More than 1,000 are registered to attend Travel Weekly’s CruiseWorld next week in Fort Lauderdale.
“We are truly excited to get to Fort Lauderdale and watch our industry in action,” said Alicia Evanko-Lewis, senior vice president of events for Northstar Travel Group Media. “Travel adviser attendance and exhibitor registration are both up significantly this year. With positive travel trends and a strong business environment, we anticipate a bustling three days.”
This year’s CruiseWorld will take place Nov. 11-13 in Fort Lauderdale. The event will include three days of jam-packed general sessions, more than 30 breakout sessions, a selection of 14 ship inspections, five hosted meal functions and significant networking opportunities. A one-day exhibitor showcase will be held on Thursday, Nov. 12 with more than 150 suppliers on hand representing every segment of the travel industry.
Categories for supplier participation at this year’s event include: airlines, attractions, business tools, cruise, destinations, hotels and resorts, professional services, and tour and vacation packages. Among the fastest growing categories this year is the destination portfolio.
Among the suppliers offering training at CruiseWorld are: November 10: ClientBase, Club Med, VAX VacationAccess, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Norwegian Cruise Line and the destination of Montreal; November 11: Alaska – Visit Anchorage, Avalon Waterways, Avoya Travel, an American Express Representative, Exclusive Group Travel, Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection, Carnival Cruise Line, CCRA Commercial Travel Network, Disney Cruise Line, Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB, and Nexion.
Travel Weekly’s editor in chief Arnie Weissmann will lead one-on-one discussions each day with a different CEO. Nov. 11 will kick off with Arnold Donald, CEO, Carnival Corp. Thursday will open with Richard Fain, chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. And Friday will begin with Frank Del Rio, president and CEO, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.
Two panel discussions will bring another 20 industry leaders to the stage over the course of two days.
Closing Friday’s general session will be a first for CruiseWorld as Karl Holz, president of Disney Cruise Line, addresses attendees.