Cruise season compels excellence

THE arrival of Celebrity Solstice from the USA last weekend officially marked the beginning of the “Cruise Season” as we start to see international vessels coming down to homeport in Australia for the spring/summer months. ACA’s members are looking forward to another exciting season as we welcome eight new ships including Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the

Seas - the largest ship to ever cruise Australian waters. Welcoming this Quantum class vessel, which carries nearly 5,000 passengers, will bring with it opportunities for our members to really show their capabilities. Once the ship enters our waters, the vital work of our members truly begins in creating a successful experience for the crew and passengers. From piloting and berthing through to disembarkation security, delivering a fabulous passenger experience on shore and then ensuring the provedores load the requisite food and beverages back on board – this behind the scenes work is critical for every visit. But it’s not just about quantity, we also need to look from the supply side at how our members perform with luxury vessels such as the Seabourn Encore, Crystal Symphony and Azamara Journey. While not high in guest numbers, their passengers are looking for bespoke experiences from the moment they arrive. The pressure is on but I am confident ACA’s members will deliver yet again as they continue to perform a critical role in the Australian cruise industry.