This paper considers certain outside influences on the cruise industry over the last ten years, in particular the effects and responses to economic downturn, to the dramatic rise in the price of fuel of more than 300% and the passing of the deadline for the 2010 SOLAS Amendments relating to fire safety. We demonstrate the consolidation which has taken place within the industry largely as a result of these influences and discuss how second tier players might respond to the loss of so many of the smaller, older ships upon which their business models depend. We suggest the opportunity this might create for low-cost shipbuilders. We then consider the possible consequences for the cruise industry of current and impending legislation on exhaust sulphur emissions and propose that the cruise industry should actively collaborate with manufacturers in developing a satisfactory technical solution and seek funding from government sources to support such efforts.
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