The top executives of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) have spoken to delegates gathered at Cruise Shipping Miami, offering their views on cruising’s safety record and policies as well as the industry’s prospects and commitment to growth in the coming months and years.

Howard Frank, vice chairman of Carnival Corporation & plc and chairman of CLIA, said, in reference to the Costa Concordia tragedy: “As a cruise ship operator, there is nothing more heart-wrenching than the loss of one of your passengers or crewmembers and on behalf of the entire Carnival Corporation & plc family, I want to again extend our deepest sympathies to the families who have lost loved ones in this tragic accident.

“The cruise industry maintains an excellent safety record and every cruise operator recognizes that the safety and security of our guests and crew is our top priority…To that end, CLIA and its member lines are examining their safety practices and identifying areas for improvement. With the help of leading safety and technical experts, this will also include a comprehensive, top-to-bottom review of our shipboard safety and emergency response procedures…While the review is in its early stages, our industry has already taken additional steps to strengthen safety procedures beyond what is currently required by law. Our new muster policy demonstrates our industry’s willingness to move forward voluntarily to identify industry best practices and rapidly implement enhanced safety procedures when appropriate,” Frank said.