Just like that, Christmas has come and gone. We’re now in that slightly murky, post-festive blues stage of January, when we’re back into the swing of things at work (from home, for many) but are struggling to stick to New Year’s resolutions – well, that’s how I feel, anyway.

No doubt, it was a difficult end to 2021, and – to be frank – a difficult start to this year, but we should not lose sight of the opportunities ahead.
There are several new ships launching in 2022 across all cruise segments, new lines sailing for the first time, and exciting destinations on the horizon for guests. All in all, cruise can continue the positive momentum it built in 2021.

On the topic of last year, it was during the summer that we decided to really push ahead with our plans to put CTN at the heart of long-form investigative journalism in the cruise sector. The launch of the CTN Investigates section has proved very successful, and we have lots planned for 2022. This section will form a key part of our coverage moving forward, alongside more agenda-setting interviews.

For this issue of said section, we take a look at the recruitment challenge in travel, and what needs to be done to attract the next generation of talent. Elsewhere, Celebrity Beyond – the newest addition to the Edge series – is the focus of our At a glance feature.

At the end of last year, I was lucky enough to spend a few days on Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas. This mammoth ship is certainly a crowd pleaser, as you’ll discover inside.

We also speak to Advantage Travel Partnership CEO Julia Lo Bue-Said, and get the latest reflections from Crystal Cruises UK marketing manager Natalie Dorrington.

Keep pushing and stay positive.