The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) UK and Ireland has announced their 17th annual conference will be held in Southampton from 22-24 May 2025.
- Attendees can look forward to ship visits, conference sessions, a trade fair, and a celebratory sail away evening event.
- A dedicated day for newcomers to cruise selling is scheduled for 21 May, focusing on sales training and brand insights from select suppliers.
- The event promises a comprehensive coverage of all cruise sectors, from ocean to river, as per CLIA’s Managing Director, Andy Harmer.
- CLIA’s schedule also includes the 2025 RiverView conference in Budapest, taking place in early March.
The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) UK and Ireland has officially set the dates for its 17th annual conference, taking place from 22-24 May 2025. This highly anticipated event will unfold in Southampton, renowned for its pivotal role in the cruise industry.
Highlights of the conference include ship visits, engaging conference sessions, an industry trade fair, and an exuberant sail away party. Attendees are invited to immerse themselves in the maritime environment, with opportunities to explore a variety of ships including Fred Olsen Cruise Lines’ Balmoral, P&O Cruises’ Britannia, and Oceania Cruises’ Vista.
For newcomers to the industry, an optional ‘New to Selling Cruise Day’ is scheduled on 21 May. This initiative aims to provide sales training and brand introductions from selected suppliers, offering a valuable resource for those starting their journey in cruise retail.
The first day of the event will be dedicated to conference sessions followed by a trade fair held in Southampton’s distinguished venues. This format facilitates an interactive platform for knowledge exchange and networking among industry professionals.
On the second day, participants have the opportunity to visit various ships and partake in the celebratory sail away event. The grand finale of this conference on the third day allows access to MSC Cruises’ Virtuosa or Princess Cruises’ Sky Princess, marking a fitting conclusion to an immersive experience.
Andy Harmer, the Managing Director of CLIA UK and Ireland, has emphasised the breadth of the content that will be available, covering every cruise sector including ocean, river, expedition, yacht, and sailing. ‘Our 2025 conference promises to be a standout date in the travel trade calendar,’ he stated, underlining the event’s significance as a cornerstone for acquiring industry insights and knowledge.
In addition to this May event, CLIA has confirmed the occurrence of its 2025 RiverView conference scheduled for 8-10 March in Budapest. This conference is set to further extend the association’s outreach and impact within the cruise sector.
The 2025 CLIA conference and its associated events underscore its commitment to advancing the cruise industry through education and collaboration.
