The Cruise Challenge will return on the 28 April.

This unique training event ­– known as the travel agent roadshow with a difference and organised by Cruise Trade News – will visit London for the first event of the year, at the luxurious St. Ermin’s Hotel, central London, 2 Caxton Street, SW1H 0QW.

The event will start at 6pm and attendees will be treated to an evening of first-class presentations from a selection of partners – including headline sponsor for the evening, the Port of Seattle – as well as a special gameshow designed to educate and entertain.

Other sponsors on the evening will include Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, Oceania Cruises and Royal Caribbean International.

Port of Seattle interim director tourism development Patti Denny said: “We are excited to share the news of safe and healthy cruising just as the 2022 season is kicking off, with a huge increase in the seven-day roundtrip cruises to Alaska, growing from 200 a year in 2019 to 294 sailings for 2022, so your clients will have more choice than ever.

“Also the Port of Seattle’s new International Arrivals Facility at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport will grow the airport’s capacity, giving cruise clients a more efficient and smooth experience of arriving in Seattle.”

Fred Olsen Cruise Lines brand training manager Michelle Tingley added: “The Cruise Challenge events are always great fun, and we at Fred Olsen love being a part of them.

“As an operator, it gives us a fantastic opportunity to meet with so many agents at one time, from those just starting out to others who have worked in the industry for many years.

“Importantly, everyone is there because they want to learn more about cruise or refresh themselves as to what is new in the industry, and as such is a great way for us to showcase who we are, what makes us special and what sets us apart in the market.

“I am really looking forward to the April event and sharing The Olsen Way with even more agents.”

Royal Caribbean International head of sales UK Torey Kings-Hodkin added: “Having supported the London Cruise Challenge virtually, we’ve learnt it is a great way to connect with agents in a fun and engaging way.

“The events are energetic and informative, providing us a strong opportunity to connect with a range of agents at one time and spread the Royal love and share our news.

We have an exciting season ahead for Royal Caribbean with eight ships in Europe including the European debut of Quantum-ultra class Odyssey of the Seas and the world’s largest ship Wonder of the Seas.

“[The] Cruise Challenge offers us a chance to reconnect face to face with our agents and we see this as an extension of all the support we provide our fantastic trade customers including store visits, online learning modules, ship visits and launches.”

Following London, the Cruise Challenge will travel across the country, visiting a number of cities over the course of the year.

For more information on 2022 dates and locations, visit the Cruise Challenge website or contact Suzanne Halil – [email protected]

*Please note, dates are subject to change.