Page 40: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (February 2018)

Photo: PONANT cruise market, Rodriguez looks back to ferent market segments. ties. “Honestly, the whole world is hot! guez says that technology – particularly the evolution of the river cruise market. “Simply put there are more choices. Cuba is hot, Iceland is hot. People want the wide availability of strong WiFi, cell “In 2001, for example, Americans were Anyone, from a ? rst-time cruiser with a perpetually new and different The more phone and email connection, is para- not very familiar with the river cruise in- small budget to a luxury consumer who remote and exotic a location is, that’s mount to success in today’s plugged-in dustry in Europe. Fast forward 17 years typically owns or charters their own what today’s luxury traveler is looking world.

and this industry is a very important seg- yacht, can have a plethora of options for,” said Rodriguez. “The really great “People will not cruise unless they ment of the total cruise industry today,” within the whole cruise segment,” said thing about having smaller, luxury yacht have strong WiFi, cell phones and email said Rodriguez. Rodriguez. As the industry expands, the expedition vessels is that we can get into available 24/7 anywhere in the world.

Hallmarks of the luxury yacht expedi- new ? eet of vessels, from the large to the more of these exotic locations in an eas- This technology allows the cruise indus- tion segment are: small, opens new worlds of opportunity ier, sexier manner.” try to remove barriers. People can go on • Smaller vessels: Typically 250 pas- for ports of call and land-side opportuni- While much remains the same, Rodri- fabulous vacations, they can see multiple sengers or less countries, without having to pack and • Exotic Locales: From the North unpack, while staying fully connected.”

Pole to Antarctica and every point in With the new ships, the exotic locales, between. Locations that the larger mass- the onboard amenities and technologies,

Survitec market vessels simply cannot navigate. it could be easy for some to lose focus on • Exclusivity: From small ports of the most important aspect of running a entry to upscale amenities. leisure travel business: people. “In gen- for Safety “The world is getting wealthier, and eral, running a cruise brand is all about

Photo: Survitec they want new, incredible experiences, the people,” said Rodriguez. “Your

Survitec won the contract to provide rescue boats and safety equipment for a they want to travel with their peer groups team is the biggest factor, as your team number of new Ponant cruise vessels set to be delivered in 2018. The 10,000-gt and they want it easy. It’s that simple.” spreads across every touch point with expedition ships are designed and built by VARD. Survitec will deliver eight the customer. At the end of the day, it is

Survitec Zodiac RIBO 600 SOLAS boats for passenger safety. RIBO 600s are

The more things change all about your team: your onboard crew, equipped with self-righting systems and carry USCG and EC approval certi? -

Much has changed in the cruise indus- your shore side crew, your company. If cates. As part of the Survitec package, breathing apparatus and ? re extinguishers try over the last 20 years, particularly you take care of your employees, the will also be supplied to each new vessel.

with the expansion of brands across dif- business will take care of itself.” 40 Maritime Reporter & Engineering News • FEBRUARY 2018

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