Author: Alex Smith

Alex is a contributing writer for Cruise & Ferry Interiors, Cruise & Ferry Itinerary Planning and CruiseandFerry.net. He produces daily content for the website and interviews senior executives from the world's leading cruise companies, ports and destinations to write features, reports and other articles related to passenger shipping.

Building the foundation for sustainable growth

Building the foundation for sustainable growth
By Alex Smith | 02 June 2023

Vancouver Fraser Port Authority has prioritised collaboration as it plans for a stronger and greener future now that cruising has returned to Port of Vancouver

Vancouver Fraser Port Authority has prioritised collaboration as it plans for a greener future

Okinawa: an island-hopping adventure in Japan

Okinawa: an island-hopping adventure in Japan

OCVB

By Alex Smith | 26 May 2023

Japan’s Okinawa Prefecture provides a wealth of natural and cultural highlights for visitors to discover during a cruise, with Ponant now sailing its first expedition voyages to the remote islands

Okinawa Prefecture provides a wealth of natural and cultural highlights for visitors to discover

Why the Port of San Diego is investing in growth

Why the Port of San Diego is investing in growth
By Alex Smith | 19 May 2023

The Port of San Diego is making improvements to its cruise ship terminals to cater for the rapid growth in cruise calls

The port is making improvements to its cruise terminals to cater for the rapid growth in calls

How FSG is helping ports to refuel for a greener future

How FSG is helping ports to refuel for a greener future
By Alex Smith | 27 April 2023

Flensburger Schiffbau-Gesellschaft will construct three LNG bunkering ships to increase the availability of alternative fuels in European ports, as part of its goal to drive the transition to a greener shipping industry

Shipbuilder will construct three LNG bunkering ships to increase availability of alternative fuels  

How Continental is setting sail with high-performance materials

How Continental is setting sail with high-performance materials

Norwegian Cruise Line

By Alex Smith | 19 April 2023

Stylish, easy to clean and sustainable, Continental’s Skai upholstery products provide a solution that meet the special requirements of cruising

Skai upholstery products are designed to meet the special requirements of cruising

Okinawa Prefecture: An island-hopping cruise adventure

Okinawa Prefecture: An island-hopping cruise adventure

OCVB

By Alex Smith | 28 March 2023

Japan’s Okinawa Prefecture provides a wealth of natural and cultural highlights for visitors to discover during a cruise, with Ponant now set to sail its first expedition voyages to the remote islands

The archipelago provides a wealth of natural and cultural resources for visitors to discover

Cruise ship order book: showcasing innovation

Cruise ship order book: showcasing innovation
By Alex Smith | 20 March 2023

Alex Smith previews a busy period of shipbuilding in the first half of 2023 that will see cruise ships debuting with new designs, spaces and technologies

The first half of 2023 will see new cruise ships debut with innovative designs, spaces and technologies

Port Tampa Bay: An attractive option for everyone

Port Tampa Bay: An attractive option for everyone
By Alex Smith | 13 December 2022

With a variety of easy-to-reach dining and attractions, Tampa offers a safe and attractive port of call on North American itineraries for cruise lines and their guests

With a variety of attractions, Tampa offers a perfect port of call on North America itineraries

Investing in potential at the Port of Tarragona

Investing in potential at the Port of Tarragona
By Alex Smith | 25 November 2022

Global Ports Holding is developing a new modular cruise terminal at the Port of Tarragona to help the destination achieve its aim of increasing passenger traffic

Global Ports Holding is developing a new modular cruise terminal to help the destination increase traffic

MJM Marine to refurbish Marella Discovery

MJM Marine to refurbish Marella Discovery

Marella Cruises

By Alex Smith | 10 November 2022

MJM Marine will transform the guest experience onboard Marella Cruises’ Marella Discovery by refurbishing its cabins and suites and introducing a new antimicrobial solution developed by Vyv

The project will include instalment of antimicrobial lighting technology in the ship’s wet units

Five Great Lakes, one grand cruise adventure

Five Great Lakes, one grand cruise adventure

Jonathan Elliott

By Alex Smith | 03 November 2022

The immense Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway System offers pristine natural beauty, exciting entertainment options and a Midwestern charm. Alex Smith reports on a warm and welcoming region that’s beginning to attract the attention of the cruise world

A look at why the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway System is gaining attention in the cruise world

Now in stock: fire-safe fabrics for the passenger shipping industry

Now in stock: fire-safe fabrics for the passenger shipping industry

Skopos Fabrics

By Alex Smith | 01 November 2022

CFR highlights some of the International Maritime Organization-approved products and materials that shipowners can use onboard their vessels to ensure that interiors are both safe and stylish

CFR profiles safe, stylish and International Maritime Organization-approved materials for ship interiors

The future of cruising: harnessing LNG power for large vessels

The future of cruising: harnessing LNG power for large vessels
By Alex Smith | 29 September 2022

CFR asked MSC Cruises executives about the design for MSC Cruises’ new flagship, MSC World Europa, while touring the vessel at Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard

CFR asked MSC Cruises executives about the design for MSC World Europa while touring the ship

Seatrade Cruise Med: Making a comeback

Seatrade Cruise Med: Making a comeback
By Alex Smith | 22 September 2022

Alex Smith reports from Malaga, Spain, from the 2022 edition of Seatrade Cruise Med

How MJM Marine is enhancing success for Virgin Voyages

How MJM Marine is enhancing success for Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages

By Alex Smith | 26 July 2022

MJM Marine’s projects onboard Virgin Voyage’s first two cruise ships have involved outfitting 1,330 cabins and installing over 2,600 framed artworks on each vessel

Projects onboard the line’s first two ships have installed over 2,600 artworks on each vessel

Designing a new way of experiencing river cruising

Designing a new way of experiencing river cruising
By Alex Smith | 20 July 2022

Transcend Cruises and Tillberg Design of Sweden are working together to design river cruise ships aimed at creating the best experience for groups

Transcend Cruises and Tillberg Design of Sweden are designing river cruise ships for group travel

MSC World Europa: Cruising for the future

MSC World Europa: Cruising for the future
By Alex Smith | 08 July 2022

CFR’s Alex Smith reports back from a tour of MSC Cruises’ newest ship at Chantiers de l’Atlantique

Interior view: Emerald Cruises’ Emerald Azzurra

Interior view: Emerald Cruises’ Emerald Azzurra
By Alex Smith | 14 June 2022

Emerald Cruises’ first ocean-going superyacht offers a luxurious environment for voyages to the Mediterranean, Adriatic and Middle East

The cruise line’s first ocean-going superyacht offers a luxurious environment for voyages

Finding a slice of France in the Caribbean

Finding a slice of France in the Caribbean

Martinique Tourism Board

By Alex Smith | 07 June 2022

From enjoying Creole cuisine in Fort-de-France to exploring the ruins of Saint-Pierre, Martinique offers shore excursions that will appeal to all cruise guests

The island of Martinique offers shore excursions that will appeal to all cruise guests

Supporting a robust recovery for passenger shipping

Supporting a robust recovery for passenger shipping

Chris Lewis

By Alex Smith | 27 May 2022

International Registries is supporting the RMI Maritime Registry as it helps shipowners and cruise lines to return to service after the Covid-19 pandemic

International Registries is supporting the RMI Maritime Registry during the return to service

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