A hand-selected group of senior leaders from across the cruise, travel and data industries attended Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa in Hampshire on Tuesday (28 April) for Cruise Trade News‘ inaugural Retreat

The event, in partnership with Travelzoo, brought together key stakeholders for a day of networking and data-led insights, focussing on the trends shaping cruise and how lines and travel agencies can pivot in times of crisis.

The Retreat began with a keynote address from James Clarke, senior global executive and general manager of Travelzoo UK, who presented highlights from the company’s latest global study on the small ship market, and how this burgeoning sector is being fuelled by demand for more immersive experiences.

Group editor, cruise of World of Cruising and Cruise Trade News, Jack Carter and deputy editor of World of Cruising and Cruise Trade News, Josie Klein then took to the stage to discuss recent data collected by the brands on shifting consumer sentiment towards regions and booking windows amid the conflict in the Middle East.

Cruise Trade News editor Will Payne was then joined by head of marketing at Marella Cruises, Lucy Lynam; director of cruise for the Advantage Travel Partnership, Jonny Peat; head of travel sales at Travelzoo Sam Conway; and head of sales at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, Geoff Ridgeon, for a panel discussion on the industry’s reaction to the Iran war, and the opportunities presented by the conflict for lesser-known destinations.

Accord Marketing strategy director Jasman Ahmad explored how cruise marketing rebuilt trust and demand during periods of extreme disruption, and Insider One CEO, UK, Ireland and Nordics Nico Beukes explained how the company utilises AI to bridge the gap between complex data and the personal desires of the modern traveller.

The event was rounded off with a series of roundtable discussions on topics such as the future of the lates market, the growth of the cruise and stay sector, the importance of loyal cruisers and the evolving luxury market.

In the afternoon, delegates joined a tour of local vineyard Setley Ridge, before enjoying drinks and dinner at Chewton Glen. Sponsors included Travelzoo, Marella Cruises, Accord Marketing, Insider One, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines and Virgin Voyages.

Clarke said: “It’s brilliant to get a group of industry leaders and C-suite executives together to discuss the challenges facing the cruise industry as well as the success of the sector.”