CLIA will host a series of travel agent training events next week to mark the return of the UK cruise sector.

Starting on 24 May, the Celebration of Cruise Week will feature CLIA cruise lines and partners providing information about their brands and initiatives. The two-hour sessions will take place twice a day.

The events will include the likes of Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises and MSC Cruises will take part.

Tour operators, river cruise lines, tourism boards and ports will also take part.

The sessions are intended to provide agents with insider information and hints and tips to support sales as cruising resumes in the UK and around the world. Agents can choose to join as many sessions as they wish to meet their own needs.

UK cruises resume today (Thursday) as MSC’s new flagship MSC Virtuosa sails its maiden voyage out of Southampton.

CLIA UK & Ireland director Andy Harmer said: “We’re incredibly excited by the imminent return of cruise and are delighted to be able to launch our celebration week for agents.

“We’re looking forward to providing the trade with all the latest information and advice to help customers planning their dream getaway.

“With a host of ocean and river cruise lines taking part, as well as a number of key partners, these sessions are not to be missed for agents looking to take advantage of cruise’s resumption.”

For more information go to www.cruising.org.