Cruise Summit
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
Cruise Summit Starts
Welcome by Jack Carter, Group Editor, Cruise Trade News and World of Cruising
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
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
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
LUNCH
Selection of sandwiches and refreshments served
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
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
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
COFFEE BREAK
Selection of teas and coffees served
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
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
Closing remarks
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.
2026 Moderators
2026 Speakers
2026 Panellists
2026 Ask to the Expert ‘Hotseat’
2026 Sponsors
2026 sponsors

Riviera Travel
Riviera Travel is an established, traditional and award-winning cruise line, experts in what they do and guaranteed to deliver a fantastic cruise experience. What makes this cruise line so special is its programme of escorted tours and shore excursions, offering experiences such as tours of wineries not open to the public and special concerts in grand European buildings.

Accord Marketing
Established in 1988, Accord Marketing is an award-winning, proudly independent performance marketing agency with offices in London and the South-West. Experienced, flexible and energetic, clients come to us for ideas, service and results. Most consider us true extensions of their team, working closely with us to devise, develop and implement every stage of their marketing plans.
Working with a range of cruise operators, airlines, tourist boards, tour operators and online travel companies, we are proud to represent some of the leading travel brands and destinations in the world.
For more information on Accord, visit: accordmarketing.com

Fred Olsen Cruise Lines
Fred. Olsen originated in Hvitsten, a small town on the shores of Oslofjord, Norway, in 1848 when three Olsen brothers – Fredrik Christian, Petter and Andreas – bought their first ships and began an international shipping company. 175 years later, and now into the fifth generation of the family, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines operate cruises from the UK and inspirational Grand Voyages aboard three smaller, intimately-sized ocean-going ships and sail to some of the world’s greatest and most authentic destinations to provide guests with simply unforgettable holiday experiences.
Alongside Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, the Fred. Olsen group also operate a variety of other companies, including Fred. Olsen Travel, and Fred. Olsen Express ferries in the Canary Islands, and has interests in the luxury hotel, aviation, estate management, electronics and offshore energy industries. Fred. Olsen offices are spread throughout the globe, although the group’s main headquarters remain firmly in the family’s hands in Oslo and Tenerife. Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is based in Ipswich, the county town of Suffolk, England.

Travelzoo
We, Travelzoo®, are the club for travel enthusiasts, reaching 30 million travellers worldwide. Members receive exclusive offers negotiated and rigorously vetted by travel deal experts. Through relationships with thousands of leading travel companies, Travelzoo secures exceptional deals across holidays, hotels and experiences, providing valuable savings and inspiring travel opportunities tailored to members’ lifestyles.

Crystal Cruises
Crystal has been the watchword for exceptional cruises for three decades. In 2022, world-leading travel company A&K Travel Group acquired the Crystal brand and we refurbished and relaunched our flagships, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony. Now we have set a new standard at sea.

HX Expeditions
For 130 years, HX Expeditions has been leading the way in expedition travel, taking curious travellers to more than 250 destinations across the world, from Antarctica and Greenland to Svalbard, the Galápagos Islands, Alaska and many more. Today, HX Expeditions operates a fleet of five modern ships, combining sustainability, science, and education to create transformative travel experiences. A pioneer in sustainable expedition cruising, HX Expeditions was the first expedition company to eliminate heavy fuel oils, remove unnecessary single-use plastics from its operations, and introduce two hybrid-powered expedition ships. The company also supports scientific research by donating more than 1,900 complimentary expedition nights to onboard scientists, while the HX Foundation provides grants to community projects focused on education and marine conservation. To find out more, visit travelhx.com.

Insider One
Insider One is an Agentic Customer Engagement Platform enabling autonomous, AI-driven customer engagement and growth. Combining a native Customer Data Platform, journey orchestration, advanced personalisation and purpose-built AI agents, it helps brands automate end-to-end customer journeys. Trusted by over 2,000 companies worldwide, Insider One delivers real-time learning, execution and optimisation at scale.

HolidayPirates
HolidayPirates is an international publisher of travel deals and destination content. Founded in 2011 as a travel blog, it has grown into a global brand operating in 10 countries. With millions of followers, subscribers and monthly website visits, HolidayPirates helps travellers discover inspiring destinations, exceptional deals and affordable holiday opportunities worldwide.

Hurtigruten
Hurtigruten is one of the world’s great journeys. Since 1893, we have sailed the length of the Norwegian coast – connecting communities, carrying generations of locals, and welcoming travellers who want to experience Norway as it truly is.
Our journeys are shaped by a simple philosophy: Norway, your way. Whether you travel for a few days or a few weeks, there is a voyage to match your pace and curiosity. From the southern fjords to the far north and Svalbard, our routes follow the natural rhythms of the coast. Many guests choose to combine their voyage with scenic rail journeys and land tours, creating a deeper, richer experience of Norway and the Nordics.

Trafalgar River Cruises
Trafalgar brings nearly 80 years of travel expertise to Europe’s rivers, combining effortless cruising with the authentic experiences the brand is known for. Guests can sail the Rhine, Danube and Seine aboard stylish ships, with almost everything taken care of from the moment they step onboard. Locally inspired dining, daily included experiences and local tours are complemented by Trafalgar signatures, including exclusive Be My Guest experiences and MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences that connect guests with the people, places and stories behind each destination. At the heart of every sailing is Trafalgar’s dedicated team, including an Experience Director and Experience Manager, supported by a friendly onboard crew and a 3:1 guest-to-crew ratio. From uncovering local secrets ashore to relaxing over regional flavours onboard, Trafalgar River Cruises offer a seamless, social and immersive way to discover Europe – bringing everything guests love about Trafalgar from land to river.

AROYA Cruises
AROYA Cruises is the first Arabian cruise line, launched in June 2023 by Cruise Saudi, a Public Investment Fund portfolio company. The cruise line began operations in December 2024 and was developed in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030 and the Kingdom’s ambition to become a leading global tourism destination. AROYA offers immersive, year-round voyages designed to deliver a Remarkably Arabian experience at sea, sailing seasonally across the Red Sea, the Mediterranean and the Arabian Gulf.
Its flagship vessel, AROYA, offers 1,678 cabins, 12 restaurants, 17 lounges and cafés and 20 entertainment venues, alongside Blossom by AROYA wellness and sports facilities and one of the largest kids’ zones in the cruise industry. The ship also features Khuzama, AROYA’s VIP experience designed for guests seeking a more exclusive stay with elevated personalised service.
For more information or updates about AROYA Cruises, please visit aroya.com/en or contact [email protected]
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.
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.
Gallery
Cruise Summit 2026













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