Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) UK & Ireland is currently hosting its annual river conference, RiverView, with almost 400 agents attending. Running until March 10, it is back in Budapest. Attendees are being given the opportunity to attend business sessions, a networking trade fair and breakout sessions, as well as local excursions and ship visits. They are also being hosted onboard for both nights of the conference, on a selection of river cruise ships: AmaWaterways, AmaSonata Scenic, Scenic Opal TUI River Cruises, TUI Skyla VIVA Cruises, VIVA TWO Riviera Travel, William Wordsworth During the event, CLIA announced a new dedicated ‘River Cruise Day’ will take place on April 3, 2025. It features a series of tailored assets, information and webinars, plus a new online learning module, will be made available to agents. Further information, including how to get involved, will be shared over the next few weeks. CLIA is encouraging river operators to post tailored promotions and offers via its trade Facebook group to mark the day. In addition, CLIA will use the day to launch details for the next cohort of frontline agents to join its River Cruise Champion Programme. The six-month ‘hybrid learning’ programme will include classroom training, plus monthly webinars and digital catchups, and starts in November. It will lead to a graduation ceremony and special certification that officially recognises participants as 'River Cruise Champions'. Also, the ‘River Cruise Forum’ is being held on October 23 in Glasgow, with registration opening in the summer. The one-day, in-person session is designed for agents who are actively selling river cruise and want to develop their knowledge. The forum will include sector specific business sessions, networking opportunities and the latest industry trends and insight from CLIA. Throughout this year, further complementary forums will cover expedition cruise in London on March 20; luxury cruise in Manchester on June 18; and yacht and small ship sailing in Birmingham on September 4. Places are available now for the expedition forum, with the luxury session open for registration from May, and yacht and small ship sailing later this year. CLIA also has a limited number of tickets are available for its annual conference, which this year takes place from May 22-24 and will include business sessions, a networking trade fair, ‘Sailaway’ party and ship visits. Andy Harmer, CLIA UK & Ireland MD, said: “The fantastic turnout at RiverView shows just how eager agents are to expand their knowledge and seize the opportunities it presents.” “We’re now counting down to our first CLIA River Cruise Day, which will keep river front of mind for agents. Our line-up of events and training across the year means we’re giving the trade even more of the tools and expertise they need."

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) announced its line up of Government Ministers, cruise line CEOs, and international representatives for Cruise Week Europe, from 12-14 March 2025. For the first time, CEOs of European shipyards will take part. The Summit will also feature sessions on investment needs for the industry’s net zero ambitions, with insights from CLIA’s European Investment Plan. There will also be discussions on the importance of a resilient and competitive tourism sector. Speakers for the European Summit include: Apostolos Tzitzikostas, European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism; Maja Bakran Marcich, Deputy Director General DG MOVE; Maive Rute, Deputy Director General, DG GROW; Fotini Ioannidou, Director Waterborne Transport, DG MOVE; Christos Stylianides, Minister for Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, Greece; H.E. Marina Hadjimanolis, Shipping Deputy Minister to the President of the Republic of Cyprus; Petri Peltonen, Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs and Employment, Finland; Heike Deggim, Director Marine Environment Division, International Maritime Organisation (IMO). Samuel Maubanc, Director General, Europe, CLIA, said: “The strong participation and interest is a testament to the significance of the cruise industry to European industrial innovation and maritime strategies.” We look forward to exploring how the cruise industry can enhance competitiveness, sustainability and resilience.” Cruise Week Europe 2025 is organised in partnership with local hosts Cruise Port Rotterdam, the Port of Rotterdam, and the City of Rotterdam. Lead sponsors include Founding Partner RINA, returning this year as the Presenting Sponsor, along with Lloyd’s Register as the Premier Sponsor.

Cruise industry representatives recently met with MPs and Peers to highlight the benefits that the cruise industry brings to the UK. Cruise line executives, travel agents, port operators and suppliers, were hosted by CLIA at the reception in the House of Commons. With CLIA’s latest data highlighting how the industry supports 60,000 jobs across the country, politicians were able to learn more about how cruise benefits businesses, travel agents and local economies. Presenting to more than 25 MPs, the event built on the growing awareness of the cruise industry to their local constituents. The event was sponsored by Mike Tapp MP, representing the Port of Dover, who spoke about the importance of the cruise industry in bringing tourists to Dover. The cross-party event was addressed by Minister for Aviation, Maritime and Security, Mike Kane MP, and Stuart Andrew MP, a former Tourism Minister and now Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport. Maritime Minister, Mike Kane MP said: “We recognise the important contribution that the cruise industry makes to this country, bringing trade and tourism to towns and cities across the UK, particularly to our coastal communities.” “We will continue to work closely with organisations like CLIA, as part of our Plan for Change, to ensure we turbocharge economic growth.” Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Stuart Andrew, MP said: “The cruise industry is an essential part of the UK’s tourism ecosystem.” “The Conservatives recognise the industry’s crucial contributions to the UK economy. We look forward to working closely with the industry.” Andy Harmer, CLIA Managing Director for UK and Ireland, added: “There are more than 60,000 people across the country who rely on a successful cruise industry, and we were delighted to introduce politicians to some of these people in parliament today.”

  Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) UK & Ireland has announced it is partnering with expedition cruise specialists, ExplorEarth.   ExplorEarth is an online platform dedicated to expedition and small-ship adventure cruises, including river. It encourages travellers to consider these cruises and connect them with approved partners. Users can access expert guides, stories,  comprehensive cruise listings and personalised travel support. They are then passed over to partners when ready to book.   The partnership will include:   * Unique ExplorEarth content published on the CLIA website every quarter, exclusively for CLIA members * A new 'Ask EE' option on the CLIA website, where agent questions will be answered by ExplorEarth and CLIA experts * Jos Dewing, co-founder and CEO of ExplorEarth, to speak and share insight across a range of CLIA expedition events * A dedicated episode featuring ExplorEarth on CLIA's Cruise Podcast   Andy Harmer, managing director for CLIA UK & Ireland, said: "ExplorEarth is a fantastic expedition cruise resource, and we're looking forward to helping highlight the wealth of information they offer. Demand for expedition cruise has never been higher, so now is the ideal time to explore the incredible options the sector presents, whether customers are interested in travelling to polar regions, tropical destinations or remote islands."   Jos Dewing, co-founder and CEO of ExplorEarth, said: “Having previously sat on their expedition working group, I am excited to partner with CLIA again. ExplorEarth was created to find new clients for agents in expedition and small-ship adventure cruises. Leads can be hard to find, so our platform focuses on doing the hard work and matching prospective bookers with our partners. We work with some of the best photographers, guides and travel writers and are gaining fascinating insights into booking behaviours and customer interests that we are excited to share with CLIA members."

 

For the first time the cruise industry will be represented in the national forum that advises government on tourism

  The cruise industry has been included for the first time in the Government’s Visitor Economy Advisory Council, the Governmental body that acts as a point of dialogue between Ministers and the tourism industry, as its membership is announced.   Andy Harmer OBE, Managing Director, UK and Ireland, CLIA, who will join the Council, commented:   “I am delighted that the Government has recognised that the cruise sector is an integral part of the UK tourism offer, playing a unique role in inward, outbound, and domestic tourism. I look forward to sharing our expertise in relation to tourism planning, responsible tourism, and innovation within the sector, as well as the commitment of the UK’s amazing travel agent community. A thriving cruise sector can contribute significantly towards the Government’s aims of achieving economic growth through tourism.”   The Council will work with the Rt Hon Sir Chris Bryant MP, Minister for Arts, Creative Industries and Tourism, on all aspects of tourism planning and strategy, covering inbound, outbound and domestic tourism. This will enable the Government to take into account the more than 2 million British holidaymakers who take a cruise each year, as well as the unique role that the cruise industry plays bringing visitors to some of the more remote coastal communities around the UK. The new Council will look to maximise the benefits of outbound travel, and to increase inbound tourism to the UK to 50 million visitors a year by 2030.   The government’s full statement on its new Visitor Economy Advisory Council can be found here.

Travel agents can now register for Cruise Line International Association's (CLIA) first overseas Expedition Showcase. The event, taking place from July 16-20, 2025, will be held in Longyearbyen, in the Svalbard archipelago. The destination is one of the primary starting points for Arctic expedition departures. The showcase will include ships visits with AE Expeditions, Ponant, Quark Expeditions and Swan Hellenic, as well as business sessions, local excursions, hosted lunches and dinners. Due to the remote location, CLIA has prepared a packaged registration bundle including return flights from London with SAS Scandinavian Airlines, airport to hotel transfers and four nights accommodation with breakfast. A limited number of places for the Showcase are available. Andy Harmer, CLIA UK and Ireland managing director, said: "Expedition cruise is going from strength to strength, and last year reported record bookings and enquiry numbers.” “Our Showcase will be the ideal event for the trade to gain invaluable expedition insight and experience.” In addition to the Showcase, CLIA is hosting an Expedition Cruise Forum in London on March 20, with registration opening shortly. The Expedition Cruise Champion hybrid learning programme will also return in the second half of the year, with 35 frontline agents able to take advantage of classroom training, monthly webinars and digital catchups. Additionally, a range of expedition training and learning tools are available on the CLIA website.

Registration is open for CLIA Cruise Week Europe 2025, taking place in Rotterdam from 12-14 March 2025. It brings together cruise industry leaders, policymakers, business partners, and suppliers, to Europe’s busiest seaport. Cruise Week Europe 2025 is hosted in partnership with the Municipality of Rotterdam, the Port of Rotterdam and Cruise Port Rotterdam. It will feature an Innovation Showcase for prospective suppliers to 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, promotional sessions introducing new products and services, and a series of workshops for new to cruise sellers. Jason Liberty, global Chair, CLIA said: “Rotterdam’s strong maritime heritage makes it an ideal location for Cruise Week Europe 2025. “ “CLIA’s annual European Summit is an opportune moment for the industry and our partners to come together to discuss joint issues and share innovations.”

 

• 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.”

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has opened for 2025 membership in the UK & Ireland, highlighting its value to travel agents with a lineup of new events planned. Enhanced benefits include new events, new resources and the second wave of CLIA's Expedition and River Cruise Champion Programmes. In addition to the flagship RiverView Conference in March and CLIA Conference in May, CLIA is refreshing its events schedule. With an increasing cruise line membership, CLIA is focusing on a diverse level of travel agent expertise, from new-to-selling to experts. May’s CLIA Conference will include an add-on event – the Expedition Summit – which will be an alternative to those joining the New to Selling Cruise event. Both are optional and will take place prior to the conference itself. The Expedition Champion and the River Champion hybrid learning programmes, new for autumn 2024, will get another outing in the second half of 2025. A brand-new, full day event - The Art of Selling Cruises - scheduled for the summer, will provide an industry-wide day of support to agents looking to grow cruise sales. Members can register for CLIA’s enhanced ‘Cruise Forum’ residential events, each with a different sector focus. These cover river, expedition, luxury; and yacht, sailing, traditional and small ship cruising. The trade section of CLIA's website, cruising.org, includes new-to-selling resources, destination and itinerary experience factsheets and online training and certification. Members can also access CLIA’s virtual ship tours, and an online library featuring 25 videos including ocean, river and expedition ships Membership details are available via CLIA's website, cruising.org 

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Maritime Minister Mike Kane MP joined cruise industry leaders for the first meeting of the Cruise Industry Government Forum since the general election. During the meeting, the Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working with the cruise industry on shared goals, including the pursuit of net zero cruising by 2050. The meeting was attended by senior representatives of the Department for Transport, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zer They discussed shared objectives related to skills, net zero and economic growth. The attendees also discussed the unique role of cruise in bringing tourists to parts of the UK that can be more difficult to reach by other forms of transport. Following the meeting, attendees agreed to work on a joint plan related to cruise. Mike Kane MP said: “I was delighted to address the Forum for the first time as Minister, to discuss how industry and the government can work together to reach Net Zero and decarbonise the sector.” Andy Harmer, Managing Director, CLIA UK & Ireland added: “We are delighted that this new government is committed to working with our industry and that it recognises the value we bring to the economy.” “Our industry plays a crucial role nationally, and the Government rightly recognises this contribution. We were delighted to discuss our shared agenda.” 

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Albatros Expeditions has joined as the latest member of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). Membership will Albatros Expeditions' will help boost brand awareness across the industry, especially among travel agents and partners. Albatros will benefit from full access to the association's in-person and virtual events, learning programmes, plus the opportunity to share cruise line and ship information resources online. The expedition cruise line will also have the opportunity to promote agent incentives and competitions via CLIA's e-newsletter and social media pages. The Albatros team will make their first CLIA appearance at this month's Expedition Cruise Champion initiative, and will attend the Cruise Forum & Winter Ball on December 18. Andy Harmer, CLIA UK & Ireland MD, said: "We're delighted to welcome Albatros Expeditions to the CLIA family.” “Albatros join an illustrious group of expedition cruise lines, further expanding the product offering in this exciting growth sector." Jens Rasmussen, COO from Albatros Expeditions, said: "Albatros Expeditions is excited to join CLIA, recognising the crucial role that trade engagement and travel agents play." Albatros Expeditions offers small-ship expeditions to the polar regions including Greenland, Svalbard, as well as the Antarctic Peninsula. 

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