This summer and spring, we have worked with three industry organizations that in our opinion all stand out in terms of their purpose, commitment, accomplishments and access.

We attended the Canada New England Cruise Symposium in St. John’s, New Brunswick in June, where also the Cruise the St. Lawrence Cruise association participated (a report will follow in the fall issue); the Association of Mediterranean Cruise Ports general assembly in Constantza, Romania, also in June (see pages 94 and 96); and the Marine Hotel Association’s 25^th annual conference and trade show in Orlando in April (for which we prepared a special issue, click here). We believe in the value and benefits of well run associations.

 Are the new big ships reintroducing a more regimented cruise experience? After witnessing a trend to less structured ships over the past decade or so, some lines are now encouraging passengers to make dinner reservations before they even get to the ship. To us, that takes away the spontaneity that, we think, is a big and positive part of a vacation. Certainly the cruise lines have market research that warrants this move so it will be interesting to see how this plays out.

Having said that, we are looking forward to taking a cruise this summer, doing whatever, whenever.

 Bon Voyage

Angela Reale Mathisen & Oivind Mathisen

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