Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) UK & Ireland has opened registration for next year's CLIA Conference, which will take place from June 4-6 in Southampton.   The event - the largest annual travel agent conference of its kind in Europe, and the 18th to be held - will bring together the cruise industry for ship visits, conference sessions, a trade fair and a celebratory sailaway evening party.   An optional ‘New to Selling Cruise Day’ will take place on June 3, offering dedicated training and brand introductions for agents who are keen to expand their cruise knowledge and boost sales.   The first full day of the main conference will include business sessions at the O2 Guildhall, followed by an evening trade fair.   On day two, delegates can choose to visit Cunard’s Queen Anne or P&O Cruises’ Britannia, with an evening sailaway party at the O2 Guildhall.   The final day will feature ship visits to Celebrity Apex, MSC Virtuosa, Oceania Cruises' Oceania Insignia or Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Seven Seas Grandeur.   Andy Harmer, CLIA UK & Ireland managing director, said: "CLIA Conference brings the cruise community together in a way no other event does - and 2026 will be no exception. From exploring extraordinary ships to hearing from inspiring speakers, agents will come away with new ideas, stronger connections and the sales insight to grow their business.   "It’s also our opportunity to recognise and celebrate the trade’s ongoing role in shaping the incredible success story that cruise has become."   Agents can register at www.cruising.org   Details of the conference theme and keynote speakers will be announced in due course.

  Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) UK & Ireland has confirmed its 2026 RiverView conference, taking place in Amsterdam from March 8-10, is on sale from tomorrow (October 1, 2026) at 2pm. CLIA is urging interested agents to sign up as soon as possible, as last year’s conference sold out in just 24 hours.   The event, the 14th to be held, is dedicated to river cruise and will include a range of optional masterclasses including a half-day workshop specifically aimed at agents entering the sector. It will also feature business sessions, a networking trade fair, multiple ship visits, hosted lunches and dinners, and overnight onboard stays for two nights.   A total of nine operators will have ships moored in Amsterdam and available for agents to visit. The current line-up is:   * AmaWaterways * Amadeus River Cruises * Avalon Waterways * Emerald Cruises * Riverside Luxury Cruises * Riviera Travel * TUI River Cruises * VIVA Cruises * Uniworld Boutique River Cruises   All other CLIA river cruise operators will be represented, and a number of associated suppliers will be on hand to meet at the trade fair and across the event.   Andy Harmer, CLIA managing director UK & Ireland, said: "River cruise continues to go from strength to strength and we’re expecting high RiverView demand once again for 2026. The event has become a cornerstone for the trade, bringing together agents, operators and partners to share knowledge and strengthen connections. We look forward to welcoming the industry to Amsterdam once again for what promises to be another standout conference."   The event was hosted in Budapest in 2025, and most recently held in Amsterdam in 2024. Other venue cities have included Cologne, Paris, Vienna and Ho Chi Minh City.   To register, CLIA members can go to: https://trade.cruising.org/events/clia-riverview-conference-2026

  Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) UK & Ireland has announced its 2026 conference will be held from June 4-6 in Southampton.   The conference, the largest annual travel agent event of its kind in Europe and the 18th to take place, will include ship visits, conference sessions, a trade fair and a celebratory sailaway evening party. An optional 'New to Selling Cruise Day' will take place on June 3 - which will combine sales training and brand introductions from suppliers - for agents who are looking to build their cruise knowledge and bookings.   The first full day of the event will comprise conference sessions and an industry trade fair in the evening. The conference sessions will take place at the O2 Guildhall, with trade fair details to be confirmed.   On day two, attendees will have the option to visit Cunard's Queen Anne or P&O Cruises' Britannia. The sailaway party will follow that evening at the O2 Guildhall.   Delegates will then have the choice to visit Celebrity Apex, MSC Virtuosa or Regent Seven Seas Cruises' Seven Seas Grandeur on the final day.   Andy Harmer, CLIA UK & Ireland managing director, said: "CLIA Conference is always a highlight in the travel trade calendar and 2026 will be no exception. With a line-up of stunning ships to visit, training opportunities and inspirational speakers, we’ll be giving agents the insight and tools they need to grow their cruise sales.   "The conference is also the ideal opportunity to celebrate the vital role the trade plays in bringing a holiday at sea to life, and to connect with colleagues and partners from across the industry."   Registration opens shortly. Details of the theme and keynote speakers will be announced in due course.   For more information, visit www.cruising.org

  Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has announced its 2026 RiverView conference will be held in Amsterdam, from March 8-10.   The event, the 14th to be held, is dedicated to river cruise and will include a range of optional masterclasses including a half-day workshop specifically aimed at agents entering the sector. It will also feature business sessions, a networking trade fair, multiple ship visits, hosted lunches and dinners, and overnight onboard stays for two nights.   A total of nine operators will have ships moored in Amsterdam and available for agents to visit. The current line-up is:   Ama Waterways Amadeus Cruises Avalon Waterways Emerald Cruises Riverside Luxury Cruises Riviera Travel TUI River Cruises VIVA Cruises Uniworld   All other CLIA river cruise operators will be represented, and a number of associated suppliers will be on hand to meet at the trade fair and across the event.   Three short fam sailings will be arranged at the close of the conference, allowing some travel agents to enjoy the sailing experience. Details will be announced in due course.   Last year’s conference sold out in just 24 hours.   Andy Harmer, CLIA managing director UK & Ireland, said: "RiverView is a key date in the river cruise calendar and we’re excited to once again bring the event to Amsterdam. Next year’s programme is designed to give agents everything they need to succeed in this fast-growing market, from expert-led business sessions and the opportunity to visit a range of stunning ships, to dedicated masterclasses for those who are looking to make their mark in the sector for the first time.   "With a comprehensive and engaging schedule both on and off the ships, demand is always incredibly high for RiverView and we'd encourage agents to secure their place at the earliest opportunity."   The event was hosted in Budapest in 2025, and most recently held in Amsterdam in 2024. Other venue cities have included Cologne, Paris, Vienna and Ho Chi Minh City.   Registration will open during CLIA Cruise Week, which launches on September 15.

  Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) UK & Ireland has revealed that over 400 travel agencies have already signed up for ‘The UK’s Biggest Cruise Event’ on September 16.   The event, which was announced just two weeks ago, forms a key part of this year's CLIA Cruise Week. It will see both agents and cruise lines host promotional activity including customer-facing events, internal training, ship visits and social media campaign launches.   The efforts will be combined to help support the largest-ever coordinated cross-agent cruise gathering, with CLIA hoping over 1,000 agencies will take part.   Cruise Week is being held from September 15-21. The annual, trade-focused initiative is designed to promote and raise awareness of cruising to agents, and will this year continue the theme of #BeyondExpectations, first introduced at CLIA Conference in May.   CLIA member travel agents have also been asked to confirm their support of Cruise Week via a sign-up link ahead of August 22. This will ensure they receive all assets and relevant communications directly to their registered email, and they or their agency are also eligible to win from a catalogue of CLIA Cruise Week prizes, which will reward those who achieve the highest standards in promoting cruise across a number of platforms.   Almost 40 ocean, river, expedition, luxury and small ship cruise lines have also pledged their support throughout the week.   Andy Harmer, managing director of CLIA UK & Ireland, said: “We're thrilled with the initial response we've had from the travel trade for ‘The UK’s Biggest Cruise Event’. It’s inspiring to see so many agencies coming together to champion cruise and we're counting down to a record-breaking turnout.   "This year’s Cruise Week is all about showing how the industry goes beyond expectations and we’re excited to see the energy, creativity and passion that agents will bring to their campaigns.”   CLIA have previously confirmed that other Cruise Week plans include:  

• Special trade incentives from cruise lines, running across the week – rewarding bookings, training and competition prize draws. The incentives will be supported by a series of webinars in the week ahead of Cruise Week, beginning September 8, allowing cruise lines to share incentive details and offer the latest brand updates.

 

• Registered agents will receive a Cruise Week digital toolkit, which will include all trade incentives, the official logo and social media content and registration links to the Cruise Week webinars - helping the trade boost enquiries and sales throughout the week and beyond.

 

• Multiple prizes will be awarded to agents who have actively supported Cruise Week, across numerous categories including best window or shop display, social media campaign, internal training event, customer-facing event and overall campaign.

  For more information, go to cruising.org or head to the CLIA UK Travel Agent Facebook Group.   #CLIACruiseWeek #BeyondExpectations

  Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) UK & Ireland has today (May 22, 2025) made a number of agent-friendly announcements and updates at its annual conference in Southampton.   Over 850 delegates from across the trade heard from Andy Harmer, managing director UK & Ireland, who confirmed:   * There has been a 10% increase in CLIA membership since May 2024, with almost 4,300 agency members and 10,000 individuals now using CLIA's resources and training * A further expansion of CLIA's online 'virtual ship tours' is being made, with 12 more vessels added this year * The CLIA Cruise Champions Class of 2025 will graduate in June – and new for the next intake in the autumn will be a Luxury Cruise stream, to sit alongside the current Expedition Cruise and River Cruise programmes * A complimentary 'New to Selling Cruise Virtual Day' has been announced for July 3, which is open to all cruise agent newcomers * CLIA Cruise Week will this year take place from September 15 - 21. CLIA is encouraging the trade to start their planning now, while a raft of Cruise Week agent updates will be made over the next few months   CLIA Conference runs to May 24. It is the largest UK travel agent of the year and today included business sessions and a networking trade fair. The next couple of days feature a sailaway party and up to two ships for agents to visit, from an overall choice of six:   - Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines' Balmoral - P&O Cruises' Britannia - Oceania Cruises' Vista - Princess Cruises' Sky Princess - MSC Cruises' Virtuosa - Royal Caribbean International's Independence of the Seas   Two optional pre-Conference opportunities were yesterday on offer to delegates: a 'New to Selling Cruise Day', featuring sales training and product updates, or an ‘Expedition Summit’, which was hosted on Swan Hellenic in Portsmouth.   Andy Harmer said: “The cruise sector is thriving, and we're thrilled to see so many agents, cruise lines and partners come together to share ideas, learn and celebrate our progress. Many thanks to everyone who has made such a wide-ranging event possible.   "Our latest initiatives - from training days to enhanced virtual ship tours - reflect our ongoing commitment to supporting the trade with industry-leading information and advice. Whether agents are new to cruise or seasoned sellers, CLIA is here to help them grow their confidence, knowledge and bookings.”

 

• CLIA returns with the second annual Cruise Week Europe from 12-14 March 2025
• Cruise Week features the annual European Summit and an Innovation Showcase
• Registrations to attend Cruise Week Europe 2025 are open
• Innovation Showcase Exhibition sales are selling fast

  Registrations are open for the highly anticipated CLIA Cruise Week Europe 2025, taking place in Rotterdam from 12-14 March 2025. Held in Europe’s largest seaport, this premier event brings together decision-makers from across the cruise industry, along with policymakers, business partners, and suppliers, to shape the future of cruising.   In partnership with the Municipality of Rotterdam, the Port of Rotterdam and Cruise Port Rotterdam, Cruise Week Europe 2025 will bring together top cruise line executives, industry innovators, and political leaders to showcase the industry’s commitment to sustainable and innovative tourism solutions. The event will highlight the cruise industry’s contributions to the European maritime sector and its leading role in environmental and technological advancements.   Cruise Week Europe 2025 will feature an Innovation Showcase, a unique platform for companies supplying or interested in supplying the cruise industry, with a focus on maritime innovation, technology, new build and design and hospitality development. New in 2025 will be a platform to connect exhibitors with cruise line buyers through scheduled 1:1 appointments, special promotional sessions introducing new products and services, and a series of workshops for new to cruise sellers.   Jason Liberty, global Chair, CLIA, and president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group said: “Rotterdam’s strong maritime heritage makes it an ideal location for Cruise Week Europe 2025. Europe is a leader in maritime technology development and cruise lines are making enormous investments to lay the foundations for a future of low to zero carbon fuels. CLIA’s annual European Summit is an opportune moment for the industry and our partners to come together to discuss joint issues, share innovations, and agree on a pathway forward.”   Mai Elmar, Executive Director, Cruise Port Rotterdam said: “The cruise sector is thriving with innovation, and collaboration is key. Cruise Week Europe is an opportunity for our community to come together to exchange ideas, learn from each other and showcase the best of our sector. We look forward to seeing more of the groundbreaking work being done by companies across the maritime cluster in sustainability and technology at the Innovation Showcase.”   Samuel Maubanc, Director General Europe, CLIA, added: “The cruise sector is a key part of the European maritime transport industrial cluster. Cruise lines are driving innovation, investing in the development and use of new technologies and sustainable energy solutions that will apply across the maritime sector. We look forward to constructive and fruitful debates on how cruise can contribute to the competitiveness, sustainability and resilience of Europe’s maritime sector.”

  Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has unveiled a raft of trade-friendly activities and initiatives it will roll out in 2025. The programme includes a series of events and training opportunities for agents.   Andy Harmer, managing director for UK & Ireland, announced details at CLIA’s annual forum, which was held today (December 18, 2024) at the De Vere Beaumont Estate in Windsor. 200 delegates from across the industry were in attendance.   Next year will see:  

• This first ever CLIA Expedition Showcase, from July 16-20, in Longyearbyen, Svalbard. With limited places available to agents, the event will include ships visits on AE Expeditions, Ponant, Quark Expeditions and Swan Hellenic, as well as business sessions, shore excursions, two hosted lunches and two hosted dinners.

 

• A new Art of Selling Cruise event in Leeds on July 3. Both CLIA and member cruise lines will offer information and advice to agents, including a particular emphasis on those who are new to the industry.

 

• New one-day, in-person forums for agents, with a specific focus on one sector of the cruise industry. The UK-wide lineup comprises:

  o Expedition in London on March 20 o Luxury in Manchester on June 18 o Yacht and small ship sailing in Birmingham on September 4 o River cruise in Glasgow on October 23   The forums will be supplemented by a series of corresponding webinars.  

• The return of the Expedition Champion and the River Champion hybrid learning programmes. The programmes, launched this year, will again have space for a total of 70 frontline agents, who can join the six-month modules in the second half of the year.

  Meanwhile, the final few places for CLIA’s annual conference, being held in Southampton from May 22, are available. The three-day event will include ship visits, conference sessions, a trade fair and Sailaway party.   Andy Harmer said: “Today’s Forum has been the ideal way to round off another successful year and I’d like to thank every agent and industry colleague who has made it all possible. We’re determined for the momentum to keep apace in 2025 and have ensured there are a wealth of new opportunities available for the trade to develop their expertise across the next 12 months. For everyone looking to bolster their sales, including during the upcoming Wave period, we’d urge them to think CLIA in the new year.”

  Andy Harmer from CLIA highlights the vibrant atmosphere at the TravelQuest conference, emphasizing the substantial opportunities for travel agents in the cruise sector. Despite over 60% of attendees having never sold cruises, CLIA has focused on supporting new agents entering the market. Harmer also discusses the rising popularity of river cruises as a viable alternative to ocean cruises, especially amid concerns over overtourism in major destinations. The cruise industry continues to grow, offering a diverse range of ship sizes and experiences, appealing to various demographics and enhancing the overall travel experience.