Author: Michele Witthaus

As the former editor of International Cruise & Ferry Review, Michele is now one of our key contributors. She tracks developments and trends in the cruise and ferry sectors, and particularly enjoys interviewing leading industry figures for ICFR.



Interview

New ships and lifelong dreams for Viking

New ships and lifelong dreams for Viking
By Michele Witthaus | 06 May 2022

Michele Witthaus asks Viking’s Wendy Atkin-Smith what is driving the line’s continuing success as it celebrates its 25th anniversary

Michele Witthaus asks Wendy Atkin-Smith what is driving the line’s continuing success

Feature, Building and refurbishment

Building sustainably, one ship at a time

Building sustainably, one ship at a time
By Michele Witthaus | 13 April 2022

In this edition of the Green List, Michele Witthaus looks at how operators, naval architects, designers, shipyards and classification societies are improving the sustainability profile of contemporary passenger ships

CFR’s Green List explores how companies are improving the sustainability of new passenger vessels

Report, Itinerary planning, Ports and Destinations

A breath of fresh air: getting back to cruising

A breath of fresh air: getting back to cruising
By Michele Witthaus | 03 February 2022

The return of cruising has come as a welcome relief to cruise line and port executives, who can’t wait to share new itineraries, excursions and destinations with guests. Michele Witthaus reports

Cruise line and port executives share their new itineraries, excursions and destinations

Interview, Marine operations, Itinerary planning

Twice the fun in Jamaica with more immersive experiences

Twice the fun in Jamaica with more immersive experiences
By Michele Witthaus | 10 January 2022

Although Jamaica has five highly diverse cruise ports, cruise lines have traditionally only visited one per itinerary. William Tatham tells Michele Witthaus how that’s set to change as several cruise lines plan double calls

William Tatham explains how cruise lines can make double calls at five Jamaican cruise ports

Feature, Itinerary planning

Allure of the Mediterranean Sea as a cruise destination

Allure of the Mediterranean Sea as a cruise destination
By Michele Witthaus | 15 December 2021

The Mediterranean Sea is an enduringly popular destination for cruise travellers. Cruise line executives discuss their current itineraries and future plans with Michele Witthaus

Cruise line executives discuss their current itineraries and future plans with Michele Witthaus

Interview, Onboard experience

SMC Design’s model approach to cruise ship design

SMC Design’s model approach to cruise ship design
By Michele Witthaus | 25 November 2021

Michele Witthaus asks SMC Design’s Andrew Brown how building information modelling is transforming the way the company works with its clients

Andrew Brown explains how building information modelling is transforming the way the company works

Feature, Building and refurbishment

Cruise ship order book: Bigger, safer, smarter

Cruise ship order book: Bigger, safer, smarter
By Michele Witthaus | 24 November 2021

High-tech expedition craft and mega ships dominate the order book, signalling a confident return to business. Michele Witthaus reports

High-tech expedition craft and mega ships dominate the order book, reports Michele Witthaus

Interview, Ferry news

Helping ferry operators with smart data delivery

Helping ferry operators with smart data delivery
By Michele Witthaus | 29 October 2021

Les Shortall of Inmarsat talks to Michele Witthaus about the company’s solutions that are enabling a revolution in digitalisation for ferry operators

Les Shortall discusses Inmarsat’s solutions that are enabling a digital revolution for ferry operators

Interview, Onboard experience

Curating art fit for an impressive cruise adventure

Curating art fit for an impressive cruise adventure
By Michele Witthaus | 18 June 2021

Curating an art collection for a new cruise ship is a complex challenge. Michele Witthaus talks to SMC Design’s art team to find out how it developed the impressive collection on Saga Cruises’ new ship, Spirit of Adventure

SMC Design’s art team discuss the development of the collection onboard Saga’s Spirit of Adventure

Feature, Marine operations

CFR Green List: Sustainable cruise ports

CFR Green List: Sustainable cruise ports
By Michele Witthaus | 07 April 2021

Globally, ports are stepping up their green practices, ready for when their passenger shipping business returns. We hear what sustainability means for a number of ports worldwide and how they are working towards their goals

We hear what sustainability means for ports and how they’re working towards their goals

Interview, Itinerary planning

Growth ahead for the Port of Galveston

Growth ahead for the Port of Galveston
By Michele Witthaus | 08 November 2019

The Port of Galveston is in expansion mode to accommodate the world’s largest cruise ships. Michele Witthaus talks with Rodger Rees about the port’s plans

Port director Rodger Rees discusses the Port of Galveston’s plans for expansion

Feature, Building and refurbishment

Spoilt for choice in a packed cruise order book

Spoilt for choice in a packed cruise order book
By Michele Witthaus | 06 November 2019

With 118 cruise ships worth nearly US$70 billion currently on order across a broad spread of cruise ship types and sizes, the outlook for newbuilds has never been healthier. Michele Witthaus reports on several upcoming deliveries

Michele Witthaus reports on the outlook for newbuilds, with nearly 118 cruise ships on order

Report, Itinerary planning

Realising a global vision for sustainable tourism

Realising a global vision for sustainable tourism
By Michele Witthaus | 02 October 2019

Cruise tourism is increasingly in the spotlight for its impacts on destinations. Michele Witthaus looks at what resources the World Tourism Organization offers to support more environmentally friendly cruising

The World Tourism Organization offers resources to support environmentally friendly cruising

Feature, Marine operations

Green List 2019: how firms are making ships eco-friendly

Green List 2019: how firms are making ships eco-friendly
By Michele Witthaus | 10 April 2019

Michele Witthaus looks at the products and services that are making a difference

Michele Witthaus looks at the products and services that are making a difference

Feature, Building and refurbishment, Cruise news

An appetite for authenticity is driving cruise orders

An appetite for authenticity is driving cruise orders
By Michele Witthaus | 03 April 2019

The thirst for a true sense of exploration at sea shows no signs of abating. Michele Witthaus highlights some of the new cruise ships that will meet the demand

We highlight some of the new cruise ships that will meet the demand for exploration at sea

Feature, Building and refurbishment

The fast-moving market of expedition cruises

The fast-moving market of expedition cruises
By Michele Witthaus | 19 February 2019

The segment has continued to boom in recent months, with numerous operators ordering new ships. Michele Witthaus finds out more

Michele Witthaus finds out more about the segment and its recent boom 

Interview, Building and refurbishment, Cruise news

Bigger, better, greener for Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.

Bigger, better, greener for Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.
By Michele Witthaus | 11 February 2019

Michele Witthaus spoke with Harri Kulovaara, the company’s executive vice president of Maritime and Newbuilding about its latest environmental strategy developments

Harri Kulovaara speaks about the company’s latest environmental strategy developments

Feature, Marine operations

A cleaner and greener cruise and ferry industry

A cleaner and greener cruise and ferry industry
By Michele Witthaus | 01 February 2019

Michele Witthaus looks at how cruise and ferry operators are improving their environmental performance with innovative green solutions

Companies are helping operators improve environmental performance with green solutions

Interview, Onboard experience, Cruise news

Celebrity Cruises is making luxury a reality

Celebrity Cruises is making luxury a reality
By Michele Witthaus | 21 December 2018

Celebrity Cruises is investing heavily in the brand to attract its luxury demographic. Michele Witthaus talks to president and CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo

Lisa Lutoff-Perlo discusses the line’s investments to attract its luxury demographic


Interview, Cruise news

CLIA’s CEO on sustainability, innovation and new cruisers

CLIA’s CEO on sustainability, innovation and new cruisers
By Michele Witthaus | 05 November 2018

Cindy D’Aoust talks to Michele Witthaus about steering Cruise Lines International Association through challenging and exciting times over the past two years

Cindy D’Aoust discusses Cruise Lines International Association’s integral role in the future of the cruising industry

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