the industry’s biggest challenges into new opportunities for growth ROUNDTABLE S taying up to date with ever-evolving technology trends, reacting to geopolitical issues and tackling environmental challenges are high on the agenda of every cruise executive for 2020, including Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises. “The pace at which technology changes constantly raises the bar in different aspects of many peoples’ lives, and holidays are no exception,” he says. “We keep up to speed with technological developments and, wherever possible, stay one step ahead. The world we live in has a habit of throwing unexpected challenges at the transport sector, but cruise ships are flexible assets, so we’re able to re-work our sailing schedules nimbly if geopolitical challenges enter the arena.” Like the wider public, MSC Cruises aims to do its bit to tackle climate change. “Becoming the first major cruise line to offset carbon emissions on 1 January 2020 was a big step forward but there’s more to be done in our quest to reach zero emissions,” says Onorato. Another key challenge facing cruise operators is growing competition, says Roberto Martinoli, president and CEO of Silversea Cruises. “The luxury cruise industry keeps growing and this is a positive sign for all operators, ROBERTO MARTINOLI President and CEO of Silversea Cruises GIANNI ONORATO CEO of MSC Cruises PAUL LUDLOW President of P&O Cruises The panel: