Cruise and Ferry Review - Summer/Spring 2020

8 0 the Arctic are amazing places, but they’re otherwise hard to reach.” Onorato agrees, noting that with just a 2% penetration in the global holiday market, there’s great scope for all cruise lines to attract more new-to-cruise customers. “We’ve all been doing a better job, alongside our travel trade partners, to communicate the joys of cruising,” he says. “MSC Cruises grew by 800% in our first 10 years of operation and much of that success was down to the relationship we have with the travel trade. We have 35,000 travel agencies in our global network – more than any other line – and together we work well together to make sure our ships are full. Our biggest challenge is supply rather than demand.” It’s clear to see that all three executives consider cruising as the best form of holiday. “I love cruising because it is the best way to reach some of the most pristine destinations in the world,” says Martinoli. “Some of my best travel memories are from cruises in unique destinations such as the Galapagos and Russian Far East.” Meanwhile, Ludlow likes the fact that cruising offers multiple opportunities for a truly personalised holiday experience. “It can be a spa holiday, an activity break, a sightseeing and cultural experience, a food and drink discovery, a break to get away from everything with family and friends – or a combination of all of those,” he says. Onorato adds: “One set of luggage, numerous destinations to explore and modern ships that provide a range of activities, entertainment and restaurants. Cruising is fantastic value for money – what’s not to love?” CFR Onboard attractions like MSC Cruises’ Arizona Aqua Park make cruising a popular holiday choice for young families ROUNDTABLE “The world we live in has a habit of throwing unexpected challenges at the transport sector” Gianni Onorato, MSC Cruises