The Passenger Shipping Association (PSA) has claimed that cruise holidays have the best safety record in the travel industry.



PSA director Bill Gibbons made the claim during a statement released earlier this week, aimed at allaying passenger fears.



Mr Gibbons explained that ships' crews undertake rigorous training schedules before taking to the sea.



This includes drills and scenarios for emergency situations such as the evacuation of a cruise ship.



The PSA director also explained that cruise ships are required to comply with a number of strict regulations and procedures.



These rules are enforced by the governing maritime authorities and cover every aspect of the building and operation of cruise ships.


"During the past two decades, cruise lines have maintained the best safety record in the travel industry while transporting more than 90 million people throughout the world," he said.



Cruise companies have taken an increasing focus on health aboard cruise ships in 2012, after smoking was outlawed in the majority of areas aboard vessels earlier this month


Do you agree with his statement? What more could be done to improve cruise holiday safety?