The Leading Cruise Agents of the UK has condemned last night’s critcial Dispatches documentary into the life onboard Celebrity Cruises’ Eclipse as being unbalanced.
The organisation, which represents some 70 cruise specialist travel agencies, defended Celebrity Cruises against the allegations over crew pay and working conditions raised by an undercover reporter who filmed for Channel 4’s Dispatches programme.
LCA chairman Willie Stewart said: “Cruise companies in the UK and worldwide are investing huge sums of money and creative energy on developing new ships and new itineraries for leisure travellers eager to experience a holiday at sea.
“Not least, they are providing stable employment for many thousands of people from around the globe – many of whom are long-serving members of their cruise line’s crew.”
He added: “Whilst no business sector is perfect, cruise companies have demonstrated a willingness to innovate, and generally to care for client and crew member alike. In our experience, Celebrity Cruises is an exemplar of this best practice.”
He continued: “Did the scenario created by Channel 4’s producers present an accurate reflection – a balanced overview – of a typical crew member’s experience working with Celebrity? We do not believe it did.
“Meanwhile, Celebrity Cruises’ management both defended their best practice in connection with crew policy and confirmed they would investigate the programme-makers’ claims. We’re confident they will follow-up and respond speedily and diligently, and in the best interests of both clients and crew.”