There have been a number of very well publicised incidents involving cruise ships and companies within the last couple of years, the largest and most shocking being the sinking of the Costa Concordia which tragically claimed the lives of thirty two passengers and crew members.
There have also been a number of smaller (and far less serious) incidents which have further tarred the reputation of the entire cruise industry. How can cruise companies and the industry as a whole now work to improve its reputation?
One saving grace is that almost 90% of all cruise holidays are booked through travel agents, rather than online. Travel agents provide a personal, positive and reassuring voice to potential passengers when negative situations come to the fore and are far more-friendly than a computer screen staring back during the online booking process.
One good thing for passengers and potential passengers is that these negative situations force cruise companies and the cruise business into making positive chances which will affect their cruise holidays in the future.
Since the Costa Concordia tragically struck rocks and partially sunk off the Italian island of Giglio in January of 2012 cruise lines have altered their safety measures on board in order to make cruises safer for passengers and crew. This is obviously a very positive step to take in order to protect those who chose to sail with them and should ensure that nothing of this nature will happen again.
Sustainable Cruising is having a Positive Effect
Another positive effect on the cruise industry in recent years, is the issue of sustainable cruising and helping the cruise industry become as environmentally friendly as possible.
This can be done through the use of energy saving LEDs, investment into new power management systems, commitment to recycling, investment in alternative and renewable energy sources and many other energy saving processes.
The industry is already investing in monitoring and improving their impact on the environment, and if this were to be better publicised rather than all of the negative stories which have been put out there by the media in recent years it would balance the story.
People read the negative reviews which are put in-front of them and it does very little to improve their opinion of cruising and cruise holidays.
One main thing this travel sector should continue to do is deliver great holiday experiences to their passengers. The more people who cruise and have fantastic cruise holidays and share these stories with their family and friends, the more the cruise industry’s reputation will improve.
People listen to the opinions of their friends over things they read online, in magazines and in newspapers and if cruise companies can deliver an experience that has people going home and excitedly telling their friends and family about it then it can surely only have a positive effect.
Had any experiences that would you would like to see addressed? Tell us below.
Thanks Emma
2 Responses
One of the ways that Cruise ompanies could improve is by treating single travellers more importantly than they now do.
Is it fair that they have to pay double to cruise or wait until the ship is half empty and then get a no single supplement offer. My experience is that single travellers spend a lot on excursions, drinks etc and are good travellers.
I would say that I am not particularly well treated by agents, but some of the companies I contact direct are very helpful and do try at least get me something that is suitable.
Remember, single travellers generally only have one income and it is unfair to penalise them for now having a partner to travel with.
Over the last nine years my wife and I have experienced eight cruises with four different cruise companies. (Princess, Royal Caribbean, Costa, and Norwegian Cruise Line).
We have never had a bad cruise, each company has it’s own edge and they all provide a quality level of service comparable to the best hotels and I refer to 5 star plus.
Not to mention the wonderful food, entertainment, locations, quality of staterooms and public areas.
We have encouraged countless friends and family members to try for themselves some of which are now on their sixth cruise.
The industry’s best sales representatives are the existing customers.