Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) UK & Ireland has seen a 10% increase in membership in the past year.
The association, which is currently holding its annual conference in Southampton, revealed that by May 2024 it had 4,300 agency members and 10,000 individuals.
Managing Director Andy Harmer confirmed it will host a new-to-selling cruise day online on 3 July, which is open to all cnewcomers, and he announced this year’s CLIA Cruise Week will take place from 15-21 September.
Andy added the CLIA website will also get a refresh in July.
During the conference, attended by 850 delegates, Carnival and P&O Cruises President Paul Ludlow highlighted the importance of the trade. “Travel agents are vital to our business – Carnival paid out more than £100 million in commission last year – they are still the lifeblood of our business.”
Azamara CEO Dondra Ritzenthaler, who has been in her role for a year, echoed Paul’s comments. She said in the last year she has spent time meeting and listening with agents in the UK and around the world. “We did 13 events around the world and asked for feedback from travel advisors. For example, you asked for better wi-fi and we listened – we have just installed Starlink’s highest level wi-fi on two ships, and will add to the next two in the next few months.”
She added 86% of Azamara’s product is sold by travel agents and the cruise line has plans to ‘shift even more of the share’ to the UK, already its second largest market, in 2026.
Over the next two days, agents attending the CLIA conference will tours onboard Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Balmoral, P&O Cruises’ Britannia, Oceania Cruises’ Vista, Princess Cruises’ Sky Princess, MSC Cruises’ Virtuosa and Royal Caribbean International’s Independence of the Seas.
