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CLIA unveils 2026 conference dates and schedule
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) UK & Ireland has announced its 2026 conference will be held from June 4-6 in Southampton.The conference, the largest annual travel agent event of its kind in Europe and the 18th to take place, will include ship visits, conference sessions, a trade fair and a celebratory sailaway evening party. An optional 'New to Selling Cruise Day' will take place on June 3 - which will combine sales training and brand introductions from suppliers - for agents who are looking to build their cruise knowledge and bookings.The first full day of the event will comprise conference sessions and an industry trade fair in the evening. The conference sessions will take place at the O2 Guildhall, with trade fair details to be confirmed.On day two, attendees will have the option to visit Cunard's Queen Anne or P&O Cruises' Britannia. The sailaway party will follow that evening at the O2 Guildhall.Delegates will then have the choice to visit Celebrity Apex, MSC Virtuosa or Regent Seven Seas Cruises' Seven Seas Grandeur on the final day.Andy Harmer, CLIA UK & Ireland Executive Director, said: "CLIA Conference is always a highlight in the travel trade calendar and 2026 will be no exception. With a line-up of stunning ships to visit, training opportunities and inspirational speakers, we’ll be giving agents the insight and tools they need to grow their cruise sales."The conference is also the ideal opportunity to celebrate the vital role the trade plays in bringing a holiday at sea to life, and to connect with colleagues and partners from across the industry."Registration opens shortly. Details of the theme and keynote speakers will be announced in due course. 19 September, 2025

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CLIA unveils 2026 conference dates and schedule
UK Government and industry launch Cruise Growth Plan to Boost Maritime Tourism and Coastal Economies
LONDON, UK – Tuesday 16 SeptemberIn a landmark move to strengthen the UK’s maritime and tourism sectors, the UK Government, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), and the UK Chamber of Shipping have jointly launched the UK Cruise Growth Plan.This strategic framework outlines shared commitments between government and industry to support the continued growth of the UK cruise sector benefiting the national economy, UK ports, and coastal communities. The commitments are designed to encourage sustained private investment and increased collaboration between Government departments, including within the Devolved Administrations, to help responsibly grow the cruise sector.The cruise industry already contributes £5.8 billion annually to the UK economy and supports 60,000 jobs across the country. The Cruise Growth Plan recognises this vital role and sets out a roadmap for long-term growth, enhanced infrastructure, and global leadership in sustainable and digital maritime practices.The Plan focuses on key areas including workforce development, safety, security, accessibility, and sustainable growth - positioning the UK as a premier destination for cruise tourism and maritime innovation.The Value of Cruise to the UK:£5.8 billion annual contribution to the UK economy60,000 jobs supported nationwideOver 50 UK ports visited by cruise ships each yearMore than 2 million UK residents take cruises annuallyOver 2 million day visits by cruise guests to UK ports every year60% of cruise guests return to destinations they visitedMaritime Minister, Keir Mather said:“The cruise industry is vital to the UK economy, bringing in £5.8 billion and supporting thousands of jobs across the country.That’s why we’ve launched our Cruise Growth Plan to continue driving private investment into the sector, creating jobs and opening up new opportunities for coastal communities.”Andy Harmer OBE, Managing Director, CLIA United Kingdom & Ireland, commented:“Cruise Lines International Association is delighted to partner with UK Government on the UK Cruise Growth Plan.The forward-looking plan provides a clear roadmap for the future of cruising in the UK. Its shared commitments will enhance safety, security, and accessibility in the industry, while its focus on investment and future skills will allow the UK to remain a leader in the international cruise market in the years to come.Cruise contributes £5.8 billion annually to the UK economy and supports more than 60,000 jobs. By reinforcing the sector’s vital role in the nation’s maritime and tourism ecosystems, the plan firmly embeds cruise within the Government’s growth agenda. With CLIA member cruise lines pursuing net zero by 2050, the plan will help foster further collaboration between industry and Government to achieve our shared decarbonisation aims.This agreement reflects years of partnership between industry and Government, with a joint ambition: a thriving UK cruise sector that drives economic growth and benefits coastal communities in all four nations.”Rhett Hatcher, CEO, UK Chamber of Shipping, said:“The UK Chamber of Shipping welcomes the UK Cruise Growth Plan as a timely and collaborative blueprint for the future of our cruise sector.The Plan reflects the shared commitment, in partnership with government, to unlocking the sector’s full potential for responsible growth and skills development. The joint commitments focus on the strategic priorities of positioning the UK as a world-leading hub for cruise tourism and maritime investment and growing a diverse and skilled workforce while maintaining globally recognised safety standards.We remain committed to shared goals on decarbonisation and call for continued collaboration to ensure environmental sustainability is embedded in future cruise sector planning. The Chamber stands ready to work with all partners to ensure that growth and green transition go hand in hand.”Key Objectives of the Cruise Growth Plan:Positioning the UK as a Premier Cruise MarketIntegrating cruise into national tourism strategiesFeaturing UK cruise destinations in international marketing campaignsExploring infrastructure investment opportunities at UK cruise portsDeveloping the UK’s Maritime Skills BaseFuture-proofing training for seafarers in emerging fuels, technologies, and vessel typesCreating career pathways for shore-side maritime and hospitality roles in coastal communitiesSupporting Coastal Communities and British PortsEmpowering communities to shape and benefit from cruise tourismConsidering cruise operations in national planning reformsCollaborating on digital immigration and border systemsThe Cruise Growth Plan represents a unified commitment to ensure the UK cruise sector continues to thrive, innovate, and deliver economic and social value across the country. The full plan can be found hereUK Cruise Growth Plan - GOV.UK. 16 September, 2025

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UK Government and industry launch Cruise Growth Plan to Boost Maritime Tourism and Coastal Economies
CLIA Cruise Week kicks off with incentives, prizes and record agent numbers
Today (September 15, 2025) is the start of CLIA Cruise Week in the UK & Ireland, and to mark the occasion CLIA has shared details of the trade incentives available to agents across the week.Over 40 cruise lines are taking part in the event, which runs to September 21, with booking rewards including:Entry into sweepstakes to win a cruise or concert ticketsGift bags and hampersFam trip opportunitiesHigh street vouchers and pointsRewards are similarly on offer with select lines for completing their online training modules or taking part in live quizzes.In addition, CLIA itself has teamed up with the participating cruise lines to offer prizes to agents who actively support Cruise Week, across categories including best window or shop display, social media campaign, internal training event, customer-facing event and overall campaign.For a full list of individual cruise lines and their incentives, agents can go to CLIA's dedicated Cruise Week page: https://trade.cruising.org/uk-ireland-clia-cruise-week.The page also includes six 'Get ready for Cruise Week' webinars, which feature supporting cruise lines outlining their incentives and latest news.CLIA Cruise Week is designed to promote and raise awareness of cruising to the trade. Over 3,000 agents have signed up to take part. The week is continuing the theme of #BeyondExpectations, first introduced at CLIA Conference in May.As part of the activities, "The UK's Biggest Cruise Event" takes place tomorrow (September 16, 2025), which will see both agents and cruise lines host customer-facing events, internal training, ship visits and social media campaign launches. Their efforts will be combined to help support the largest-ever cross-agent cruise gathering, with over 1,000 agencies expected to take part.Andy Harmer, managing director CLIA UK & Ireland, said: "We've had a phenomenal response to CLIA Cruise Week from both agents and our member cruise lines, and want to say a huge thanks to everyone who is taking part. With the opportunity to win a range of incredible rewards, as well as boost sales insight and know-how across the week, it’s the perfect moment for agents to join in and showcase the diversity, value and unforgettable memories cruise offers.”To join the conversation, use the hashtags #CLIACruiseWeek and #BeyondExpectations. 15 September, 2025

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CLIA Cruise Week kicks off with incentives, prizes and record agent numbers
CLIA Releases Annual Environmental Technologies and Practices Report
Data from 2018 through 2024 demonstrates measurable progress in a variety of categories, including increased operating efficiency and uptake of alternative fuelsWASHINGTON – 10 September 2025– Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the leading voice of theglobalcruiseindustry,todayreleaseditsannualEnvironmentalTechnologiesandPractices(ETP)report. The report provides a profile of the CLIA-member oceangoing cruise fleet and highlights environmental technologies in usebyCLIA-member ocean-going cruiselines, which comprise morethan 90% ofthe cruise sector.Thisyear’sreportshowscontinuousandmeasurableprogressbyCLIA-membercruiselinesastheyadvance an ambitious environmental agenda—from testing and piloting biofuels, to investing in fuel-flexible engines, to the increasing use of lower emissions fuels, and maximizing energy-efficiencymeasures.“Cruise lines are early adopters and innovators of maritime technology — examples include advanced wastewater systems, onshore power supply,air lubricationsystems,andthenewestgenerationof dual- fuel engines—from which other sectors of maritime also benefit,” said Bud Darr, president and CEO of CLIA.“Cruise lines are investing tens of billions of dollars to buildthefleet ofthe future, including more than80newshipsonorderworldwidethatfeaturetheseandotherinnovations.Theseordersrepresent tangible steps that are significantly enhancing the operational capability and efficiency of the collectiveglobalcruiseshipfleetofourmembers,”Darradded.Highlightsfromtheindustry’s2025EnvironmentalTechnologiesandPracticesReportFleetProfileofCLIA-memberCruiseLines (source:CLIAmembershipprofiledata)CLIA-member Cruise Lines:As of August 2025, 45 cruise lines, representing 90% of global oceangoingcapacity,aremembersofCLIA.Combined,thesecruiselinemembersoperate310 ships and 637,847 lower berths, compared to 303 ships and 645,034 lower berths last year.Fleet Profile:Analysis of thecurrent CLIAmembercruiseline fleet indicatesthat themajority of oceangoingships—73%—aresmalltomid-sizeships(<3,000lowerberths),withthepercentage of ships by size remaining relatively balanced through at least 2036 (based on the orderbook, which runs through December 2036):Ship Category% of Ships: 2025% of Ships: 2036Small ships (<1,000 lower berths)34.2%, or 106ships34.1%Mid-size ships (1,000 to 3,000 lower berths)38.4%, or 119ships35.5%Large ships (>3,000 lower berths)27.4%, or 85ships30.4%PursuitofNet-ZeroEmissionsandOperationalEfficiencyMulti-fuelcapableships:Multi-fuelenginetechnologyprovidesthefuelflexibilityneededtoutilize zero- and near-zero emission fuels as they become available, at scale, with little to no engine modifications.The number of ships operating with multi-fuelengines that can switchfrom conventional fuelstozero-andnear-zeroemissionfuelsbothinport andat seahasincreasedfromjust one ship in 2018 to 19 ships today.All 19 are dual-fuel ships.1Byyear-end2025,23shipswithfuel-flexibleenginesareforecasttobeinservice, including the first cruise ship with tri-fuel capability.Through2036,32dual-fuelshipsareforecasttolaunch,includingsevencapableofusing methanol and 25 capable of using LNG.Uptake of alternative, zero- and near-zero emissions fuel pathways:Cruise lines continue to increase their use alternatives to Heavy Fuel Oil as options begin to emerge, including biofuels, LNG,andothers,asexemplifiedbythedeliveryofoneshipin2024specifiedformethanoluseby 2026, and another slated for delivery by the end of this year.Onshorepowersupply(OPS)connectivity:Alsoreferredtoasshoresideelectricity(SSE)capability, allows ships to turn off their engines while in port for emissions reductions of up to 98% (with all emissions covered) depending on the mix of energy sources, according to studies conducted by a number of the world’s ports and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.The number of CLIA-member cruise line ships with the ability to utilize OPS has nearly doubledsince2018,when55ships,representing25%ofthefleetand28%ofcapacity, had OPS capability. Today, 166 ships are able to plug in at port, a 12% increase from the prior year. These ships represent 58% of the fleet and 65% of capacity.By2036,273 shipsthatcanconnecttoOPSareexpectedtobeinservice(basedonthe numberofshipsscheduledtoberetrofittedandnewshipsontheorderbookspecified for OPSconnectivity).Thisincludes 166currentlywithOPS, plus59currently inservice scheduled for retrofit and each of the 48 CLIA-member cruise ships on the 2025-2036 order book.Currently41oftheportsworldwidewherecruiseshipscall(fewerthan3%) havea cruise berth with OPS, an increase of eight ports since last year.Europehasledtheexpansionoverthelast 12to18months—withOPSbeinglaunched in six additional cruise ports, and the UK and North America each added one new cruise port with OPS.Thereare19portsthathavesecuredfundingforOPSand26morewithplanstodoso.As part of the EU’s Fit for 55 decarbonization regulations, by 2030 major ports in Europewillberequiredtohaveshoresidepower,whichwillfurtheraccelerateport infrastructure investment in that region.ToviewamapofportsthathaveatleastonecruiseberthwithOPS,pleasegotothislink.SelectiveCatalyticReductionTechnology(SCR):SCRreducesparticulatematterand nitrogen oxide emissions, thus helping ships to meet IMO Tier III classification standards for nitrogen oxide emissions (NOx).The number of CLIA-member cruise line ships with SCR systems has increased tenfold, from 7 ships in 2018, representing 3% of the fleet and 3.2%ofcapacity,to81ships,representing28.5%ofthefleetand22.3%of capacity.ShipboardWaterProductionFreshwater Production:State-of-the-art systems that enable most CLIA-member cruise lines to produce the majority of their water needs on board rather than drawingfromportsanddestinationswhereresourcesmaybelimited.Thisismade possible by a range of environmental practices that include steam evaporation, reverse osmosis, aeration, and other systems that enable cruise lines to conserve water.Today,279ships,representingmorethan98.2%ofthefleetand99.9%of global capacity, are able to do so.WastewaterTreatmentAdvancedWastewaterTreatmentSystems(AWTS):ThemajorityofCLIAmembercruiseships sailing today utilize advanced wastewater treatment systems (AWTS) which are capable of exceeding MARPOL Annex IV requirements. In addition, as part of their overarching sustainability focus, cruise lines have committed to not releasing untreated sewage anywhere in the world during normal operations.Across the CLIA cruise line member fleet, 234 ships, representing 82.4% of the fleet and 85.4%ofglobalpassengercapacity,areequippedwithAWTS,a4%increaseinthenumber of shipsandpassengercapacityyear-over-year, anda 72% and71% increase,respectively, since 2018.Today,morethanone-thirdoftheshipsequippedwithAWTSarecapableofmeetingthe more stringent wastewater standards of the Baltic Sea Special Area.By2036,273shipsand685kLBsofcapacityarespecifiedtohaveAWTS.WasteManagementWaste Management:Alongside the uptake of lower-emissions fuels and increasingly energy efficient fleets, cruise lines are beginning to deploy a new generation of shipboard waste management technologies—with some ships able to recycle or repurpose nearly all waste generatedonboard.Someofthestate-of-the-artsystemscurrentlyusedoncruiseshipsinclude:Waste-to-energygasificationsystems:Currentlyinuseoneightcruiseships,thesesystems convert waste into usable energy to support the ship’s operations, thus reducing wastesent to landfills and decreasing the ship’s energy demand.Microbialdigestersforfoodwaste:Currentlyinuseon128cruiseships,representing45% of member ships and 52% of capacity, to significantly reduce food waste, few of these types of waste management systems were present on cruise ships five years ago.Notes:¹ Regarding multi-fuel capable ships: Virtually all engines using conventional fuels such as HFO, VLSFO, and MGO are capable of operating on renewable drop-in biofuels and synthetic diesel both in port and at sea, and this remains an important component of decarbonization. For the purposes of tracking year-over-year technological advancements, only ships equipped with newer multi-fuel engines designed to operate on zero- and near-zero emission fuels are included in this metric.Notes to editors: Aboutthereport:The CLIA Environmental Technologies and Practices Reporthas been published annuallysince2018andprovideshighlightsofenvironmentaltechnologiesinuseby CLIA-member cruise lines.Each year the report may include additional technologies tracked that were not trackedinprioryears.Toviewthesummarychartofresults,pleasegotothislink.This year’s report includes highlights of environmentaltechnologies and practices currently in use by CLIA-member cruise lines and is not intended to be a comprehensivereviewofallofthetechnologiesandpracticescruiselinesemploy.AllinformationprovidedintheannualETPreportissourcedfromtheannualETP survey report, unless otherwise noted.ToviewalistofCLIA-membercruiselines,pleasegotothislink. table { color: #333; background: white; border: 1px solid grey; font-size: 12pt; border-collapse: collapse; } table thead th, table tfoot th { color: #777; background: rgba(0, 0, 0, .1); } table caption { padding: .5em; } table th, table td { padding: .5em; border: 1px solid lightgrey; } 10 September, 2025

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CLIA Releases Annual Environmental Technologies and Practices Report
Crucial Role of Cruise Tourism to Scotland Revealed, with £343 Million Economic Contribution
New data published today has highlighted for the first time the full benefits that cruise tourism brings to Scotland.The new report from Oxford Economics, commissioned by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), highlights the substantial economic value of cruise tourism to Scotland, underlining its role in supporting jobs, businesses, and communities across the country.The study found that in 2023, cruise tourism:Generated £343 million in total economic output in Scotland.Contributed £173 million to GDP.Supported 4,712 jobs across a wide range of sectors.Delivered £145 million in wages to Scottish workers.Produced £61 million in tax revenues, benefitting public services and infrastructure.The report shows that cruise tourism’s impact extends far beyond port towns, benefitting a broad spectrum of businesses and communities. These include:Hospitality and tourism operators such as hotels, restaurants, and tour companies.Transport providers, including coach, taxi, and rail operators.Retailers, including independent craft and gift shops.Supply chain businesses, including food and beverage suppliers, fuel providers, maintenance contractors, and port services.Local cultural and heritage attractions that see increased visitor numbers.The report comes as Scotland nears the end of this summer’s cruise tourism season, with the country welcoming over 1 million visits from cruise guests this year alone.Andy Harmer OBE, Managing Director, CLIA UK & Ireland, said:“Cruise plays a vital role in Scotland’s visitor economy. Cruise guests love to visit Scottish cities, remote islands steeped in history and the beauty of Scotland’s Highlands and coastline. In doing so, these guests support thousands of jobs across the country and bring with them substantial economic benefits for Scotland.Rob Mason, Chair, Cruise Scotland, said:“Cruise ships bring tourists from all over the world to Scotland. They visit coastal communities around the country that tourists rarely visit, bringing with them vast economic opportunities. With cruise calls being planned up to three years in advance, this provides added stability for the local businesses that rely on the cruise calls and helps us to maximise the benefits of cruise to Scotland.” 02 September, 2025

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Crucial Role of Cruise Tourism to Scotland Revealed, with £343 Million Economic Contribution
CLIA unveils RiverView 2026 details
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has announced its 2026 RiverView conference will be held in Amsterdam, from March 8-10.The event, the 14th to be held, is dedicated to river cruise and will include a range of optional masterclasses including a half-day workshop specifically aimed at agents entering the sector. It will also feature business sessions, a networking trade fair, multiple ship visits, hosted lunches and dinners, and overnight onboard stays for two nights.A total of nine operators will have ships moored in Amsterdam and available for agents to visit. The current line-up is:Ama WaterwaysAmadeus CruisesAvalon WaterwaysEmerald CruisesRiverside Luxury CruisesRiviera TravelTUI River CruisesVIVA CruisesUniworld Boutique River CruisesAll other CLIA river cruise operators will be represented, and a number of associated suppliers will be on hand to meet at the trade fair and across the event.Three short fam sailings will be arranged at the close of the conference, allowing some travel agents to enjoy the sailing experience. Details will be announced in due course.Last year’s conference sold out in just 24 hours.Andy Harmer, CLIA managing director UK & Ireland, said: "RiverView is a key date in the river cruise calendar and we’re excited to once again bring the event to Amsterdam. Next year’s programme is designed to give agents everything they need to succeed in this fast-growing market, from expert-led business sessions and the opportunity to visit a range of stunning ships, to dedicated masterclasses for those who are looking to make their mark in the sector for the first time."With a comprehensive and engaging schedule both on and off the ships, demand is always incredibly high for RiverView and we'd encourage agents to secure their place at the earliest opportunity."The event was hosted in Budapest in 2025, and most recently held in Amsterdam in 2024. Other venue cities have included Cologne, Paris, Vienna and Ho Chi Minh City.Registration will open during CLIA Cruise Week, which launches on September 15. 27 August, 2025

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CLIA unveils RiverView 2026 details
Trafalgar joins CLIA ahead of 2026 river cruise debut
Trafalgar has joined Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) UK & Ireland as a river cruise operator member, marking a significant step in the brand’s expansion into river cruising.Membership will give Trafalgar access to CLIA’s extensive UK and Ireland trade network, along with specialist resources, training and events focused on river cruising. This includes webinars, podcasts, marketing materials and participation in flagship events such as the annual CLIA Conference and CLIA RiverView Conference.From April 2026, Trafalgar will launch its first two river ships, Trafalgar Reverie and Trafalgar Verity, each carrying 128 guests on immersive itineraries along the Rhine and Danube, bringing Trafalgar’s signature guided touring style to the waterways of Europe.Andy Harmer, CLIA UK & Ireland managing director, said: "We’re very pleased to welcome Trafalgar to CLIA, and look forward to supporting them as they develop relationships with the trade. The popularity of river cruise continues to grow rapidly, so this is the ideal time to further support agent understanding and insight of their brand and the sector more generally."Kelly Jackson, TTC Tour Brands EMEA managing director, said: "We’re thrilled to be joining CLIA and to work closely with their outstanding network of travel agents across the UK and Ireland. Our move into river cruising is an exciting new chapter for Trafalgar, and CLIA’s training, resources and events will be invaluable in sharing this with the trade."When we welcome guests aboard Trafalgar Reverie and Trafalgar Verity in 2026, we look forward to offering them an unforgettable way to experience the Rhine and Danube and to collaborating with agents to bring these exceptional journeys to life for their clients." 18 August, 2025

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Trafalgar joins CLIA ahead of 2026 river cruise debut
Seatrade Cruise, Cruise Lines International Association, and the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association forge extended 10-year partnership to foster innovation and growth across the global cruise industry
MIAMI, FL – July 21, 2025 - Seatrade Cruise, the leading global cruise events brand, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) have extended their existing partnership, with a new 10-year agreement aimed at fostering innovation and growth across the global cruise industry.Seatrade Cruise, CLIA and FCCA partner on a portfolio of world-class events, including Seatrade Cruise Global, the cruise industry's premier annual business-to-business gathering. This agreement will see further long-term collaboration on events and initiatives that champion businesses and stakeholders across the cruise industry, helping to create new opportunities for growth, sharing knowledge and promoting sustainable practices.“This agreement reflects our deep commitment to collaboration across the cruise industry," said Bud Darr, President & CEO of CLIA. “This next decade will be one of transformation, and we’re proud to move forward together — elevating global awareness of our industry’s innovation, leadership, and positive contributions around the world."Michele Paige, CEO of FCCA, commented: “FCCA has enjoyed a powerful and collaborative partnership with Seatrade for more than 30 years, and this agreement is a testament to our commitment of improving together and building for a better future. This also represents opportunities and continued growth for our partners throughout the Caribbean, Mexico, and Latin America, and we look forward to enhancing value to our members and assisting with strategic initiatives that bring benefits for all.”Andrew Williams, EVP of Informa Markets, added: "We are delighted to confirm this long-term agreement with our valued partners. Strong partnerships are very important to us, so we are delighted to be extending our relationships with CLIA and FCCA, and excited about what more we can do in the next chapter of our collaboration. We share the same goals - to serve and support the growth of the cruise community - and that will remain at the heart of our events. On behalf of the Seatrade Cruise team, I look forward to the next chapter of collaboration and development."The partnership will encompass Informa's portfolio of cruise events, including Seatrade Cruise Global, scheduled for April 13-16, 2026, at the Miami Beach Convention Center, along with other exhibitions, conferences, and industry gatherings worldwide.About Seatrade Cruise Serving the international cruise community since 1970, Seatrade Cruise is the industry’s leading platform for collaborating, innovating and connecting. Comprised of the largest B2B cruise events and trades shows, news channels and coveted awards programs, the Seatrade Cruise portfolio reaches more than 20,000 professionals, 4,000+ suppliers, 120+ cruise line brands and 140+ countries. Seatrade Cruise is part of Informa, a leading B2B events, digital services and academic markets group. For more information on Seatrade Cruise Events visit www.seatradecruiseevents.com. For access to the latest news and industry updates, visit seatrade-cruise.com.About Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is the leading authority of the global cruise community. CLIA members and partners include the world’s most prestigious ocean, river, and specialty cruise lines; a business community of leading ports, destinations, shipyards and maritime product and service providers; and the largest network of travel professionals who specialise in cruise travel. CLIA supports policies and practices that foster safe, secure, healthy and sustainable cruise operations; tourism strategies that maximise the socioeconomic benefits of cruise travel; and technologies and innovations designed to support the industry’s pursuit of net zero emissions by 2050. For more information, please visit cruising.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) with our handle @CLIAGlobal—or on LinkedIn.About Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Created in 1972, FCCA is a not-for-profit trade organization that represents the mutual interests of the cruise industry and destinations’ private and public sectors. By building bilateral relationships with cruise tourism stakeholders and providing them a forum to work with executives from its Member Lines, FCCA fosters bilateral success for all parties. For more information, visit F-CCA.com and @FCCAupdates on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.For more information, please contact:For Seatrade: [email protected] CLIA: [email protected] FCCA: [email protected] 21 July, 2025

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Seatrade Cruise, Cruise Lines International Association, and the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association forge extended 10-year partnership to foster innovation and growth across the global cruise industry
CLIA Strengthens Leadership Team with Two Key Appointments in Brussels
CLIA Strengthens Leadership Team with Two Key Appointments in BrusselsNiels Wammen-Jensen to join CLIA as Executive Vice President, International Regions;Nikos Mertzanidis promoted to Executive Director for CLIA in EuropeWashington, D.C. and Brussels – 14 July 2025 – Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the leading voice of the global cruise industry, today announced two senior leadership appointments. Niels Wammen-Jensen has been appointed Executive Vice President, International Regions, a newly created role based in Brussels; and Nikos Mertzanidis has been promoted to Executive Director for CLIA in Europe, also based in Brussels.Niels Wammen-Jensen, who currently serves as Group Vice President, Government Affairs for Europe at MSC Group and leads engagement with European Union institutions on shipping and transport policy, will officially join CLIA on 21 August 2025. He will be based in Brussels and report directly to CLIA President and CEO Charles (Bud) Darr. Wammen-Jensen brings deep expertise in maritime policy, international regulation, and European public affairs to his new role at CLIA, where he will oversee cross-functional coordination across all regions outside North America—working with CLIA’s senior-most executive leader in each of those markets, which includes:• Nikos Mertzanidis, CLIA, Europe• Andy Harmer, CLIA, UK & Ireland• Joel Katz, CLIA, Australasia• Marco Ferraz, CLIA, South America (Brazil)Wammen-Jensen will also collaborate with leaders for CLIA’s core functional areas—central to how the association delivers value to its members—working in partnership with Mike McGarry, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs and Executive Director for North America; Donnie Brown, Senior Vice President of Maritime Policy; and Anne Madison, Senior Vice President of Strategic Communications.Nikos Mertzanidis was promoted to Executive Director for Europe effective 1 July 2025, following several months in an acting capacity. He joined CLIA in 2016 and most recently served as Vice President, Ports & Destinations and Taxation in Europe. His promotion to Executive Director recognizes his exceptional leadership, policy expertise, and proven ability to represent the cruise industry effectively before European institutions.“Together, the expertise and experience that Niels and our functional and regional leaders provide in support of our cruise line members reflect the scope and sophistication of our industry and our investment in leadership that is globally connected and locally empowered,” said Bud Darr, president and CEO of CLIA. “Their collaboration is essential to advancing CLIA’s global mission and ensuring consistent, high-impact engagement across markets as our members continue to advance a strong sustainability agenda and demonstrate their longstanding track record and ongoing commitment to responsible cruise operations.”About the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is the preeminent cruise trade association, providing a unified voice for the industry and its members as the leading authority of the global cruise community. CLIA represents oceangoing member lines which comprise 95% of global cruise passenger capacity, including the world’s most prestigious ocean, river, and specialty cruise lines, as well as a business community of leading ports, destinations, shipyards and maritime product and service providers, and the largest network of travel professionals who specialise in cruise travel.Together with its members and partners, CLIA supports policies and practices that foster safe, secure, healthy and sustainable cruise operations; tourism strategies that maximise the socioeconomic benefits of cruise travel; and technologies and innovations designed to support the industry’s pursuit of net zero emissions by 2050. The organization’s global headquarters are in Washington, DC, with regional offices located in North and South America, Europe, and Australasia.For more information, please visit www.cruising.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube at @CLIAGlobal—or connect with us on LinkedIn. 14 July, 2025

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CLIA Strengthens Leadership Team with Two Key Appointments in Brussels
Rhodes Declaration: Tourism and travel organisations reunite in Gothenburg to advance climate action and sustainability goals
Tourism and travel organisations reunite in Gothenburgto advance climate action and sustainability goalsGothenburg, Sweden, 8th July 2025 – One year after adopting the Rhodes Declaration, Europe’s leading tourism and travel organisations are gathering in Gothenburg to renew and strengthen their shared commitment to sustainability and climate resilience.From 7 to 9 July, the 2025 edition of the Rhodes Forum brings together key European stakeholders to assess progress, exchange best practices, and accelerate efforts to decarbonise both leisure and business travel and tourism. Special emphasis is placed on empowering micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and supporting the industry to achieve the green transition. The event is complemented by site visits and engagement with local partners, including the iconic Liseberg Park, offering real-world insights into sustainable tourism in action.Why GothenburgGothenburg has earned global recognition as a leader in sustainable urban development. Nearly carbon-neutral and ranked among the top cities in the Global Destination Sustainability Index, the city exemplifies how public-private collaboration can drive climate innovation and inclusive community engagement. Delegates explored how Gothenburg’s approaches to a sustainable visitor economy, infrastructure planning, and governance could inspire broader adoption across Europe.Forum HighlightsCase studies on Gothenburg’s sustainable visitors model and climate-friendly infrastructurePanel discussions on long-term destination management and resilienceStrategic workshops to align priorities across the tourism and travel sector with EU-wide sustainability goals for both leisure and business visitorsThis year’s event reinforces the tourism and travel industry’s joint commitment to:Act as catalysts for positive change through knowledge-sharingSupport MSMEs in navigating climate and regulatory challengesAdvocate for a strong public-private partnership for decarbonisationInvest in training, upskilling and workforce readiness for a sustainable futurePeter van der Schans, Executive Director and Vice President IAAPA EMEA, stated on behalf of the coalition: “We call on the European Commission, the European Parliament and the Council of the EU to take into account the sustainability priorities of Europe’s travel and tourism ecosystem. In the upcoming EU Sustainable Tourism Strategy, we count on simplified regulatory frameworks, realistic transition timelines, and funding mechanisms that are accessible to MSMEs. Today’s actions in Gothenburg build directly on the momentum from Rhodes and will shape a new era of responsible and resilient travel and tourism.”The Forum’s outcomes will contribute to the collective roadmap for a climate-neutral European tourism sector by 2050, while reinforcing cooperation with EU institutions and local governments.The tourism and travel organisations present in Gothenburg are:Airports Council International (ACI EUROPE)Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)European Travel Agents’ and Tour Operators’ Association (ECTAA)European Exhibition Industry Alliance (EEIA)European Regions Airline Association (ERA)European Tourism Association (ETOA)European Association of Hotels, Restaurants, Bars and Cafes (HOTREC)The Global Association for the Attractions Industry (IAAPA)International Road Transport Union (IRU)European Federation of Rural Tourism (RURALTOUR) 08 July, 2025

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Rhodes Declaration: Tourism and travel organisations reunite in Gothenburg to advance climate action and sustainability goals