This study will show different risks on cruise vacations and within the cruise industry. The study will show past, present and future challenges for risk management and the important role of media for keeping up the boom in cruise vacations. Cruise vessels will be identified as potential targets for terroristic violence and the public prevention via media will be shown.
Is an ocean voyage safe or is there just a feeling of safety?
To approximate the topic it will be given important definitions and an overview about the historic development with historic ‚points of change’ within the cruise industry. The risk for ocean liners will be identified and categorized. It will be given an overview about historic development of safety regulations in ocean cruising and the role of media
Table of Contents
1 Goal and approach of this Study
2 Introduction
3 Definitions
3.1 Cruise ship
3.2 Cruise
3.3 Piracy
3.4 Terrorism
3.5 Crisis
4 Risks for cruise vessels
4.1 Inside risks
4.1.1 Hygienic conditions
4.1.2 Drugs and crime
4.1.3 Fire
4.2 Outside risk
4.2.1 Natural forces
4.2.2 Piracy
4.2.3 Terrorism
5 Cruise vessels
5.1 Short History linked with media
5.2 Value as Target
5.2.1 For pirates
5.2.1.1 Examples for pirate attacks on vessels
5.2.2 For terrorists
5.2.2.1 Examples for terrorists acts on vessels
6 Security
6.1 Passive security
6.2 Active security
6.2.1 History
6.2.2 After 9/11
7 Management of crises prevention
7.1 Marketing security
7.1.1 Marketing mix
7.1.1.1 Price
7.1.1.2 Place
7.1.1.3 Product Process
7.1.1.4 Product People
7.1.1.5 Product physical evidence
7.1.1.6 Promotion
8 Final remarks
9 Future
Objectives & Core Topics
This study aims to examine the safety and risk management landscape within the cruise industry, analyzing how internal and external threats influence the perception of cruise vacations and how marketing strategies are utilized to maintain a safe image despite these risks.
- Risk identification and categorization for cruise vessels
- Historical analysis of safety regulations in the cruise industry
- The impact of terrorism and piracy on cruise vessel security
- Evaluation of media influence on safety perception and crisis management
- Integration of security aspects into the cruise marketing mix
Excerpt from the Book
5.2 Value as Target
The cruise vessels are large in size as well as in number of people. Furthermore the “cocooning effect” feeling brings the advantage of a surprise attact to terrorist.
“Cruise ships are vulnerable to attack from terrorism because of the nationality, religion or even life-style of the passengers, the crew, the ship-owners or operators.” (Ellen 1997, p. 89)
Just 10 years ago there were in average around 1000 passengers on board. Today there are cruise vessels with up to 5000 people on board. The vessels are slow and unarmed. So cruise vessels are flagships of the ‘white industry’ and presenting spectacular targets. Public awareness and media coverage will be sure. In case of a terrorist act –like an explosion- a plane will crash down. A cruise vessel will stay afloat and there would be enough time for setting up broadcasting technology and TV-reports.
Like the TV-broadcasting from the collapsing Twin-Towers –the whole world watched it live on TV.
In November 30th 1994 an accident onboard the cruise vessel ‘Achille Lauro’ caused a fire. The fire got out of control and the passengers and crew had to be evacuated. The ship drifted burning for three days and sunk at the end. Throughout the emergency the ship was escorted by helicopters with camera teams and the sinking was broadcasted live too.
Summary of Chapters
1 Goal and approach of this Study: Defines the scope of the study regarding risks in the cruise industry and the role of media in maintaining the safety image.
2 Introduction: Discusses the growth of the cruise industry and the critical importance of feeling safe, especially in the post-9/11 era.
3 Definitions: Provides essential terminology for understanding cruising, piracy, terrorism, and crisis management.
4 Risks for cruise vessels: Categorizes various internal and external risks, including hygiene, fire, piracy, and terrorism.
5 Cruise vessels: Explores the historical context of cruising and examines why these vessels are considered high-value targets for criminals and terrorists.
6 Security: Reviews the evolution of passive and active security measures, including the impact of major international regulations like SOLAS and ISPS.
7 Management of crises prevention: Details the stages of crisis management and how security is integrated into the marketing mix to uphold a positive brand image.
8 Final remarks: Concludes that while real risks exist, the cruise industry effectively uses media control and marketing to maintain a safe perception among consumers.
9 Future: Looks at potential future trends, such as military-style escorts, in response to existing security threats.
Keywords
Cruise industry, risk management, crisis prevention, terrorism, piracy, maritime security, SOLAS, ISPS Code, media influence, marketing mix, safety image, cruise vessels, passenger safety, travel security, vacation industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this study?
The study investigates the risks faced by the cruise industry, the management of these risks, and how marketing and media coverage influence the public perception of safety on cruise ships.
What are the central thematic fields covered in the text?
The core themes include risk categorization (internal vs. external), security regulations, the impact of terrorism and piracy, and the strategic use of security as a marketing tool.
What is the research goal of this paper?
The goal is to determine how cruise vessels are identified as targets for violence and how the industry manages these crises through prevention and media communication.
Which scientific methods are applied here?
The paper utilizes a literature-based analysis of maritime security regulations, historical incidents, and industry-specific marketing theories to evaluate crisis management strategies.
What does the main body of the work address?
It covers definitions of key terms, detailed risk assessments, the evolution of international security codes, and the integration of security procedures into the marketing mix.
Which keywords characterize this work?
Key terms include cruise industry, risk management, maritime security, ISPS Code, terrorism, piracy, and crisis prevention.
How has the 'cocooning effect' been described in the context of security?
Prof. Vogel describes the cruise ship as a protected cocoon, separating the passenger from the potentially dangerous outside world, which serves as both a physical safety measure and a marketing instrument.
Why are cruise ships considered 'spectacular targets' for terrorists?
Due to their large size, high passenger density, slow speed, and status as symbols of the 'white industry,' they attract significant global media attention in the event of an incident.
How does the cruise industry use marketing to address safety?
The industry integrates security into their marketing mix by making safety procedures visible (e.g., screening), communicating safety as a premium feature, and controlling media narratives during incidents.
- Quote paper
- Maik Roemer (Author), 2008, Cruising at Risk, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/161012
