Global Cruise Industry Media Briefing

LONDON, January 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Christine Duffy, President and CEO of the Cruise Lines International Association, speaking on behalf of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), European Cruise Council (ECC) and Passenger Shipping Association (PSA) today called on the International Maritime Organization to undertake what she termed: 'a comprehensive evaluation from the findings of the Costa Concordia investigation'.

Speaking at the Passenger Ship Safety Conference in London, Christine Duffy emphasised the importance of the evaluation to ensure that: 'the cruise industry remains one of the safest recreational industries globally'.

She added: 'the cruise industry is heavily regulated in compliance with the strict standards of the International Maritime Organization, the UN agency that mandates global standards.'

At the event, Ms Duffy expressed her condolences to those affected by the Costa Concordia tragedy: 'I speak on behalf of the entire cruise line industry when I express my heartfelt condolences to all those affected. As we speak, teams of experts are working hard at the site while formal investigations by the Italian authorities are ongoing'.

On behalf of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), European Cruise Council (ECC) and Passenger Shipping Association (PSA).

Contact:

Mark Watts

+32-474-06-01-85

eccpr@lpbrussels.com[eccpr@lpbrussels.com_ ]