Cruise Insiders (and Outsiders) Highlight Challenges the Industry Must Address

Seatrade Cruise Global is generally seen as the annual gathering where industry players meet with suppliers and destinations, announce new suites or onboard activities, and — of course — talk about how the future is bright for cruising. But at the conference this year in Miami Beach, we found some frank discussions among the fluff that offered blunt assessments of areas that could be improved — around big topics like sustainability and diversity as well as slightly smaller concerns such as dinner buffets —  and constructive ideas for making things better. Some tough talk came from professionals outside the industry, while other criticisms came from high-ranking executives right in the middle of the action. Sustainability Beyond Lip Service Daniel Skjeldam, CEO of Norway-based expedition line Hurtigruten, challenged other operators to reduce their environmental impact on the destinations they visit. "Ask for more from the cruise industry, demand more," he said. "As an industry, we need to understand and acknowledge something really important: We cannot bring more pollution, more crowds, more risk to areas that need less. The cruise industry can operate in a sustainable way." His 14-ship line has eliminated single-use plastics, stopped using heavy fuel oil, and is preparing to launch a hybrid electric-powered ship. Skjeldam said Hurtigruten also puts sustainability demands in contracts, such as requiring electric buses if charging stations are available. During a panel on sustainable travel, moderator Thomas Illes pointed out t