Teri West
For my most recent cover story, I interviewed about a dozen millennial cruise leaders and asked them the same six questions.
I sought more than just biographical details -- I wanted an understanding of their generation's perspective on the cruise industry's future.
It was fascinating how much overlap there was in their responses. Leaders occupying completely different roles at completely different cruise lines shared sometimes nearly identical visions for how the industry can, and should, continue to evolve.
Here are three of the recurring themes I identified:
Authentic experiences
The theme of authenticity came up in about a third of the responses I received. My sources told me cruising's future is about helping guests gain a true understanding of the communities they are visiting.
They said that involves immersive experiences and more curation and personalization.
Quark Expeditions vice president of marketing Alex Franceschini said that travel should expand not only one's lived experiences but one's worldview and empathy.
"When people experience different cultures, ways of life, wildlife and environments firsthand, it builds empathy, curiosity and global mindset," she said.
Sustainability
Environmental responsibility also came up in about a third of my interviews.
The executives described sustainability as a core value that they and members of their generation hold. The industry must continue to innovate and challenge itself to become even more sustainable, the leaders said.
Norwegian Cruise Line's Katie Kania described the task as balancing growth with environmental sustainability.
"When we look at the number of new ships on order, it is imperative that our generation is continuing to constantly innovate to protect our oceans," she said.
Responsible tourism
The cruise industry also can and should promote responsible tourism, which goes beyond the scope of just environmental sustainability, multiple sources said.
That may include minimizing overcrowding at ports, said Jess Peterson, Windstar Cruises' director of destination experience and itinerary planning.
It also means ensuring that destinations benefit from cruise operations, such as through economic growth, said Hurtigruten chief commercial officer Iian Powell
Overall, travel "should be a force for good," said HX chief operating officer Iain McNeill.
His concept of how cruise can accomplish that included elements of the other two themes -- authenticity and sustainability.
"Whether it's fostering cultural understanding, supporting research and education in delicate environments, or contributing positively to remote communities, I believe our generation of leaders must be expected to deliver on the triple bottom line of people, planet and profit," McNeill said.