‘Our subs are safe’ insists cruise industry after Titanic submersible tragedy

Scenic Cruises said it was “saddened by the outcome and the news of lives lost” onboard the Titan submarine, but stressed its Scenic Neptune submersibles offered a “completely different experience”.

“Our own submersible is built to dive to depths of 200-300 metres, although it does not dive beyond 100 metres, which provides the best viewing experiences,” added the company. “Scenic Neptune has been built to conform with classification society rules. It is a highly regulated and safe experience.

“Our ships are currently sailing around Japan, where we do not offer the Scenic Neptune experience. Our thoughts are with those who have lost loved ones onboard Titan and the wider crew impacted.”

James Cole, who runs specialist agency Panache Cruises, also praised the quality of the health and safety procedures offered by cruise lines, including the excursions they operate.

“It is exceptionally sad to hear about the tragedy in the Atlantic,” he added. “At Panache Cruises we only work with cruise lines who offer the most robust health and safety procedures to our customers, including any excursion they may be undertaking and they continually provide an exceptional record of safety.”

There are only a few submersibles currently in operation – mainly on expedition ships. But not everybody is a fan, with Silversea last year removing these underwater vehicles from Silver Endeavor, which was previously Crystal Endeavor, to allow it to add more suites.

At the time, Silversea chief executive Roberto Martinoli described the submersible vehicles as “toys that can be used by only a portion of guests”, adding that they were “only useful in a very limited number of places”.

Agents also don’t feel that submersibles are a key selling point when customers are choosing a cruise line or ship – limiting any potential damage to the industry from concerned passengers following the OceanGate incident.

“I don’t feel people would choose one ship over another because it has a submersible,” added Mundy Cruising’s Lonsdale. “It’s a bit like having a helicopter on an expedition cruise – it’s something that might enhance their experience but not to the extent that it’s a must-have.”

“They are only on a few small expedition ships. They have to feel it’s worthwhile to dedicate the space that these submersibles take up on the ship.”