What is the ultimate impact of these regulatory standards on the cruise industry?
Kruse: I think we can deal with it. The technology needs to be there for us to deal with water treatment. Otherwise, deep-sea ballasting is an option and it’s doable, but there are some inherent challenges. Certainly no one wants to compromise the safety of the crews and passengers. All of the environmental regulations coming down the pike, whether for wastewater treatment, garbage, emissions or ballast water, are reasonable. There is no opposition from anybody within our industry. Let’s just make sure we understand the science and technology and work on solutions together. MarEx: Has the cruise industry and its regulatory representatives been consulted about the time frames and impacts of environmental regulations? Kruse: Not to my knowledge, but when we are asked to participate, as we were ten years ago when Senator Frank Murkowski introduced one of the most stringent environmental acts in the world, our industry worked well with Congress. MarEx: Finally, regarding consumer confidenc
