About

The Cruise Summit is a leading industry event bringing together senior executives, decision-makers, innovators and experts from across the cruise sector for a day of insight, discussion and connection.

On 14 September 2026 we celebrated our 5th Cruise Summit at the iconic 30 Euston Square, bringing together cruise professionals from across the industry to share ideas, explore emerging trends and discuss the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of cruise.

Bringing together voices from across ocean, river, luxury and expedition cruising, the Cruise Summit provides a platform to explore the issues, trends and opportunities shaping the industry. Through a programme of keynote presentations, expert panels and thought-provoking discussions, attendees gain fresh perspectives, practical ideas and valuable insight to help navigate a rapidly evolving cruise landscape.

The Cruise Summit is designed for cruise professionals who want to stay ahead of change, understand what’s next and connect with the people driving the industry forward.

Planning for 2027 is already underway. Registration for the next Cruise Summit will open in the new year, but for now, save the date: 13 September 2027.

2026 Agenda

The 2026 agenda built on the insights shared in Cruise Trade News’ inaugural cruise industry report, launched earlier in the year.

REGISTRATION

Teas, coffees and pastries served

09:30 AM

Cruise Summit Starts

Welcome by Jack Carter, Group Editor, Cruise Trade News and World of Cruising

10:00 AM

Session 1: The big picture

The Cruise Summit kicks off with insights from our editors as we look at the challenges and opportunities facing the sector today, followed by CLIA’s state of the industry update.

Will Payne, Editor, Cruise Trade News
Josie Klein, Deputy Editor, Cruise Trade News
Andy Harmer, Managing Director, CLIA UK & Ireland

10:10 AM

Session 2: What’s driving the next wave of cruise growth?

Sponsored by Accord Marketing

From the rise of river and expedition cruising to the continued demand for luxury and premium holiday experiences, we look at which sectors are seeing the greatest momentum and what’s driving growth

Moderated by Jack Carter, Group Editor, Cruise Trade News and World of Cruising

Carly Perkins, Senior Marketing Manager, Seabourn 
Jasman Ahmad, Chief Strategy Officer, Accord Marketing 
Nathaniel Sherborne, SVP and MD, EMEA / ANZ and Global Sales Enablement, HX Expeditions 
Tom Scott, Head of Sales, Travelzoo 
Will Sarson, Product Director, Riviera Travel

10:45 AM

Session 3: How technology disruption creates opportunity

Discover how AI and emerging technologies are transforming the travel customer journey. Hear practical insights from Google, HolidayPirates and Insider One on the future of search, social-first inspiration, and strategies to drive acquisition, retention and revenue growth.

Stathis Filippatos, Industry Head-Travel, Google
Nick Cooper, Head of Market (General Manager), HolidayPirates Group
Nico Beukes, UK&I & Nordics CEO, Insider One

11:25 AM

LUNCH

Selection of sandwiches and refreshments served

12:30 PM

Session 4: Cruise insights: keynote sessions – part one

Session: The Power of Face-to-Face Selling: Bringing Expedition to Life for Customers
Nathaniel Sherborne, SVP and MD, EMEA / ANZ and Global Sales Enablement, HX Expeditions

Session: Beyond the Mature Cruises:  When is their Right Time to Cruise
Geoff Ridgeon, Head of Sales, Fred. OIsen Cruise Lines

01:30 PM

Session 5: Going beyond the ship: creating seamless travel experiences

As travellers increasingly seek end-to-end journeys, how can cruise and land operators work together to deliver richer experiences and unlock new revenue opportunities?

Moderated by Josie Klein, Deputy Editor, Cruise Trade News 

Dave Mills, Chief Commercial Officer at Iglu.com 
Florian Valmy-Devillers, Business Development Director at Caribbean Tourism Organisation
Kate Thompson, Senior VP of Marketing at Abercrombie & Kent
Mark Henderson, Head of Specialist Product at Gold Medal 
Yas McKechnie, Director of Sales UK, Ireland & EMEA at Princess Cruises 

02:00 PM

Session 6: Cruise insights: keynote sessions – part two

Session: The future of river cruising
Will Sarson, Product Director, Riviera Travel 

Session: Why destinations matter more than ever
Hayley Moore, VP of Sales & Marketing for UK and Emerging Markets, Hurtigruten

02:40 PM

COFFEE BREAK

Selection of teas and coffees served

03:10 PM

Session 7: Attracting new audiences, without alienating the core

Hear directly from experienced and new-to-cruise consumers, alongside expertise from Mundy Cruising, to explore changing perceptions, evolving expectations and what the industry can do to attract new audiences while retaining loyal cruisers.

Moderated by Debbie Marshall, Managing Director, Silver Marketing Association

Cathy Rogers, Cruise Writer, Cruse Addicted 
Alice Newlands (New to cruise)
Anna Newlands (Experienced cruiser)
Sharon Trigg, Reservation Manager, Mundy Cruising

03:40 PM

Session 8: Ask the experts

Bringing together senior industry leaders for an interactive discussion on the biggest issues shaping the future of cruise. From geopolitical developments and deployment strategy to economic uncertainty and emerging source markets.

Moderated by Will Payne and Josie Klein, Cruise Trade News

Antonio Paradiso, Vice President of International Sales, MSC Cruises 
Chris Hackney, Chief Executive Officer - Marella Cruises 
Gerard Nolan, Vice President and Managing Director, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Royal Caribbean International
Iain Powell, Chief Commercial Officer, Hurtigruten 
Kate Thompson, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Abercrombie & Kent

04:10 PM

Closing remarks

04:50 PM

CRUISE SUMMIT ENDS

Join us for networking drinks, a great opportunity to discuss the day’s key topics and connect with our editors and your industry peers.

05:00 PM

2026 Moderators

Josie Klein
Josie KleinDeputy Editor
Will Payne
Will PayneEditor

2026 Speakers

Josie Klein
Josie KleinDeputy Editor
Will Payne
Will PayneEditor

2026 Panellists

2026 Ask to the Expert ‘Hotseat’

2026 Sponsors

2026 sponsors

Getting there

30 Euston Road

A Grade II* listed landmark on the corner of Euston Road and Melton Street, 30 Euston Square blends grand Greek Revival architecture with modern event spaces - our venue for Cruise Summit.

https://30eustonsquare.co.uk/

Our selected venue sits directly opposite the Wellcome Collection, a short walk from Euston, Euston Square and King’s Cross St Pancras stations.

By Train

Euston or Euston Square | London Underground (The Tube). Euston Station is served by the Northern, Victoria and Overground lines; Euston Square by the Circle, Metropolitan and Hammersmith & City lines. On leaving Euston Station, bear right towards Euston Square Underground and University College Hospital - the venue is a one-minute walk on the corner of Euston Road and Melton Street. King’s Cross St Pancras is a further 7-10 minute walk.

By Car

No on-site parking | The nearest car park is George Mews Car Park, North Gower Street, NW1 2EU, a short walk from the venue. The closest 24-hour option is CitiPark, Clipstone Mews, W1W 5DG.

By Bus

Euston Road | Numerous routes stop close to the venue, including 18, 27, 30, 59, 68, 73, 91, 168, 205, 253, 390 and 476.