Page 13 - The 2020 European Market Report
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european M A R K E T 2020
Queen Mary 2 will be offering
more themed crossings.
At Cunard Line the focus is already CUNARD and wine, RUI MINAS AGOSTINHO
on its fourth new ship, not yet literature,
named, and slated to enter ser- Fourth space and dance
vice in 2022. “She will be the 249th ship Ship themes. There is
in Cunard’s 179 year history,” said Simon increased interest
Palethorpe, president. “She will be a dif- legacy, but also the service level and en- in voyages that play
ferent ship (compared to the existing fleet), richment programs. to key passion points.
but distinctly Cunard,” he added. “We are Since there are no ports to think about,
working with world-class designers, and “There are some parts that are quite guests can immerse themselves in a world
I just cannot wait to reveal the designs to British,” Palethorpe noted, “such as the of literature or theater, for example.”
the world.” service, which I would describe as quint-
essentially British in its understated nature. Cunard is also known for its speaker
At 113,000 tons and with a guest ca- We are a brand that does not shout, but is and enrichment programs.
pacity of 3,000, Palethorpe said the new quietly there; the tone of the ship is British.
ship will boost the brand’s guest capacity Building Blocks
by more than 40 percent. “Otherwise it is really about the guests.
They actually determine what it is like Since joining the company in 2016,
“The new ship will be significant- aboard. More important than their demo- Palethorpe said the Queen Mary 2 had
ly bigger than the Queen Elizabeth and graphics are their shared attitudes whether undergone a $132 million “remastering”
Queen Victoria and will offer more than they are 30 or 80. They tell us they enjoy the followed by significant refits for the Queen
enough space allowing us to preserve and finer things in life, they embrace the sense Elizabeth and Queen Victoria.
enhance the guest experience,” he contin- of occasion, and they love our gala nights.
ued. “There will be lots of exciting things They are also quite gregarious; they enjoy Having the right hardware, people be-
we will be able to accommodate on the meeting new and likeminded people.” come the building blocks for the brand’s
ship that you have not seen before on a success, he said. “We are investing in our
Cunard ship.” Themed Crossings people, in our crew, enabling them to de-
liver wonderful holidays for our guests.”
International Palethorpe said that more themes will
be introduced on the seven-day trans-At- Guests are also playing a key role in
“We have been seeing growing de- lantic crossings. more ways than one. Explained Paletho-
mand for Cunard, also from international rpe: “I like nothing more than hosting a
markets, and a fourth ship will give us “We are growing our event voyages,” dinner table aboard with guests, engaging
the coverage of the globe that we want,” he said. “Aboard the Queen Mary 2 will them and getting their feedback.
Palethorpe said. be a trans-Atlantic fashion week at sea,
with designers interacting with our guests. “While we need to attract new guests of
Growing its presence in North America, We will also have London theater, food the future, we also have a very loyal fol-
the Queen Elizabeth is sailing in Alaska lowing, and have guests who have sailed
this summer and is set to return next sea- more than 3,000 nights with us.
son. Guest sourcing has also been built
up in Japan and Australasia. “The key is to focus on the guests,
making sure we consistently exceed their
The brand attractions are partially its expectations, and we do that through our
people; through the service we deliver.”
Cruise Industry News: 2020 European Market Report 83
