Cruise Britain’s annual winter event in London closed the association’s year on a high note and was the perfect springboard to 2025, the organisation said.
Charting the course for 2025 will be a new Steering Group with the current Chair, Portland’s Ian McQuade (pictured), confirmed for a second tenure.
“2024 has been another successful year for Cruise Britain and its members,” said McQuade.
“Our thanks must go to all the cruise lines that we’ve worked with and who are increasing their presence in Britain and British Isles waters and also to all our generous sponsors for events across the year.
“Our membership is immensely supportive, and this is reflected in the presence that the association is able to maintain. Our springboard to 2025 is looking on a firm footing, and I look forward to next year,” he added.
The port community has been joined by a range of service providers, including ground handlers, shore excursion specialists, port agents, stevedores, car parking operators and key industry stakeholders.
The event’s port and destination membership saw over 40 ports and destinations represented.
The Steering Group comprised Mary Bond (Seatrade), Perry Dack (Solent Stevedores), Ian Diaper (Portsmouth International Port), Gary Hall (Belfast Harbour), Isla Haddow (Denholm Port Services), Rebekah Keeler (ABP Southampton), Kate O’Hara (Fowey Harbour) and James Stangroom (Bristol Port).
The group began a three-year term at the beginning of 2025. They will be joined by new cruise line representative, Kai Algar, Marine and Port Planning Manager, Fred.Olsen Cruise Line.
Continuing at the helm as Chair with the support of the new Steering Group, including Kay Greenway, Cruise Britain’s Director, will be McQuade.
Last November’s sixth London event saw 120 attendees, including 34 cruise executives from 20 cruise operators.
Cruise Britain gathers members together three times per year, with spring sessions focusing on regulation, legislation and imminent challenges.
The 2024 event saw members travel to Belfast to board TUI Cruises’ ‘Mein Schiff 3’. In addition, virtual sessions were offered.
Meanwhile, CruiseEurope’s Sustainability Committee is working on a goals and strategy document, to outline its commitment to fostering relevant work regarding challenges in daily practices.
Members are being invited to comment on objectives and proposed actions in key areas, such as:
*Environmental sustainability: minimising environmental impacts and promoting best practices.
*Social responsibility: enhancing local community engagement and ensuring mutual benefits from cruise tourism.
*Governance and reporting: increasing knowledge and collaboration within the industry.
*Innovation and collaboration: sharing knowledge and adapting to new challenges, including EU directives.
