Caution should prevail on restarting cruises

I AM a fan of cruising. I have been on a number of cruises with different lines. I am also somebody who has spent many years writing about the dangers of cruise ships.

When I sail on these ships I am acutely aware of the safety issues. On occasions I have brought dangerous practices to the attention of the captain. Having read, and written about in this column, Captain Michael Lloyd's disturbing report on the loss of the Costa Concordia, I am under no illusions about what can go wrong.

Also I am not naive when it come to the contracts and conditions many seafarers work under. I often find myself asking crew members nosey questions with regard to pay and conditions.