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.



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

Report, Building and refurbishment

Bold operators to boost ferry order books

Bold operators to boost ferry order books
By Michele Witthaus | 13 June 2018

Several operators order low- and zero-emission ferries, while large fast craft are also in demand. Michele Witthaus reviews key market activity

Ferry lines are ordering low- and zero-emission vessels, while large fast crafts are also in demand

Feature, Onboard experience, Marine operations

Introducing the first Cruise & Ferry Green List

Introducing the first Cruise & Ferry Green List
By Michele Witthaus | 02 April 2018

Michele Witthaus takes us on a virtual ship tour, highlighting some of the environmentally friendly products and services that are helping ship operators achieve regulatory compliance and cost savings

We share some of the eco-friendly solutions that help ship operators save costs and meet regulations 

Interview, Cruise news

Giving Celebrity Cruises the Edge in the cruise industry

Giving Celebrity Cruises the Edge in the cruise industry
By Michele Witthaus | 08 December 2017

Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, president and CEO of Celebrity Cruises, talks to Michele Witthaus about the Edge class and a personal career pinnacle

Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, president and CEO of Celebrity Cruises, discusses Edge class 

Feature

The place of ferries in the sustainable transport debate

The place of ferries in the sustainable transport debate
By Michele Witthaus | 16 October 2017

How green are ferries compared with transport alternatives? Three Northern Europe-based operators share their sustainability strategies with Michele Witthaus

Three Northern Europe-based operators share their sustainability strategies

News, Cruise news

UK cruise industry needs government support and recognition, says Dingle

UK cruise industry needs government support and recognition, says Dingle
By Michele Witthaus | 14 September 2017

Cruise growth, innovation and the impact of Brexit discussed at London CLIA event

Interview, Cruise news

A dual strategy for sustained and successful growth

A dual strategy for sustained and successful growth
By Michele Witthaus | 04 January 2017

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises serves two distinct market segments with its small fleet. The line’s CEO Karl J. Pojer tells Michele Witthaus how he is strengthening the brand on both fronts

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises' Karl J. Pojer tells us how he is strengthening the brand

Interview, Cruise news, Marine operations

ABB is targeting the emerging polar market

ABB is targeting the emerging polar market
By Michele Witthaus | 02 December 2016

Marcus Högblom and Jukka Varis outline how ABB Marine’s technology will power the first of Crystal Cruises’ new Exclusive Class vessels during a conversation with Michele Witthaus

Marcus Högblom and Jukka Varis outline how ABB will power two expedition newbuilds

Report, Cruise news, Itinerary planning

Exploring Northern Norway

Exploring Northern Norway
By Michele Witthaus | 16 September 2016

Michele Witthaus joins cruise itinerary planners to test available excursions, ports and more

Cruise line itinerary planners test shore excursions, ports and more

Interview, Ferry news

Providing a voice for Canada’s ferry operators

Providing a voice for Canada’s ferry operators
By Michele Witthaus | 04 July 2016

Serge Buy is CEO of the Canadian Ferry Operators Association (CFOA). He tells ICFR about his organisation’s plans for the future

Serge Buy, CEO of CFOA, tells ICFR about his organisation’s plans for the future

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