Shreya Shimpi
What, in your opinion, is the USP of your Cruise Line (owned or represented)?
Our unique selling proposition lies in its ability to deliver the “Fun Ship” experience like no other. With a wide array of exciting onboard activities, top-notch entertainment, and a festive atmosphere, we offer a vacation that is all about fun, relaxation and enjoyment for all the age group. From thrilling water slides, Bolt – the roller coaster, sky ride, trampoline zone, action-packed games to world-class shows and live music performances and much more we create an immersive and lively environment for its passengers. Additionally, we are committed to affordability and value ensures that passengers get the most out of their vacation budget. With our vibrant and energetic ambiance, we are the ultimate choice for those seeking a fun-filled and unforgettable cruising experience.
In addition to our exceptional onboard entertainment, we offer a diverse range of itineraries and ports of call. With a variety of unique and carefully curated routes, we ensure that our guests have the opportunity to explore fascinating destinations. From short 3-day getaways to extended 16-day+ voyages, there are options to suit every traveller’s preference. We provide access to an extensive selection of picturesque and culturally rich locations.
How important is the Indian market for the Business of your Cruise Ship?
We (Carnival Cruise Line) recognise the significance of the Indian market and go an extra mile to cater to the specific needs and preferences of Indian guests. For example, understanding the importance of cuisine, we provide a wide range of options including vegetarian, non-vegetarian, and Jain meals for breakfast lunch and dinner, ensuring that guests feel at home and their dietary requirements are met. We also organize lively events featuring Bollywood music to add a touch of familiarity and excitement for groups. Moreover, special shore excursions are curated for Indian groups based on their interests, allowing them to explore destinations in a way that aligns with their preferences.
What strategies is your company implementing to drive growth in the cruise tourism sector?
Our period of rapid growth, welcoming three ships into the fleet over the past year and preparing to bring on two more over the next year, is yielding many fresh offerings across our operations. New deployment plans include several additions to our Carnival Journeys program, which continues to grow in popularity as some guests choose to take longer and more varied cruises. We have just debuted all new experiences through our “Carnival Fun Italian Style” concept aboard Carnival Venezia on May 29, 2023.
Apart from that, we have some of the most awesome year-round short sailing options which are extremely popular among Indian travellers as well starting from 3 & 4 Days to Bahamas from Port Canaveral (Orlando) & Miami, to Mexico (Baja Mexico) from Long Beach, Los Angeles & to Caribbean from Miami. Additionally, 7 Days to Alaska from Seattle, 10 Days to Alaska from San Francisco and 07 Days Caribbean, Mexico & Bahamas are also equally popular.
Are the Cruise Tourism numbers back to what it was in 2019?
As reported in our latest Carnival Corp. & Plc business update, revenue in the first quarter of 2023 was $4.4 billion, representing 95% of 2019 levels. We are well booked for the remainder of the year. We expect occupancy of 100% or higher and a return to historical levels this summer. With regards to India we are progressing well towards 2019 numbers.
With a growing market of younger travellers interested in experiential and adventure tourism, how is your company tailoring its offerings to attract and satisfy this demographic?
We offer fun and adventure through partnerships in the destinations we visit, as well as on board our ships. We are the first cruise line in the world to put a roller coaster on a cruise ship. Mardi Gras debuted BOLT, the Ultimate SeaCoaster, as the first roller coaster at sea in 2021 and sister ship Carnival Celebration also features BOLT as will Carnival Jubilee when she joins the fleet in December. Our ships feature many other attractions across the fleet as well. We even have a partnership with NASA for our youth programs.
This season in Alaska, we introduced new shore excursions including the Khutzeymatten Grizzly Bear Expedition, where guests board a 72-foot catamaran designed for wildlife viewing for a full-day adventure through towering cliffs, dense forests and a thriving estuary ecosystem. They will gently glide through Canada’s only grizzly bear sanctuary, which is home to more than 50 grizzly bears, for an excellent chance at sightings.
What innovative technological features or platforms is your company implementing to enhance customer experiences both pre-cruise and on-board?
Our HUB App is one of the cruise industry’s most popular apps. The newest section of the HUB App integrates casino features and functions for each ship and has already proven very popular with guests. Other recent updates include food and beverage ordering functionality, spa booking capabilities, virtual queuing for onboard venues, and important health and safety information. The HUB App helps guests discover all the fun available to them on board, with a full list of all activities, entertainment, food and beverage options. It also features a popular chat function and allows guests to easily access Sail and Sign accounts, Carnival’s cashless credit program.On average, over 90% of staterooms have at least one guest using the Hub App. That represents an increase of more than 20% since 2020.
What steps are being taken by your company to ensure the sustainability of cruise tourism in light of growing environmental concerns?
Our team does a number of things across every ship to reduce, reuse and recycle. Last year, our fleet processed 11 million pounds of recyclables. We’ve also recently noted a 35 percent reduction in food waste fleetwide, due in large part to our investment in bio-digesters, which we’ve installed across the fleet to break down food waste into liquid. Our efforts continue toward decarbonisation as well. Our third ship powered by Liquefied Natural Gas, Carnival Jubilee, arrives later this year and we’ll soon have Carnival Luminosa plugging in to shore power at the Port of Seattle. We are also working with multiple homeports about bringing on shore power capabilities. These are important steps toward our part in Carnival Corporation’s overall goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
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