Cruise and Ferry Review - Summer/Spring 2020

1 5 KEYNOTE Carnival Corporation aims to build similar partnerships with port operators, destination authorities, tourism operators, community leaders and other local businesses and service providers in all 700 ports it sails to worldwide. According to Donald, it’s a crucial part of a key company mantra: happy locals, happy guests. “If locals don’t want cruise ships visiting their hometown, they won’t be warm and welcoming towards our guests, which could be detrimental for both our revenue and the destination’s economy,” he explains. “We work with partners worldwide to promote the socio-economic benefits of our cruising, such as the fact that every direct job role created by the cruise industry leads to another four or five indirect employment opportunities, usually in ports and destinations. The most powerful and effective way to help dispel any cruise industry myths and address any concerns is for residents to hear all the facts from local leaders they know and trust, rather than from us.” This approach is particularly effective when it comes to explaining the cruise industry’s environmental impact. Following a US$20 million fine for violating environmental regulations, Carnival Corporation has renewed efforts to collaborate with destination, technology, shipyard and other partners to find ways to significantly lower its environmental impact in 2020 and beyond. “Excelling in safety and environmental protection and compliance has always been, and will always continue to be, our highest priority,” he stresses. “Global warming and climate change are real threats and, speaking from the heart as a father and grandfather, I’m genuinely invested in doing my best to leave behind a healthy planet for future generations. Along with everyone else at Carnival Corporation and its brands, I’m committed to developing, or investing in, innovative new green technologies that will optimise our operations, decrease our emissions and cut our fuel consumption so that we can eventually become a zero- emissions cruise corporation.” Although current technology limitations mean that it will be several years before Carnival Corporation can fully achieve this ambitious goal, all nine brands are already well on their way to making it a reality. “We set 10 environmental sustainability goals and implemented a myriad of new technologies and initiatives to achieve them,” says Donald. “We’ve taken a holistic approach, installing solutions such as smart elevators, LED lighting, energy-efficient hotel machinery and reverse osmosis water systems. Plus, we’ve fine-tuned ship engines, modulate sailing speeds, revised itineraries and much more.” Arnold Donald celebrates Costa Smeralda’s christening with Neil Palomba, president of Costa Cruises, and Michael Thamm, CEO of Costa Group and Carnival Asia