Douglas Ward has been connected to the cruise industry for several
decades, both as an employee, and for the past 25 years, as a
cruise industry critic and author. His “Berlitz Complete Guide to
Cruising & Cruise Ships” is now in its 17th edition, and ranks
as one of the most popular publications on cruise ships and
cruising. The guide contains extensive reviews and analyses of more
than 250 ships every year, rating each ship on its accommodations,
cuisine-dining, entertainment and spa-fitness.
TravelAge West recently chatted with Ward about what’s new and
exciting in the cruise industry.
Q: What are the biggest trends you see for cruising in 2007 and
beyond?
A: Cruising is polarizing into big resort ships for fast-paced
city types who are typically first-timers, versus repeat passengers
who want smaller ships with less crowds and less standing in lines
(for embarkation check-in, the reception desk, security control and
shore excursions). Also, there appears to be a pent-up demand for
ships that can satisfy the needs of single parent families.
Q: What do you think is the most exciting feature on any new
ship being introduced this year?
A: Two things: a bowling alley aboard Norwegian Pearl and the
“Slow Food” experience (seasonal ingredients and regional
specialties, such as honeys, that are paired with certain cheeses
from different regions of Italy) at L’Enotica aboard MSC
Musica.
Q: Anything about the new crop of ships that you are not exactly
thrilled with?
A: It’s really more of the same, with cruise lines trying to outdo
each other with the latest fads and gimmicks to attract the
‘younger’ set. Robotic cruise directors and declining contact and
communications with service personnel who lack training are two
other problem areas.
Q: Is there one cruise line that you think should be particularly
lauded for innovation?
A: Norwegian Cruise Line is, perhaps, the most creative of the
major cruise lines at present.
Q: How big is too big when it comes to ship size?
A: They keep growing in size in order to repay investors. To do
this, ships need to carry more passengers and generate more onboard
revenue to make up for really low fares. Size is also reliant on
ports, tourism infrastructure and the availability of shore
excursion equipment and guides.
