Seatrade's top cruise stories of 2021

The year’s top cruise reads

Seatrade Cruise Review's December issue recounts the year's most read stories as reported on Seatrade Cruise News. 

2021 saw Cruise Saudi burst onto the scene with the aim to establish the cruise industry in Saudi Arabia and create a new destination for international cruise lines, as well as developing the kingdom as a source market.

Australia ban lingers

Cruise operations resumed in most parts of the world, however as the year end approaches Australia’s cruise ban remains in place.

New UK brand Ambassador Cruise Line launched and is set to deploy first ship Ambience next spring.

This year saw the industry grieve for Turkish cruise ambassador Erkunt Öner.

Royal Caribbean Group sold its three-ship Azamara brand to Sycamore Partners, a pirvate equity firm, in a $210m all-cash deal.

Resumption successes

In April, TUI Cruises CEO Wybcke Meier shared her brand’s successful return to operations during the pandemic. At that point TUI had carried more than 84,000 passengers since resuming the prior summer with just four COVID-19 cases that were handled without disruption, Meier said.

‘Protocols have proven effective, operations have gone smoothly, demand is strong and net promoter scores have been higher during the pandemic,’ she disclosed.

Also in that month MSC Cruises CEO Gianni Onorato said his line was ready to welcome non-Schengen passengers on Mediterranean sailings. 

Celebrity Edge first back at sea from US

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued new guidelines for cruising's restart, and Celebrity Edge became the first oceangoing cruise ship to sail from US waters in more than a year on June 28 from Port Everglades. 

Health protocols working

At a belated Seatrade Cruise Global in Miami in September cruise leaders didn't dwell on pandemic negatives at the opening State of the Global Industry keynote but looked forward, noting that health protocols are working, guest satisfaction is high and occupancy is climbing.

Jason Liberty to succeed Richard Fain

And, finally, heading into the countdown for the close of 2021 it was announced Jason Liberty is to succeed Richard Fain as Royal Caribbean Group CEO. Fain, whose innovations during more than 33 years at the Royal Caribbean helm helped shape the modern cruise industry, decided to step down Jan. 3. He'll continue as chairman. 

The Seatrade Cruise Review December cover story shines a spotlight on Fain’s career.