MONDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 2026
30 Euston Square
From 9:30am until 5pm.
Cruise Summit: Turning Disruption into Opportunity
How world events and new technologies are shaping the next chapter of cruising
The cruise and travel 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 interact with customers.
This year’s Cruise Summit brings together innovators and senior industry experts to explore how cruise companies can thrive in this ever-changing landscape. Across a day of insightful presentations, expert panels and thought-provoking discussions, attendees will examine the trends shaping the future of cruise.
Preview the key topics and discussions at this year’s Cruise Summit:
Below is an overview of the agenda. Please note sessions and timings are subject to change.
Teas, coffees and pastries on arrival
Cruise Trade News kicks off the Cruise Summit by setting the scene with insights into navigating uncertainty and planning for the future. This is followed by CLIA’s state of the industry update and Travelzoo’s expert analysis of the travel trends shaping consumer behaviour and cruise demand. 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
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:
Tom Scott, Head of Sales, Travelzoo
Will Sarson, Product Director, Riviera Travel
Debra Fox, Chief Sales Officer, Trade / MD AU UK EMEA, Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group
Nathaniel Sherborne, SVP and MD, EMEA / ANZ and Global Sales Enablement, HX Expeditions
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
Selection of sandwiches will be provided
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
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?
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
Selection of teas and coffees available.
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
Panellists:
Anna Newlands (Experience cruiser)
Alice Newlands (Cruise curious)
Cathy Rogers, Blogger from CruiseAddicted
Sharon Trigg, Reservation Manager from Mundy Cruising
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
