As we approach the end of the year, it’s important to look back and appreciate how far cruise has come in the last 12 months.

In the early part of 2021, I wrote in this letter about how we were all desperate to see the end of lockdown and regroup as a sector.

Thankfully, we were able to do that, and soon followed the great domestic cruise season, as numerous lines organised itineraries taking in some wonderful local destinations. Of course, since then international cruising has resumed, and 2022 is shaping up to continue the current trend of recovery.

I’ve been lucky enough to get away on a few occasions ­­­– most memorably in late May on a UK voyage with MSC Cruises (a seamless experience in all aspects, including Covid testing), and very recently with Royal Caribbean, on a short three-night sailing from Rome to Barcelona.

The latter, as it was an international affair, required additional steps for flying, but again, they were worth it to cruise on open seas again.

As magazine and business, we at Cruise Trade News have also seen positive signs, particularly since the late summer.

In September, live, in person Cruise Challenge events returned, and we are excited to host more of these in 2022. We’ve also been able to innovate with new digital magazines to add to our coverage.

As you will see on the front cover of this issue, it is our annual advent calendar, in partnership with Fred Olsen Cruise Lines. There are some great prizes to be won, so please do register and take part.

Have a wonderful Christmas and new year – hopefully filled with gatherings with family and friends. See you all in 2022.