Australian cruise industry resists wave of bad press
The cruise industry has played down the impact of recent negative publicity caused by a spate of gastrointestinal illness at sea and the lingering spectre of the Costa Concordia.
Just three weeks ago, Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas made headlines as more than 600 of its passengers and crew were struck by norovirus during a 10-day Caribbean cruise.
Within days, that incident was followed by another aboard Princess Cruises’ Caribbean Princess, with more than 160 of its 3,104 passengers falling ill.
Both episodes made headlines, with comparisons being drawn with last year’s infamous “poop cruise” aboard Carnival Triumph.
Norovirus has been dubbed by some as the “plague of the seas” because the proximity of cruise passengers to one another can help fuel outbreaks on board. But Royal Caribbean attempted to put the scale of the issue in context.
“According to the Centre for Disease Control, over 21 million people are infected with norovirus each year with less than 1% of outbreaks occuring on cruise ships," it wrote on its blog.
The cruise line also highlighted a number of onboard measures that it implements to prevent and contain outbreaks of the illness.
Nonetheless, it seems likely that such widespread negative publicity will damage the industry to some extent, particularly in its quest to capture the “new-to-cruise” market in Australia.
But that is not the case according to Royal Caribbean’s chief executive Adam Goldstein, who told analysts that the Explorer outbreak was not expected to affect its financial results.
Cruise Lines International Association Australasia general manager Brett Jardine also reported “no negative impact” on bookings.
“Australian and New Zealand passengers have a great capacity to keep things in perspective and I think they understand that norovirus is a very common illness on land and that the cruise industry takes every precaution to prevent people bringing it onboard its ships,” he told Travel Today.
“If a case arises on a ship, our member lines are vigilant in containing it by well-established and approved procedures, which I think passengers appreciate.”
Travel agents too have been made aware of the industry’s practices to prevent outbreaks of the illness in the event of client concerns or queries, Jardine continued. “But we understand that they receive very few,” he said.
Jardine's comments were supported by Cruise Holidays Australia managing director Les Farrar who reported “very little, if any” negative feedback from customers, with sales also unaffected.
“We have found the same with other similar events in the past. I think people contemplating a cruise for the first time may very well reconsider when they see these types of stories, but those already committed, or past cruisers, are not changing their mind about cruising,” he said.
“Even the Costa Concordia did not stop people from booking. According to the cruise lines, it just meant deeper discounting was required to fill cabins.”
Instead, issues such as norovirus outbreaks and the grounding of the Costa Concordia in January 2012 have actually delivered positive results for the cruise industry, according to CLIA Australasia chairman and RCI regional vice president Asia Pacific Gavin Smith.
Smith described the Concordia as a “simmering issue” perpetuated by the ship’s ongoing presence in the waters off the Italian island of Giglio, despite being “righted”. It is expected to be removed in June in order to be demolished.
“But it was a unifying event for the industry,” he recently told the Cruise3Sixty conference in Sydney.
In the wake of the disaster, CLIA worked swiftly with its member lines to “unilaterally adopt operating standards on a global basis”.
“That’s been the industry’s response,” he said. “We’re still fiercely competitive in the commercial world but as operators we are united.”
Speaking at the same conference, Carnival Australia chief executive Ann Sherry agreed that a united industry front to deal with such challenges is vital, as she acknowledged the challenges created by the ill-fated Concordia in other markets.
“In Australia, we were more resilient,” she stressed. “But we can’t be complacent – we’ve got to be on the front foot all the time, talking about all the good things, acknowledging our mistakes, fixing them and then moving on to the next thing.
“We need to behave like a proper industry and manage ourselves like a proper industry.”
Meanwhile, Royal Caribbean higlighted its onboard measures to prevent and contain outbreaks of norovirus:
– Before boarding our ships, guests, crew and visitors must complete a questionnaire that asks if they have experienced any gastrointestinal symptoms within the last three days. For guests and crew this is done at the commencement of the cruise when checking in at the Cruise terminal.
– Any such guests can then be reviewed by our onboard medical team.
– We recommend that guests wash their hands frequently during their cruise – and provide hand sanitizers throughout the ship, including at the entrance to all restaurants.
– Should there be cases of Norovirus during a cruise, we conduct enhanced cleaning onboard the ship and request that affected guests remain in their cabins, to help prevent the spread of illness.
– Those affected by the short-lived illness usually respond well to over-the-counter medication, which can be administered onboard the ship.
– At the end of such a cruise we conduct extensive and thorough sanitizing onboard the ship and within the cruise terminal to help prevent any illness from affecting the subsequent sailing.
– If guests are uncomfortable taking their cruise at this time, for reasons related to personal health or otherwise, our staff will assist them in rescheduling their sailing for another time.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
costa concordia cruise norovirus royal caribbeanLatest News
European Waterways targets multi-generational families with ‘Floating Villa’ deal
In today’s fast-paced world, finding quality time for multi-generational bonding can be a challenge. European Waterways’ hotel barge cruises offer families the opportunity to enjoy the ultimate luxury vacation with a private charter experience. They say “it’s like having your own private ‘floating villa’ in a different village every day, made extra special by a […]
Luxury Escapes launches ‘sail away’ sale
Luxury Escapes has announced its biggest cruise event of the year. The limited-time Sail Away Sale gives cruisers the chance to experience luxury at a cheaper price point. The selection of handpicked offers include exclusive add-ons such as generous onboard credit, bonus value, pre & post-cruise stays, and more. Destinations including Europe, Asia, Australia, and […]
Rex-owned National Jet Express (NJE) adds weekly charter between Brisbane and Orange
National Jet Express (NJE), a Rex Group member, today announced the commencement of weekly charter services between Brisbane and Orange in NSW for mining and civil contractor These services represent NJE’s eighth destination on the East Coast since commencing services from Brisbane in July 2023, and its first port in NSW. “We are delighted to […]
Bonza hires restructuring advisory amid turbulence at Miami-based owner 777 Partners
The financiers of low-cost regional airline Bonza have hired restructuring advisory KordaMentha to give them advice on the operations of the airline. Bonza, which launched in January last year, is a budget airline based on the Gold Coast. They fly to regional areas such as Cairns but do not fly to Sydney or Brisbane (they […]
Let the games begin. Viking introduces eye-watering benefits for the industry’s top 10 advisors
Are you one of the industry’s top agents? Well you’ll want to become one when you see the benefits of being invited into Viking‘s platinum club. The Platinum Club is the evolution of Viking’s top advisors incentive program. Just as platinum status celebrates the pinnacle of artistic achievement and platinum cards symbolise the financial elite, the […]
Best friends or frenemies? What is the REAL relationship between sales and marketing?
It’s the age-old business conundrum and a conundrum that becomes all the more important when budgets are squeezed. Which is more important, sales or marketing? The answer depends on who you ask, Journey Beyond’s Justine Lally and Alicia Triggs say. (Lead Image: Justine Lally and Alicia Triggs ) Journey Beyond is an experiential tourism group […]
The Walshe Group Announces Two Key Appointments
What we really want to know is whether they got joint or separate welcome parties.
FAMIL: Agents explore the delights of Mauritius on 7-day tour
Go green with envy as you read this fabulous itinerary! Time to book that second honeymoon.
Hamad International recognised as world’s best airport at 2024 Skytrax World Airport Awards
Hamad airport is so good it is almost considered a destination in itself. Ballina, up your game.
Saudi Arabia highlights tourism investment opportunities at global investment event
Now is the time to start looking at Saudi Arabia if you are not already. There's big things to come.
“Rampant” – Aussies warned as dengue fever cases spike in Bali
Worried about Bali belly? Now you have something else to worry about.
TTC Tour Brand reveals slew of deals across operators including Trafalgar and Contiki
Everybody loves a bargain and you could do lot a lot worse than check out these deals from TTC!
Fiji Airways partners with Porter Airlines in US growth bid
Any initiative that gets more people visiting the delights of Fiji is a good initiative.
Flight Centre launches CruiseHQ – a marketplace exclusively for agents
The cruise industry has surpassed pre-Covid levels so this isn't one to miss!
Feeling festive? Wendy Wu tours unwraps Christmas collection
Get the Christmas hols booked now and avoid spending it with that elderly relative with dubious political views.
OPINION: In a world of screens, we crave experience
If you get feelings of deep shame and regret when you see your screen time, don't worry - you're not alone.
Sun Princess: High-end dining and world class entertainment awaits
If you are a foodie and you are not currently on the Sun Princess, we really have to ask - what are you doing?
YouGov: 2 in 5 Aussies would pay more for a sustainable hotel
If you want to be REALLY sustainable you can go camping. You just might lose the will to live.
“Can planes swim?” – Planes become boats as Dubai Airport is savaged by severe storm
Unfortunately, "can planes swim?" is a real life question and not an opener to a really bad joke...
Explora journeys reveals bespoke outdoor furniture designed by Matteo Nunziati
This is making your plastic table and chairs look really bad now, isn't it?
Bangkok Airways targets growth with renewed Sabre deal
Two stories abut Sabre's growth in one week and its only Wednesday! Watchout world.
PR agency Example wins pitch for InterContinental Sydney
We also went in for the contract but they said that a 'Be Our Guest'- themed TikTok was unoriginal! The cheek.
Norwegian Cruise Line reveals culinary experience aboard Norwegian Aqua
Once again, this TW journalist REALLY regrets writing this before getting lunch.
Signature Queensland hosts luxury tourism event
Known for its tropical beaches and unique wildlife, Queensland also offers luxury.
Capella Sydney recognised in prestigious Travel + Leisure’s 2024 ‘it list’ of best new hotels
You know that 'it girl' at school who everyone wanted to hang out with? Capella is the hotel version of that.
Rex launches 72-hour fare sale with NO school holiday blackout so you can take your kids (if you want to)
Sadly, leaving your children at home whilst you go on holiday is generally frowned upon.
Adventure World offers chance to connect with “heart and soul” of the US
I mean who hasn't dreamed of a road trip around the US?! Go with Adventure World and you're less likely to get lost.
Fiji’s family-owned luxury resort Likuliku Lagoon launches its own app
We were relieved to find out that having a "concierge in your pocket" referred to an app on your phone.
Hawaii: The US’ laid-back front door for Australians
If you needed another sign that you should definitely head to Hawaii - this is it!
Sabre targets Asia Pacific growth with latest hire
Call the Avengers! Sabre continues its bid for world domination with latest hire.
Air New Zealand signs its largest EVER deal for sustainable aviation fuel
Air New Zealand makes huge step towards sustainable travel. We bet it recycles its rubbish properly too.
IHG Hotels & Resorts continues regional growth with Sunshine Coast Holiday Inn
This Holiday Inn looks considerably flashier than some of the ones we have stayed at in our time.
Budget carrier Scoot welcomes first of 9 E190-E2 aircrafts
Here at TW we would like to offer Embraer E190-E2 a warm welcome! It's not easy being the first of the fleet.
Singapore Airlines grows group passenger traffic by 13.9% for March
This is one of the few situations where an increase in traffic is a good thing.
Number of Aussies going on cruises beats pre-pandemic levels
To be honest, if being stuck inside for two years doesn't give you the travel bug, then nothing will.
Vietjet slashes prices on flights across Vietnam, India & Australia
You can now fly to Vietnam for less money than a night out in Sydney or Melbourne. Time to reconsider the budget.