Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has announced that a new three day conference, the largest of its kind in Europe –  called Cruise360 – will take place in Marseille in October.

Cruise360 Marseille will combine a conference, multi-lingual business sessions and a trade fair for CLIA travel agent members while also showcasing cruise ships rarely seen in British ports.

The event will bring together travel agents, cruise line executives, destinations and CLIA Executive Partners.

Cruise360 Marseille will take place between October 20 and 22 with optional ship visit days on October 19 and 23.

CLIA travel agent members will have the opportunity to visit up to seven ships – Holland America Line’s Oosterdam (19th); Carnival Vista (20th); MSC Poesia and Norwegian Epic (22nd) and Costa Diadema, Thomson Majesty and Celebrity Reflection (23rd).

Travel agents will also be hosted on excursions around Marseille and will enjoy a gala dinner in the spectacular Palais de la Bourse.

“For the first time we are able to bring together our European travel agent members in one location where we can showcase a variety of ships while providing business sessions and networking opportunities.” said Andy Harmer, CLIA Europe VP Operations.

He continued: “Four hundred delegates are expected to attend including more than 200 travel agents. Our British and Irish travel agent members will be able to visit ships which rarely call in to UK ports but which will have great appeal to potential customers. It’s also a great opportunity to share best practices and to visit Marseille, a port which attracts more than 1.7 million passenger visits a year.”

Registration for Cruise360 opens on March 25 and the price per agent is £75.