Despite the downtime that the line — and the cruise industry overall — is currently experiencing, Cunard is thrilled to celebrate its 180th anniversary. And its ships may not be sailing at the moment, but Steve Smotrys, Cunard’s vice president of sales and trade marketing for North America, feels optimistic that 2021 will be a landmark year for the line.
It’s sadly a challenging time to commemorate an anniversary. How is Cunard celebrating 180 years during suspended operations?
More than anything, I think this has become a time of reflection. Cunard has played witness to many global events over those 180 years — world wars, previous pandemics, industry changes — and we have persevered and innovated.
Obviously, this is an unprecedented global event, but as Cunard has demonstrated, we will all see our way through this. Cruising will adapt, and Cunard will again be front and center in that evolution.
Are there any lessons to be learned, or inspiring insights from the line’s history, to encourage travelers now?
Cunard has always been about bringing people together. Cunard was instrumental in the emigration to North America. Throughout world wars, Cunard did not just sit on the sidelines and wait for the time to return to sailing. Cunard was an active participant in transporting troops. When air travel threatened the cruising industry, Cunard discovered new opportunities and evolved the experience.
I think this pandemic will see the cruise industry now do the same. Even though cruising has been one of the best and safest ways to travel before this, we collectively need to look at how we can take the next step to make cruising even safer and better all around. I have no doubt this will occur — and already is occurring.
How is Cunard looking toward the future?
Cunard is all about the experience onboard. We sail all over the world and have had some of the most famous ships ever built, including our flagship, Queen Mary 2.
Adopting a new safety protocol onboard — in such a way that does not compromise the integrity of the onboard experience — will be paramount. Cunard is about a feeling you get when you come onboard. It is warm, inviting and luxurious. It also feels like a special occasion. We will continue to refine and evolve that experience in the safest way possible. We also look forward to welcoming the latest addition to the Cunard fleet in the coming years.
What message should travel advisors be sharing about Cunard in the meantime?
We are planning for a great 2021 season. We believe that the Transatlantic provides a built-in advantage. As we already have a number of guests who do the crossing as an alternative to flying, it is extremely possible that audience will grow significantly given the climate. It is such a civilized way to travel to or from Europe and a great way to package a land-based vacation. Also, we are offering a wide variety of European itineraries, most sailing in and out of Southampton, England. For those willing to fly, London is a great, trusted gateway.
Advisors can also be assured that we will be delivering our Signature Cunard onboard experiences that keep our guests coming back for more.
The Details
Cunard
www.cunard.com
