Keynote speakers have been unveiled for the Clia cruise conference in Southampton this May.
With Royal Caribbean set to launch its record-breaking vessel Harmony of the Seas that month, cruise president and chief operating officer Adam Goldstein will be in attendance giving delegates the low-down on the new ship.
The €1 billion vessel began its maiden trial last week and once ready to set sail will accommodate more than 6,000 passengers.
Also at the event, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, will be Carnival’s chief executive officer, Arnold Donald and Larry Pimentel, president and chief executive officer of Azamara Club Cruises.
More than 600 delegates have registered for the three-day conference taking place across May 18, 19 and 20 - including 470 travel agents.
Among a range of business sessions, an interactive trade fair and networking opportunities, attendees will have the chance to visit P&O Cruises’ Ventura and attend a pre-conference communications masterclass onboard MSC Splendida on Tuesday, May 17.
Upon unveiling the trio of speakers, Clia Europe vice-president of operations Andy Harmer said: “We are delighted that Arnold, Adam and Larry will be joining us at this year’s very special conference. They will each bring their own unique perspective on the cruise industry at a time when we are witnessing significant change.
“Our first conference took place in 2007 when our membership totalled 750 agencies and 21 cruise lines – we now have an amazing 3,400 travel agency members and 51 cruise lines working with Clia in the UK & Ireland.
“We have witnessed tremendous change over the past decade and this revolution continues in all areas – new ships, ports and destinations, and particularly in the way in which we sell the cruise product to today’s customers.”