The impossible is possible
As I look around our zoom calls at the moment, I see so many of you with trees, lights and a general air of Christmas cheer and optimism. It makes me so pleased to see so many of you looking forward to the festive period.
CUK is a team who, collectively, has faced, without doubt, the most difficult year in business since this company was formed over 180 years ago. And not only has this been commercially and operationally challenging, but also I know that many of you have also faced significant personal hardship with stoicism and determination. Proud doesn’t even come close when I hear these stories. It also serves to remind us what we are capable of when we pull together to solve seemingly ‘impossible’ challenges.
This year has changed us all and we have learnt so much. Personally I’m determined to reach out to all my friends and family at important times, taking time to check in on how they are doing. It seems to matter more this year, reminded by the fact it’s the small things that matter most, as well as just how quickly life flies by. Taking time to pause and reconnect really does make such a huge difference.
Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to spend much time with close family since March. The lockdown, shielding and the tier system has meant that I couldn’t travel to stay with them or see them at all in some cases. This year picking up the phone and saying “happy new year” will take on a whole new, heartfelt meaning.
And I really do believe it will be a happy new year – Easter seems to be the line in the sand for us all to receive a game-changing vaccine. Just a few months ago we were told it would be impossible to get a vaccine through all the trials this year, but it shows that with grit, determination and expert minds exactly what can be achieved.
And in 2021 we will achieve what we too thought was impossible a few months ago.
We will bring back our full complement of crew; we will fill our stores with delicious provisions, many of which are local and support our community producers; we will set the stage for shows and entertainment as we gather our ships with their red, white and blue painted hulls in our home port, so that once again we can bring happiness and joy to hundreds of thousands of Guests.
Because this is what we do. And it is what we have always done and will continue to do thanks to the hard work of each and every one of you. You have all had a part to play and for that I am so grateful.
The end of this year, more than ever, it will be so important to put your arms around each other, figuratively if not literally, and take time to reflect on the extraordinary work you have done and the opportunities we have for next year. Spend meaningful time to recuperate, recharge, relax… ready for a new year of seemingly ‘impossible’ challenges, which we will overcome yet again together.
I hope you, your friends and family have a safe and healthy Christmas. May you all get what you wish for and I look forward to more time together ‘in person’ very soon.
I wish us all a very happy new year.
Paul.
Paul Ludlow
President, P&O Cruises