CLIA announces 2025 conference update

Further details announced for CLIA Conference 2025

CLIA UK & Ireland has released additional information on its 2025 conference, which takes place from May 22-24 in Southampton.

The industry body has revealed that Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas will join the line-up of ships on May 24. Independence of the Seas will spend a season sailing from Southampton in 2025 and is available for agents to visit during the day.

Additionally, an optional ‘New to Selling Cruise Day’, taking place prior to the main conference on May 21, will be held in Southampton. The session is returning for its second year and will combine sales training and brand introductions from select suppliers for agents who are new to cruise.

And finally, a new ‘Expedition Summit’, featuring a ship tour, sales training and product updates, will also be held on May 21. It will be hosted on Swan Hellenic’s SH Vega in Portsmouth and is aimed at agents wishing to gain further insight and updates on the expedition cruise sector.

Both pre-conference opportunities are on offer to delegates at the time of registration. They are subject to availability.

The first main day of the conference will comprise business sessions and a full industry trade fair in the evening. Both activities will be held in Southampton-based venues.

Attendees will have the option to visit Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Balmoral, P&O Cruises’ Britannia or Oceania Cruises’ Vista on day two. A sailaway party will follow that evening.

Delegates will then have the choice to visit Independence of the Seas, MSC Virtuosa or Princess Cruises’ Sky Princess on the final day.

Andy Harmer, managing director CLIA UK & Ireland, said: “CLIA Conference offers an unbeatable mix of in-person agent opportunities, so we’re counting down to next year and the biggest event in the trade calendar. The conference sold out in record time last year, and we’re anticipating demand will be equally as strong this time around, so agents are advised to register as soon as possible to confirm their place.”

The conference will open for registration on October 8 at 12pm; CLIA EMBARC ID card holders will receive an exclusive discounted link. Details of the theme and keynote speakers will be announced in due course.

Andy Harmer, CLIA UK & Ireland managing director, said: “Our 2025 conference promises to be a standout date in the travel trade calendar. Not only will we showcase an incredible selection of ships, but we’ll also deliver the latest industry insights and practical knowledge through a diverse range of in-person sessions. Every cruise sector will be covered, including ocean, river, expedition, yacht and sailing, making this a truly immersive event for agents.

“We’re seeing unprecedented momentum across the industry, so next year is the ideal time to join us, whether agents are just starting their cruise sales journey or are simply looking to top up their knowledge. We can’t wait to welcome trade partners once again.”

The conference will open for registration shortly; CLIA EMBARC ID card holders receive an exclusive discounted link to register.

Details of the theme and keynote speakers will be announced in due course.

For more information, visit www.cruising.org