Government hails success of cruise industry’s return (UK)

Robert Courts MP, Minister for Aviation, Maritime & Security, today (September 15, 2021) welcomed the steps taken by the cruise industry to return to operations, during a meeting with Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) UK & Ireland. The meeting formed part of the ongoing collaboration between government and the industry, which has seen the restart of both domestic and international sailings over the past few months.

Mr Courts met CLIA’s executive committee in Southampton as part of London International Shipping Week.

CLIA outlined the success of the sector’s phased resumption to date, including the UK domestic ‘seacation’ season, with thousands of British passengers taking cruise holidays since the Spring. The season helped establish a set of protocols and best practice for the return of international sailings last month.

Maritime Minister Robert Courts said: “Thanks to the dedication and hard work of our cruise sector, we have seen the safe restart of international sailings this summer, after more than a year of still waters.

“I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together, and look forward to even greater cooperation between Government and industry, helping more people return to seas and sail around the world safely again.”

Ben Bouldin, Chair, CLIA UK & Ireland, said: “The cruise industry has worked incredibly hard together with government during the last eighteen months to resume operations responsibly. The success of this summer’s round-Britain cruises is a testament to the commitment shown by so many people working within cruise but also in ports, local authorities, health bodies and government.

“The seeds of recovery are vitally important for cruise, as well as the wider travel industry. We look forward to maintaining this collaborative approach as the industry steps up its operations internationally.”

Since last summer, around 1.2m people have sailed on cruises around the world.