Comment: There’s never a dull week in cruise

The cruise sector is never quiet, but it has been particularly front of mind for me over the past week with new appointments, breaking news alerts and exclusive interviews.

A high point was a chat with new Clia president and chief executive Charles ‘Bud’ Darr – a maritime man through and through with a background in regulation, safety, security and sustainability.

All these areas are crucial pillars for the sector as the global cruise industry predicts record passenger numbers this year.

But it was also great to hear him identify the importance of engaging with agents, the community within Clia he acknowledges he is currently least familiar with.

It was also fantastic to get the first interview with new P&O Cruises chief commercial officer Stuart Allison in response to our special report on agents finding a lack of availability and keen pricing this wave, particularly in the ex-UK family market.

Stuart insisted availability is out there and reiterated the value of a cruise still made it a compelling offer, while arguing strong pricing and revenues in the UK would help build a case for more investment and perhaps more new-build ships.

Following the maritime theme, we also reported the news that Silversea chief Peter Shanks and Fred Olsen Travel boss Steve Williams are to step down after long and successful careers.

Peter and Steve won Outstanding Contribution honours at the 2025 Globe Travel Awards and the 2023 Agent Achievement Awards respectively, and all of us at Travel Weekly wish them the very best for their retirements.

Comment originally from Travel Weekly, February 27 edition