Speaking via a pre-recorded video during the 2022 Clia Conference onboard P&O Cruises’ Iona on Saturday (21 May), Courts said he was "incredibly pleased" to see cruise lines return to a "full and busy" summer season. 

"Thank you for your outstanding work and continued resilience throughout the pandemic," he said. "I am absolutely delighted to see the sector bounce back in the way it has, but it is down to your tireless effort that the cruise industry continues to be a key contributor to the UK economy."

Courts said cruise is a "vital, as well as historic, part of levelling up" the UK’s coastal communities, as the industry not only provides "enjoyable memories" for guests, but also thousands of jobs onboard and in port.

"We are wholly committed to making the UK the best place for the cruise industry to continue to invest," he added.

"For me, there is no doubt about it, one of the silver linings during the last two years is the strengthening of our relationship with the cruise industry."