Cruise giant joins ABTA

Tuesday, 01 Oct, 2009 0

Royal Caribbean Cruises has become a member of ABTA on the eve of the travel body’s annual convention in Barcelona next week.

The move means that the association has accepted 62 new companies as members in the past 12 months.

ABTA also said that 98% of existing members renewed their subscriptions earlier this year.

Royal Caribbean said it remained a “full and dedicated” member of the Passenger Shipping Association and will continue to play an active part in its work promoting the cruise industry to both the trade and consumers. The decision to join ABTA will not affect the PSA.

By joining ABTA, Royal Caribbean will officially sign up to the association’s Codes of Conduct, though UK and Ireland managing director Robin Shaw pointed out that the business was already complying with all regulations as part of its everyday operations.

ABTA membership and bonding does not impact on Royal Caribbean Cruises’ existing Civil Aviation Authority bonding for flight-inclusive cruise packages, which will continue under the ATOL scheme.

Shaw said: “Our decision to join ABTA comes at an exciting time for the organisation and the industry as a whole.

“Over recent months there is a real feeling that businesses involved in travel and tourism should speak through one body – and ABTA is taking on the challenge to be the main lobbying body.

“We look forward to having our say and being able to make a positive contribution on behalf of the cruise sector.

“Obviously, the ABTA brand resonates with consumers and is a well-known sign of reassurance so it makes sense to switch our bonding arrangements on the cruise-only holiday business.”

ABTA chief executive Mark Tanzer said: “Royal Caribbean Cruises are a great addition to the ABTA family and we look forward to helping develop the close ties they have with the rest of our membership.”

Royal Caribbean ship Navigator of the Seas is to host a dedicated cruise forum as part of next week’s travel convention.

by Phil Davies

Phil Davies

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