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Cruise specialists support industry after ‘fly on wall’
Cruise agents have jumped to the defence of the cruise industry after a Channel 4 ‘fly on the wall’ documentary on crew members’ wages.
The Leading Cruise Agents of the UK (LCA), representing 70 cruise specialist travel agents, claims the ‘Dispatches’ programme was not a balanced overview of life as a crew member on cruise ships.
The programme claimed to ‘lift the lid’ on employment abuses after an undercover reporter worked on Celebrity Eclipse – one of Celebrity Cruises’ ships, see previous story.
But LCA chairman Willie Stewart, speaking on behalf of the LCA Directors, said: "They (cruise companies) are providing stable employment for many thousands of people from around the globe – many of whom are long-serving members of their cruise line’s crew.
"Whilst no business sector is perfect, cruise companies have demonstrated a willingness to innovate, and generally to care for client and crew member alike. In our experience, Celebrity Cruises is an exemplar of this best practice."
"Did the scenario created by Channel 4’s producers present an accurate reflection – a balanced overview – of a typical crew member’s experience working with Celebrity? We do not believe it did.
"Celebrity Cruises’ management both defended their best practice in connection with crew policy and confirmed they would investigate the programme-makers’ claims. We’re confident they will follow-up and respond speedily and diligently, and in the best interests of both clients and crew."
By Diane Evans
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