About

How world events, new technologies and fresh thinking ​
are shaping the future of cruise ​

The cruise industry is navigating a period of unprecedented change. From geopolitical uncertainty and shifting consumer behaviours to advances in AI and digital marketing, disruption is reshaping how cruise brands attract, engage and retain customers. ​

The event will bring together senior leaders, innovators and industry experts to explore how cruise businesses can thrive in this evolving landscape and highlight emerging growth opportunities in ocean, river, luxury and expedition cruising. Across a day of insightful presentations, expert panels and thought-provoking discussions, attendees will examine the trends, technologies and strategies shaping the future of cruise. ​

Designed for cruise professionals seeking fresh ideas and practical insights, the summit will provide a forward-looking perspective on how disruption can be transformed into opportunity.

We are delighted to once again offer complimentary tickets to this year’s Cruise Summit for cruise lines and travel agents.

To request your place, please click here, complete the form and a member of our team will be in touch to confirm your attendance.

Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with industry leaders, gain valuable insights, and be part of the conversations shaping the future of cruise travel.

Agenda

This year’s agenda builds on the insights shared in Cruise Trade News inaugural cruise industry report launched earlier in the year.

REGISTRATION

Teas, coffees and pastries on arrival

09:00 AM

Cruise Summit Starts

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

10:00 AM

The Big Picture

Cruise Trade News kicks off the Cruise Summit by setting the scene with insights into navigating uncertainty and planning for the future, followed by CLIA’s state of the industry update. Together, these opening sessions provide the perfect foundation for a day of insight, discussion and strategic thinking.

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

10:00 AM

What's driving the next wave of cruise growth?

Sponsored by Accord Marketing

As cruise continues to evolve, growth is being driven by an increasingly diverse range of experiences. From the rise of river and expedition cruising to the continued demand for luxury, family and contemporary holidays, which sectors are seeing the greatest momentum – and why? Join industry leaders as they discuss changing traveller expectations, emerging trends and where the biggest opportunities lie for the future of cruise.

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

10:45 AM

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.

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

11:15 AM

LUNCH

Selection of sandwiches will be provided

12:30 PM

Cruise Insights: Keynote Sessions - Part 1

Hear directly from some of the industry’s leading cruise brands as they share expert insights into the trends, opportunities and challenges shaping the future of cruising. In these focused keynote sessions, each speaker will explore a key topic, from the evolution of river and expedition cruising to the growing importance of destinations and building customer loyalty in an ever-changing market. Packed with practical insights and fresh perspectives, these sessions are designed to inspire new thinking and help travel professionals stay ahead of the latest developments across the cruise sector.

Speakers:

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

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

01:30 PM

Going beyond the ship: Creating seamless travel experiences (Panel)

As travellers increasingly expect connected, end-to-end journeys, how can cruise lines, holiday operators, destinations and travel partners work together to create more seamless, personalised experiences? From pre-departure planning to post-cruise stays, new technologies, including AI, are helping the industry better anticipate traveller needs, strengthen partnerships and unlock new revenue opportunities. How can collaboration across the travel ecosystem deliver journeys that feel effortless for customers while creating value for every partner?

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

02:00 PM

Cruise Insights: Keynote Sessions – Part 2

Speakers:
Amanda Docherty, Head of Trade – UK & Ireland, Riviera Travel
Session: The future of river cruising

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

02:30 PM

COFFEE BREAK

Selection of teas and coffees available.

03:00 PM

Attracting New Audiences, Without Alienating the Core

How can the cruise industry appeal to new audiences while staying true to its loyal customer base? Moderated by Debbie Marshall from the Silver Marketing Association, this engaging panel brings together experienced cruisers, new-to-cruise perspectives and industry expertise from Mundy Cruising to explore changing perceptions, evolving expectations and how the industry can broaden its appeal without losing what makes cruising so special. 

Moderated by Debbie Marshall, Managing Director, Silver Marketing Association
Panelists: 
Anna Newlands (Experience cruiser) 
Alice Newlands (Cruise curious) 
Cathy Rogers, Blogger from CruiseAddicted 
Sharon Trigg, Reservation Manager from Mundy Cruising

03:30 PM

Ask the Expert Hotseat

New for this year’s Cruise Summit, this fast-paced session brings 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, expect expert insights, lively debate and practical perspectives from leaders representing Royal Caribbean, Hurtigruten, Marella Cruises, and MSC Cruises. 

Moderated by Will Payne, Editor, Cruise Trade News
Panellists:
Gerard Nolan, Vice President and Managing Director, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Royal Caribbean International
Chris Hackney, Chief Executive Officer – Marella Cruises
Antonio Paradiso, Vice President of International Sales, – MSC Cruises
Iain Powell, Chief Commercial Officer – Hurtigruten
Kate Thompson, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Abercrombie & Kent

04:00 PM

CRUISE SUMMIT ENDS

05:00 PM

Speakers

Moderators

Josie Klein
Josie KleinDeputy Editor
Will Payne
Will PayneEditor

Speakers

Josie Klein
Josie KleinDeputy Editor
Will Payne
Will PayneEditor

Panellists

Ask to the Expert ‘Hotseat’

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.