When ocean lines suspended operations last March, the cruise sector was cast into a sea of unknowns.
And, after almost a year of learning, planning and preparing, lines have given strong reassurances about how they can restart. Now it’s the government’s turn.
Ten months since the first sailings were suspended, the industry is still waiting for the Foreign Office to lift its advice against ocean cruising. But while the government dithers, TTG is more committed than ever to supporting the sector and agents selling cruise.
Last month we launched the Cruise Restart hub, (ttgmedia.com/cruise-restart) detailing the latest updates on how cruise lines are working to keep sailings safe when they resume.
Meanwhile, this new-look cruise section, which will feature every month in the magazine, is designed to keep you updated about the sector, with exclusive interviews and insight.
This month, UK Chamber of Shipping chief executive Bob Sanguinetti discusses the latest efforts to lift the government ban.
Elsewhere, despite the numerous hurdles facing cruise, agents say there are still reasons to be positive. “I think we’re going to have a great wave,” says Travel Village boss Phil Nuttall.
And to help agents make the most of wave, TTG will also be relaunching weekly cruise bulletins from 19 January, keeping the trade updated on the latest news. Sign up at ttgmedia.com/newsletters
Like most in travel, TTG is ready for the cruise restart. Here’s hoping the government will soon be too.