The Government today congratulated the cruise industry for getting back to business so successfully.
Robert Courts, the Parliamentary under-secretary for transport, told the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) UK & Ireland: “Thanks to the dedication and hard work of our cruise sector, we have seen the safe restart of international sailings this summer, after more than a year of still waters.
“I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together, and look forward to even greater cooperation between Government and industry, helping more people return to seas and sail around the world safely again.”
The meeting in Southampton, as part of London International Shipping Week, formed part of the ongoing collaboration between government and the industry, which has seen the restart of both domestic and international sailings over the past few months.
CLIA outlined the success of the sector’s phased resumption to date, including the UK domestic ‘seacation’ season, with thousands of British passengers taking cruise holidays since the Spring.
Since last summer, around 1.2m people have sailed on cruises around the world. P&O Cruises’ new ship Iona, top of page, has been helping drive the UK’s return.
Ben Bouldin, Chair, CLIA UK & Ireland, said: “The cruise industry has worked incredibly hard together with government during the last 18 months to resume operations responsibly.
“The seeds of recovery are vitally important for cruise, as well as the wider travel industry. We look forward to maintaining this collaborative approach as the industry steps up its operations internationally.”