In this issue

Great bartenders need to not only liberally pour top quality drinks, but also lend a sympathetic ear and provide a memorable experience. MSC Cruises reckon they’re on to a winner with their newest member of staff – the world’s first bartending robot. Rob is a fully-functional barman, and can even hold conversations with guests of the new MSC Virtuosa. 

As some cruise ships return to the waters, we take a look at several methods companies have put in place to keep crew and passengers as safe as possible. Contact tracing technology is already being trialled, and we speak with Vancouver-based TraceSafe to see what can be done to combat Covid-19 at sea.

Elsewhere in this issue, we speak to Royal Caribbean about its newest recruitment technique – locking candidates in a virtual escape room. We also ask whether small-scale cruises will win out, as passengers seek experiences free from crowds.

Finally, we analyse the plans to welcome the world’s biggest ships to Stornoway with their new harbour, and analyse the impact of Canada cancelling the entire 2021 season because of Covid-19.

Don’t forget to follow us @FutureCruiseMag and let us know your thoughts on my maiden issue.

Ben Cusack, editor