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Mission statement

1. To promote the interests of cruise operators with the EU institutions in all matters of shipping policy and ship operations
2. To promote cruising by the European public and encourage expansion of the European cruise market

To this end the EEC will:

• Encourage high standards of operation and the provision of high quality and efficient shipping services.
• Strive for an EU regulatory environment that supports safe shipping operations and protection of the environment, and that recognises the international dimension of the sector and the roles played by IMO/ILO in particular.
• Work for the elimination of barriers to trade and for an EU regulatory environment that will foster the continued growth of the cruise sector in Europe.
• Raise the profile of the cruise sector with the EU Institutions in relation to its economic and social contribution to Europe.
• Promote cruising with the general public and the travel trade as a reliable, affordable and enjoyable holiday experience.
• Co-operate with the EU institutions and non-governmental organisations in the pursuit of these objectives.
• Anticipate whenever possible and respond wherever appropriate to policies and actions which conflict with the above.

Organisation

The ECC is an independent, not for profit trade association funded by annual subscriptions from cruise line members and associate members.

The strategic direction of the ECC is provided by the Board which comprises all cruise line members and which meets twice a year, while the Executive Committee provides high level management input into the day to day running of the association.

ECC Executive Committee:
Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio, Silversea Cruises and ECC Chairman
Pierfrancesco Vago, MSC Cruises and ECC Vice-Chairman
Michael Bayley, Royal Caribbean International
David Dingle, Carnival UK
Roberto Martinoli, Norwegian Cruise Line
Michael Thamm, Aida Cruises

Issues of concern to the ECC are dealt with through the following sub-committees:

Environment: Chair - Tom Strang, Carnival Corporation
Health and Hygiene: Chair - Ruth Marshall, Royal Caribbean International
Ports and Infrastructure: Chair - Roberto Ferrarini, Costa Crociere S.p.A 
Taxation: Chair – David Dingle, Carnival UK
Tourism and Consumer Affairs: Chair - Maria Pittordis, Hill Dickinson LLP

The ECC also works, inter alia, with ECSA, ESPO and ECTAA on European matters and internationally with CLIA, ICS and ISF. For specific regional issues the ECC maintains close links with various bodies including the national shipowners associations of Europe, the Passenger Shipping Association and other bodies such as Cruise Baltic, Cruise Europe, Cruise Europe and Med Cruise.