We welcomed two important stakeholder visits onboard Iona and Queen Mary 2 this month in collaboration with Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). The visits provided unique opportunities to engage representatives from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and Parliament, helping us showcase the role cruise plays in the UK economy and our commitment to safe, environmentally compliant operations.
On 11 July, Iona’s Captain Andrew Foote hosted Felicity Morrison and Peter Bombay, the UK and EU representatives to the IMO. During the visit, they explored the ship’s safety and environmental features and gained a first-hand understanding of how international regulations are implemented onboard a modern cruise ship.
Last week, on 17 July, Queen Mary 2’s Captain Aseem Hashmi welcomed Richard Holden MP and Joe Robertson MP, Conservative Party opposition spokespeople for Transport and Tourism, alongside Rt Hon. Caroline Nokes MP, Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons and MP for Romsey and Southampton North. Representatives from across the cruise sector, including ABP, Cruise Britain and CLIA, also joined the visit.
During the event, Donnacha O’Driscoll, Executive Vice President Maritime & Sustainability, welcomed the delegation and took part in a roundtable discussion on our industry’s commitment to sustainable tourism and the importance of demonstrating the significant economic value cruise brings to the UK.
As the UK’s largest cruise operator, we have around 700 port calls each year from ships across the Carnival Corporation fleet. Helping policymakers and industry partners better understand our contribution is important, as it highlights the jobs, investment and opportunities our presence creates for local, regional and national economies, while supporting informed decision-making about the future of the sector.
The visit on Queen Mary 2 took place shortly after her return to Southampton from New York, where she played a starring role in Sail4th 250, the centrepiece of the United States’ celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of Independence Day.
Donnacha O’Driscoll, Executive Vice President Maritime & Sustainability, said:
“The visits we hosted provided excellent opportunities to meet our key stakeholders and raise awareness about cruise operations which is invaluable as part of their work as policymakers and standards setters.
It is also important to recognise the benefits that cruise provides and to collaborate closely with our partners to support future growth in a way that is sustainable. Thank you to everyone who supported the visits, including our amazing crew.”
These visits form part of an ongoing programme of stakeholder engagement throughout the year, helping us build stronger relationships, increase understanding of our industry, and showcase the positive impact cruise has on communities in the UK and beyond.
