How is the current travel climate affecting the cruise industry?
There are many ships in the Caribbean and Alaska now; because of the competition, there are tremendous bargains. Prices today are as low as they were in 1980. Cruise lines are also introducing extra services and being more inventive—not just placing chocolates on the pillows, but coming around with cool towels and refreshing sorbets on a hot day. 4. How do you stay so well informed? After I left Cunard in 1979, I wanted to find out more about the industry. So I learned all about safety codes and ship building. I still need to keep current with these regulations, since my ratings (I evaluate ships on more than 400 individual points) have to be accurate and objective. I talk to the lines quite regularly, and I also send them private reports after I’ve been aboard a cruise, just to let them know what things need attention. I’m known for spotting details. I also get about 3,000 letters and e-mails from passengers every year. They really help keep me informed as to what was good—and bad—abo
