Collisions involving cruise ships are uncommon. To have three in one week is unprecedented.
Unfortunately, due to the rarity of such events, and the dramatic nature of the footage, they hit global headlines and go viral.
As a PR expert says in our top story this week (page 5), such coverage does little to convince anyone who’s never been on a cruise to think about it as a holiday – and that could be damaging for an industry undergoing exponential growth and in need of fresh passengers to fill the new ships being built.
Granted, this is just one person’s view. But the view of an avid cruiser, who will not be put off cruising and doesn’t need persuading to try one. The general consumer may be more easily deterred.
Travel Weekly’s head of news spoke to BBC national and regional radio stations this week about the Venice collision, defending the cruise industry’s safety record and its contribution to overtourism. The line of questioning was around the size and safety of cruise ships. This is a reflection of the public’s concerns and so the industry must work hard to allay them, especially when so much is done to safeguard guests and billions is being spent on sustainable efforts.
The industry does a great job of shouting about its ships and itineraries, but before it can do that it must absolutely establish its credentials as a safe and responsible way to take a holiday.
Comment from Travel Weekly, June 6 edition
