clia cruise rules

• April 10, 2024
• Cruise Ships , News

With CLIA reporting passenger volume climbing, cruising marks new milestones

MSC World America floats out at Chantiers de l’Atlantique [photo: MSC Cruises]

One key take-away from the just-released Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) 2024 State of the Cruise Industry report: 2023 passenger volume reached 31.7 million— surpassing 2019 by 7%.

NCLH plans to build eight new ships at Fincantieri

Against that backdrop, all kinds of good news has been coming out of this year’s Seatrade Cruise Global in Miami this week . In pre-pandemic years, the Miami event could be relied on to produce announcements of major newbuildings. And this year, as we reported yesterday, Norwegian Cruise Lines Holdings unveiled its largest order ever, with plans to build eight new ships at Fincantieri.

Even before Carnival kicked off the return of the industry majors to newbuilding, back in February, cruising had a healthy supply of newbuildings in the pipeline, with the CLIA report showing its members as having 35 ships set for delivery by 2028,

Meantime, MSC Cruises and Chantiers de l’Atlantique celebrated two important milestones in the construction of their innovative World Class ships.

MSC World America completed its float out ceremony at the shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France on Sunday, April 7, 2024. Now in the final phase of construction it will be officially named on April 9, 2025 at MSC Cruises’ new state-of-the-art PortMiami terminal, followed by a celebratory sailing to Ocean Cay, the cruise line’s private island in the Bahamas

Meanwhile, the steel-cutting ceremony for the company’s third World Class ship marked the start of that vessel’s construction and MSC Cruises revealed its name, MSC World Asia, with anticipated delivery in 2026. Following the format of the other World Class ships that pay homage to different continents, MSC World Asia will symbolize the global nature of MSC Cruises. While details of where the ship will operate are yet to be revealed, MSC World Asia will feature signature design touches, experiences and features inspired by its namesake continent.

“ MSC World America is another example of the incredible professional partnership between us and Chantiers de l’Atlantique with whom we have designed five distinct and innovative prototypes – the most recent being the ground-breaking World Class platform,” said Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of MSC Cruises. ”With each and every ship we strive to improve and enhance not only the environmental technology but also new features that enrich the experience for the guest as we design for the future holiday experience. MSC World Asia continues in this tradition and with this important milestone of the steel cutting we are pleased to confirm that she will offer even more advanced new features in terms of future-proof marine and onboard hospitality technologies as well as guest experiences.”

MSC World Asia will become the fourth LNG-fueled ship to join the MSC Cruises fleet, as LNG continues to be seen as a critical step toward maritime decarbonization, offering immediate GHG reductions compared to conventional marine fuels and a direct pathway to renewable substitutes like bio-LNG, which MSC Cruises’ LNG ships are ready to use as soon as they become commercially available at scale.

CLIA STATE OF THE CRUISE INDUSTRY REPORT

In addition to highlighting the 2023 passenger volume of 31.7 million, the new CLIA report also shows continued demand for cruise vacations, noting intent to cruise at 82%. The forecast for cruise capacity shows an increase of 10% from 2024 through 2028, as cruise lines make ongoing, concrete progress in pursuit of net- zero emissions by 2050.

Other highlights include the forecast for cruise capacity through 2028 and a summary of the 2024 – 2028 cruise orderbook, as well as the latest cruise trends, which include.

• The number of new-to-cruise is increasing – 27% of cruisers over the past two years are new-to-cruise, an increase of 12% over the past year.
• Cruises are a top choice for multi-generational travel – with more than 30% of families traveling by cruise with at least two generations and 28% of cruise travelers traveling with three to five generations.
• Expedition and exploration are the fastest-growing sectors of cruise tourism, with a 71% increase in passengers traveling on expedition itineraries from 2019 to 2023.
• Accessible tour excursions are on the rise—with 45% of cruise passengers booking an accessible tour for their most recent cruise.
• 73% of cruise travelers say that travel advisors have a meaningful influence on their decision to cruise.

Download the full CLIA report HERE

RELATED ARTICLES

• April 17, 2024

Carnival Corporation names its next chief maritime officer

• April 12, 2024

Bert Hernandez succeeds Barbara Muckermann as Silversea Cruises president

• April 09, 2024

• Coastal , Cruise Ships , Inland , Inland and Coastal , News

Two new Project Blue ships set to join American Cruise Lines fleet

• March 27, 2024

Baltimore bridge disaster could have a $10 million impact on Carnival Corporation earnings

• Updated Terms of Use
• New Privacy Policy
• Your Privacy Choices
• Closed Caption Policy
• Accessibility Statement

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. ©2024 FOX News Network, LLC. All rights reserved. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Market data provided by Factset . Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions . Legal Statement . Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper .

Cruise line association announces 'mandatory' coronavirus regulations for resuming cruises in the Americas

Cruise lines international association hopes to resume voyages before end of year — and that means mandatory masks and covid-19 testing.

The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) introduced new “core elements” for health and safety on Monday. (Apu Gomes/AFP via Getty Images)

An association of dozens of major  cruise lines  has announced the voluntary adoption of new health protocols — which would be mandatory for its members — in the hopes of resuming cruise voyages in the Americas “during the remainder of 2020.”

Among these new “core elements” for health and safety, all cruise passengers will be tested for COVID-19 prior to embarkation, and all guests will be required to wear masks when physical distancing is not possible.

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), which counts Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian cruise lines as members, announced the new measures, or “mandatory core elements,” in a news release Monday.

The new protocol will be submitted to the CDC on behalf of CLIA’s member lines and would apply to all oceangoing ships affected by the CDC’s No Sail Order, which advises against resuming cruise operations at least until Sept. 30, when the order expires.

ROYAL CARIBBEAN CEO WARNS OF ANTI-CRUISE GROUP USING CDC SITE TO EXTEND 'NO SAIL ORDER'

“Guided by world-class experts in medicine and science, CLIA and its ocean-going cruise line members have outlined a pathway to support a phased-in, highly-controlled return to passenger service in the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America with protocols that promote the health and safety of passengers, crew and the communities visited,” reads a statement issued by CLIA . “The core elements mirror the successful resumption of cruising in other parts of the world and include 100% testing of passengers and crew prior to boarding — a travel industry first.”

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

In addition to mandatory testing (the specifics of which were not outlined), the CLIA’s new “core elements” include: the wearing of masks by all passengers and crew both on and off ships when social distancing is not possible; the organization of proper social distancing;  appropriate “air management” and ventilation efforts to increase fresh air; “risk-based” medical response plans tailored to each ship; and the capacity to isolate passengers if need be, along with plans for “shoreside quarantine” and medical facilities.

Any passengers who fail to abide by the CLIA’s rules on shore excursions will not be permitted back on the ship, the CLIA proposed.

The CEOs of each major cruise line are also being instructed to confirm their adherence to these rules — in writing — before sailing.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Kelly Craighead, CLIA president and CEO, hopes the new regulations will convince regulators and ports to resume sailings in the Americas just as some operators have already done in Europe.

“Based on what we are seeing in Europe, and following months of collaboration with leading public health experts, scientists, and governments, we are confident that these measures will provide a pathway for the return of limited sailings from the U.S. before the end of this year,” Craighead said.

Fun stories about food, relationships, the great outdoors and more.

You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter!

• Tour Operators
• Destinations
• Hotels & Resorts
• Agent Feedback
• Deals & Incentives
• On Location
• Industry Experts
• Sphere – HomeBased
• Digital Editions
• Subscribe today!

• Hotels and Resorts
• Types of Travel
• Subscribe Now

4 need-to-knows from CLIA’s 2023 industry report

Post date: May 4 2023

Date: May 4 2023

By: Cindy Sosroutomo

TORONTO — There’s no question that 2023 will be a landmark year for the cruise industry. With no restrictions in place – no CDC-imposed health notices, cruise bans, travel warnings, colour-coded systems or mandatory test cruises – 2023 will mark the first full year of operations for the industry since the start of the pandemic, and travellers and travel agents couldn’t be more excited.

“This is the year we will return to the scale we had achieved before the pandemic, and now we can move forward building on the positive trajectory we were experiencing pre-pandemic,” says Sally Andrews, Vice President, Strategic Communications & Public Affairs at CLIA.

Noting that many cruise lines reported record wave seasons in 2023, Andrews adds that consumer confidence in cruise is back following a very challenging three years for the industry.

“CLIA’s research shows that in 2023 the industry is forecast to carry 31.5 million passengers worldwide – exceeding 2019 volume. By 2026, our forecasts show we will reach nearly 39 million passengers, or about 30% more than in 2019,” says Andrews.

“Positive consumer sentiment supports this growth. For example, CLIA’s latest international research shows that 85% of those who have cruised intend to cruise again – that’s 6% higher than in 2019. And 73% of those who have never cruised before said they are open to a cruise vacation, higher now than it was back in 2018 and 2019,” she adds.

CLIA has summarized these findings in its 2023 ‘State of the Cruise Industry’ report, which includes results from its ‘Cruise Traveler Sentiment, Perception, and Intent Survey’ conducted in December 2022. We rounded up four need-to-knows from the report:

• “GenX and Millennials are the most enthusiastic about planning a cruise holiday.” 

It’s obvious: the future of cruise lies in the hands of the younger generation. The average age among cruise tourists from 2018-2022 is 46.5 years. Of the survey respondents, 33% were 60+, 32% were between 40-59 years old, 20% were 20-39, and 15% were under the age of 19. And among all age groups who said they plan to cruise again, Millennials came out on top at 88%.

“It’s really no surprise that the younger generation would be enthusiastic about cruising. They prioritize experiences and seeing the world,” says Andrews. 

“Looking across the industry, there is an experience to fit everyone, and it’s not just demographics but psychographics as well. For example, a Millennial could be the kind of person seeking a more classic cruise experience, just like there are older cruisers who prefer a more vibrant onboard experience. As well as the vast range and variety of cruise experiences, there are many different price points, too,” she adds. 

• “Younger generations are using travel advisors to book cruises at a higher rate than other generations.”

Among the 65% of respondents who used a travel advisor to book their cruise in the last six months, 69% were Gen Z, 68% were Gen X, and 66% were Millennials. Trailing behind were Baby Boomers at 44%.

So what does this say about the value of travel advisors? For one thing, says Andrews, it proves that travel agents play a critical role in generating future repeat cruisers, and that they’re considered experts at matching their clients to the right experience for them.

“Younger generations have at their fingertips an incredible amount of product information, pricing comparisons, reviews and ratings. They are informed and rely on recommendations from others and are savvy at – and often prefer – making purchases directly online,” says Andrews. “The fact that they are using travel agents to book their cruise vacations demonstrates the reputational credibility of agents as the experts in booking cruise travel.”

• “Many cruise lines are increasing the number of single cabins as an increasing number of cruise travellers choose to cruise solo.”

According to the report, 54.7% of solo travellers who have cruised before and plan on cruising again book 1-6 months prior to sailing, while 28.1% book 6-12 months out.

Describing cruise as one of the best ways for solos to see the world, Andrews says it’s “secure, safe and as social as you want it to be,” which is why solo travellers are a significant part of cruising’s continued growth. 

“All the same attributes apply to solos as couples in terms of their desire to experience the world and enjoying all the onboard and destination experiences that cruising offers,” she says.

• “14 new ships will enter service during 2023, offering new itineraries and experiences.”

This year will be a busy one for the world’s biggest cruise lines, with over a dozen ships scheduled to make their grand debuts. These include: Carnival Cruise Line’s Jubilee (December); Celebrity’s Ascent (December); Emerald Cruises’ Sakara (August); Explora Journeys’ Explora I (July); MSC Cruises’ Euribia (June); Norwegian Cruise Line’s Viva (August); Oceania Cruises’ Vista (May); Regent Seven Seas’ Seven Seas Grandeur (November): Scenic’s Eclipse II (April); Seabourn’s Pursuit (August); Silversea’s Silver Nova (August); Swan Hellenic’s Hellenic Diana (April); and Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady (December) and Resilient Lady (May).

“There is a lot to be excited about in the world’s shipyards and it’s a huge show of confidence in the future of cruise,” says Andrews. “Each ship brings new technology, new creativity in design, new innovations in the passenger experience, and new levels of sustainability advancements.”

The momentum gained in 2023 will only build in the next few years, adds Andrews, who says that looking through to 2028, the order book shows 62 new CLIA ships joining the worldwide fleet. This represents more than US$40 billion worth of investment for cruise lines.

“Attracting a new wave of first-time cruisers will be important to support the growth in capacity, and travel agents will play a significant role in this,” says Andrews. “But we are supported by a strong track record, dedicated trade partners and positive consumer sentiment so the future of the industry is incredibly bright.”

Tags: CLIA, Lead Story

Cindy is Deputy Editor at Travelweek and has worked for the company since 2007. She has travelled to more than 50 countries and counts Kenya, Morocco, Thailand and Turkey among her favourite destinations.

CLIA Law & Regulations

Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (42 USC 263a) Source: Government Printing Office (GPO) Federal Digital System .

The Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 statute is an amendment to the Public Health Services Act in which Congress revised the federal program for certification and oversight of clinical laboratory testing. Two subsequent amendments were made after 1988. The law continues to be cited as CLIA ’88 as named in legislation.

Standards and Certification: Laboratory Requirements (42 CFR 493) Source: Government Printing Office (GPO) Federal Digital System .

The section of the federal regulations titled “Standards and Certification: Laboratory Requirements” is issued by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to enact the CLIA law passed by Congress (see below). In general terms, the CLIA regulations establish quality standards for laboratory testing performed on specimens from humans, such as blood, body fluid and tissue, for the purpose of diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of disease, or assessment of health.  The final CLIA regulations were published in 1992, phased in through 1994, and amended in 1993, 1995, and 2003.  Visit the CLIA Documents  page to search and view the Federal Register Notices and former editions of the Code of Federal Regulations (published annually in October).”

CMS Survey Procedures and Interpretive Guidelines for Laboratories and Laboratory Services (Appendix C) The interpretive guidelines to the CLIA regulations are published in the CMS State Operations Manual (SOM). The SOM is used by state offices to administer various federal programs, such as clinical laboratory certification under the CLIA regulations, and enforced by CMS. It is also a source of guidance to laboratories for interpreting the CLIA regulations.

• Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act of 1967 (81 Stat. 536, Public Law 90-174, Sec. 5)
• Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (102 Stat. 2903, Public Law 100-578)
• Food and Drug Administration Modernization Act of 1997 [111 Stat. 2324, Public Law 105–115, Sec. 123(h)] 1
• Taking Essential Steps for Testing Act of 2012 (126 Stat. 1483, Public Law 112-202, Sec. 2) 2

1 See 1997 changes to CLIA ’88 2 See 2012 changes to CLIA ’88

Exit Notification / Disclaimer Policy

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website.
• Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.
• You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link.
• CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website.

• UK and Ireland
• Northern Europe
• Western Mediterranean and Atlantic
• Eastern Mediterranean
• North America
• South America
• Australasia
• South Pacific
• Middle East
• Panama Canal
• Adults-Only Cruises
• All-inclusive Cruising
• Boutique Cruising
• Classic Cruising
• Cruise from the UK
• Expedition Cruising
• Family Cruises
• Fly Cruising
• Luxury Cruising
• Mini Cruises
• Ocean Cruising
• River Cruises
• Small Ship and Yacht Cruising
• Solo Cruising
• Ultra-Luxury Cruising
• World Cruises
• Ambassador Cruise Line
• Carnival Cruise Line
• Celebrity Cruises
• Cunard Line
• Emerald Cruises
• Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
• Holland America Line
• HX Hurtigruten Expeditions
• Marella Cruises
• MSC Cruises
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Oceania Cruises
• P&O Cruises
• Princess Cruises
• Regent Seven Seas Cruises
• Royal Caribbean International
• Saga Cruises
• Silversea Cruises
• Viking - Ocean Cruises
• Virgin Voyages
• Amadeus River Cruises
• AmaWaterways
• Avalon Waterways
• CroisiEurope
• Hurtigruten
• Riviera Travel
• TUI river cruises
• Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
• Top 10 Solo Cruise Deals
• Top 10 Exclusive Cruise Deals
• Top 10 Ocean Cruise Deals
• Top 10 Luxury Cruise Deals
• Top 10 River Cruise Deals
• Top 20 Cruise Deals
• Cruise Package Deals
• Partner Deals & Offers
• Offers & Deals
• Competitions
• Fashion and lifestyle
• Culture and history
• Entertainment
• Recommendation
• Ship Reviews
• Food & Drink
• River Cruising
• First cruise advice
• Heroes & Villains
• Captain Profiles
• Godmother Profiles
• Our Opinion
• Ship Visits
• Ship Launches

What are the new Government rules for cruises as lockdown is lifted?

Author: Harriet Mallinson

Published on: 19 July 2021

Updated on: 19 July 2021

Cruise holidays have suffered at the hands of the Covid pandemic but today the future is brighter as lockdown restrictions in England are lifted.

Cruises around the UK started up again back in May but were subject to a swathe of restrictions.

Today marks a big leap forward for the travel sector as a number of Covid restrictions are lifted.

UK rules for cruises have now been updated as July 19 marks 'freedom day.'

This is what you need to know about the latest cruising guidelines.

First Celebrity Cruises passengers visit Perfect Day at CocoCay

Ncl marks milestone with float out of norwegian aqua, hannah waddingham christens sun princess, heaven on the high seas: tom parker bowles on his p&o cruises' voyage, atlas ocean voyages announces 2025-26 antarctica season, cunard takes delivery of new ship queen anne, australian traditional owners announced as godparents of seabourn pursuit, choose your perfect cruise with world of cruising, record-breaking number of brits took a cruise in 2023, viking announces new mongolia extension for china voyages.

The Department for Transport (DfT) today updated its guidance on domestic cruise travel during the coronavirus outbreak.

A major change is the lifting of social distancing rules.

"Under step four of the roadmap, social distancing rules (two metres or one metre with additional mitigations) are lifted," detailed the Government.

"Social distancing will only be required in limited circumstances such as at ports of entry for passengers between disembarkation and border control in order to manage the risk of variants of concern being transmitted between individuals."

Earlier this month, it was announced domestic cruise operators with a passenger COVID-19 vaccination policy in place could operate at 50 percent capacity .

Current DfT rules now explain the importance of a vaccine policy for cruise lines.

"Domestic cruise operators will have a COVID-19 vaccination policy for passengers and crew," states the guidance.

- READ MORE: Guide to major cruise lines' vaccine policies -

"A person is considered fully vaccinated when they have completed a full course of immunisation through the UK vaccination programme, more than 14 days before joining the cruise."

It added: "Cruise operators are encouraged to publish their passenger and crew vaccination policies."

A CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) spokesperson said: “UK cruise guests have already safely enjoyed a number of domestic sailings round Britain this summer. This successful domestic restart has been enabled by the wellbeing protocols that have been introduced across the cruise industry.

"While we will continue to assess our industry protocols, we believe that a cautious approach is appropriate as part of a gradual, phased resumption."

The Government has also published advice on booking a domestic cruise, with four major tips.

Firstly, you should "check that the cruise activity is permitted in the UK nations you plan to visit."

Secondly, "ensure that you understand the relevant public health and pre-travel information about mitigating the risk of COVID-19 that your travel agent or cruise operator provides at the time of booking."

Thirdly, "get travel insurance, and make sure you are content with the level of cover it provides. If you already have travel insurance check it is valid and provides appropriate cover."

- READ MORE: Guide to buying travel insurance right now -

Lastly, "familiarise yourself with the UK Chamber of Shipping COVID-19 guidance for passengers."

The Government points out you "must not travel if you have been advised that you must self-isolate by the NHS test and trace service."

Anyone who is experiencing Covid symptoms or sharing a household or support bubble with somebody who has experienced COVID-19 symptoms in the last 14 days should also not travel.

So what does the relaxation of lockdown mean for cruise lines?

Peter Deer, Managing Director at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said of freedom day today: “While restrictions ashore are used to help shape the restrictions for cruise, they are not mirrored exactly. The guidelines that cover cruise are specific to the industry and are agreed by the Government in line with our industry body CLIA, with input from ourselves as cruise lines.

“As a result, any relaxation in restrictions ashore does not automatically mean the same relaxation for cruise ships. We will continue to work closely with the Government and CLIA to ensure a safe return to sailing.”

A spokesperson for Cunard and P&O Cruises said: "We continue to develop our health and wellbeing protocols in line with the preferences of our guests and guidance from global medical and public health experts as well as UK Government agencies. "From July 25, 2021 face masks will only be required when moving around communal areas and within the theatre, there will be no restrictions on dining party size and social distancing will reduce to one metre."

As for international cruises, the Government still continues to warn against them, despite the easing of travel restrictions.

"The Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advises against international sea-going cruise travel based on the latest public health medical advice," the authority detailed.

The Global Travel Taskforce's latest report (published in April) recommended international cruises be restarted "alongside the wider restart of international travel, in line with the country 'traffic light' system."

- READ MORE: Latest traffic light system rules revealed -

It continued: "This will be subject to continued satisfactory evidence from domestic restart as well as successful cruise operations elsewhere in the world. This will be considered at each of the Checkpoint reviews.

"This is also subject to the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the UK government and industry covering the cost and liabilities of repatriation."

However, it would seem the Government is yet to update its travel advice regarding cruises abroad.

A CLIA spokesperson said on this: "As the effectiveness of our protocols has become apparent following domestic cruises, we now look forward to the UK Government revisiting its advice on international cruise.”

Lush Islands In Spring

• 14 nights, departs on the 31 Mar 2024
• Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Seven Seas Splendor
• Miami, Florida, , , + 12 more

Asian Wonders & Arabian Delights

• 20 nights, departs on the 05 Apr 2024
• Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Seven Seas Navigator
• Laem Chabang, Laem Chabang, Ko Samui, + 18 more

North Pacific Passage

• 18 nights, departs on the 13 Apr 2024
• Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Seven Seas Explorer
• Tokyo, Hitachinaka, Miyako, Iwate, + 16 more

Whale Watching Expedition

• 7 nights, departs on the 01 May 2024
• Vancouver, British Columbia, , Ketchikan, Alaska, + 5 more

Ocean Air & Spanish Flair

• 14 nights, departs on the 10 Apr 2024
• Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Seven Seas Grandeur
• New York, New York, , Kings Wharf, + 12 more

An official website of the United States government

Here's how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

CMS Newsroom

Search cms.gov.

• Physician Fee Schedule
• Local Coverage Determination
• Medically Unlikely Edits

Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)

Updating Laboratory Email Addresses or Opting in to Email Notifications

In order to update an email address or opt-in to email notifications, a laboratory must give written notification to the  State Agency (PDF) where they’re located. Federal jurisdiction laboratories should contact their  CMS Location (PDF) .

Get Online Payment Info (PDF)

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regulates all laboratory testing (except research) performed on humans in the U.S. through the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA). In total, CLIA covers approximately 320,000 laboratory entities. The Division of Clinical Laboratory Improvement & Quality, within the Quality, Safety & Oversight Group, under the Center for Clinical Standards and Quality (CCSQ) has the responsibility for implementing the CLIA Program.

The objective of the CLIA program is to ensure quality laboratory testing. Although all clinical laboratories must be properly certified to receive Medicare or Medicaid payments, CLIA has no direct Medicare or Medicaid program responsibilities.

COMPLAINT REPORTING

To report a complaint about a laboratory, contact the appropriate State Agency (PDF) that is found on the State Agency & Regional Office CLIA Contacts page located in the left-hand navigation pane in this section.  See the Consumer Complaints FAQ (PDF) on how to file a complaint. Additionally, see the Temporary COVID-19 Testing Sites (PDF) infographic, which advises those receiving laboratory services of things to be aware of to ensure they are receiving quality laboratory testing.

QUESTIONS ABOUT the CLIA PROGRAM

• For Questions regarding a CLIA certificate or fees : If you have a question related to CLIA fees or payment, CMS-116 applications, demographic updates, certificate status or upgrades, and/or Laboratory Director changes, please call your local State agency for assistance.  Select the State agency based on the physical location of the laboratory.  The State agency maintains the certificate information for new and existing laboratory providers within their state. For a list of our State agency CLIA contacts (PDF) , please visit our website at /Regulations-and-Guidance/Legislation/CLIA/Downloads/CLIASA.pdf (PDF)
• All other questions about the CLIA program should be submitted to [email protected] .

WOULD YOU LIKE TO RECEIVE EMAIL UPDATES FROM CLIA?

Sign up for our CLIA Communications Email List with the link below: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USCMS/subscriber/new?topic_id=USCMS_12461  

CLIA Post-PHE Guidance FAQs Only (PDF)

CLIA of 1988 Proficiency Testing Regulations Related to Analytes and Acceptable Performance (CMS-3355-F) FAQ Sheet 7/7/2022 (PDF)

LDT and CLIA FAQs 10/22/2013 (PDF)

Research Testing and CLIA 12/10/2014 (PDF)

Direct Access Testing 03/22/2019 (PDF)

Live Blood Cell Analysis Under CLIA 03/17/2017 (PDF)

Related Links

• CLIA Fee, Histocompatibility, Personnel, Alternative Sanction, CMS-3326-F, Final Rule, 12/28/2023
• How Laboratorians Can Safely Calculate Workload for FDA-Approved Semi-Automated Gynecologic Cytology Screening Devices 08/05/2015
• CDC PPMP - A Focus on Quality Practices Booklet
• CDC Division of Laboratory Systems
• Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule

CLIA IN EUROPE

CLIA represents 95% of the world’s ocean-going cruise capacity, as well as 54,000 travel agents, 15,000 of the largest travel agencies in the world, and industry stakeholders, including ports, destinations, ship developers, suppliers, and business services. We are the only association that brings together ocean cruise lines and river cruise operators with travel agents and the wider cruise community. The cruise industry is one of Europe’s success stories supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs and contributing to economies.

Find out more on our site and meet our team across Europe below.

Keep up to date with our latest news

Clia presents at g7 transport ministeria….

15 April 2024, Milan – Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), represented by its European Chairman,…

Travel and tourism industry unites to ta…

Rhodes, Greece, 9 April 2024 — Association representatives from the European travel and tourism sector…

CLIA Cruise Week: Global cruise leaders…

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) issued the call for action at its European Summit in…

Going net zero: how the cruise industry is charting a more sustainable future

WATCH: CLIA cruise companies are pursuing more efficient ships, alternative fuels and digital technologies, as they navigate towards net-zero carbon cruising by 2050.

Quick links to our key content across Europe

Towards net zero

The cruise industry supports the long-term objectives of the EU Green Deal and is committed to pursuing net carbon neutral cruising in Europe by 2050. We are driving innovation to help achieve these commitments.

CLIA publishes regular reports analysing the economic impact of the cruise industry on economies. Over 400,000 jobs across Europe are supported by our industry.

Responsible tourism

We work in partnership with cruise destinations around Europe as part of our vision to be leaders in responsible travel.

MEET THE TEAM IN BRUSSELS

Marie-caroline laurent.

Director General

[email protected]

Julie Green

VP Strategic Communications & Media

+32 472 57 01 69

Cynthia Furste

Senior Director European Government Affairs

Martyn Griffiths

Public Affairs Director & Media

+32 479 97 21 56

Nikos Mertzanidis

Vice-President, Ports & Destinations

Marieke de Bakker

Senior Manager, Governance and Administration

Philomène Bouchon

Strategic Communications Manager

Elna Larsson

Policy Officer

MEET THE TEAM AROUND EUROPE

Maria deligianni.

Regional Director, Eastern Mediterranean

Francesco Galietti

National Director, Italy

Claudia Marmorato

Director, Partner Relations

Rune Mørck Wergeland

Director, Norway

+47 913 88 914

Georg Ehrmann

CLIA in Germany

+ 49 40 3496167-0

Alfredo Serrano

National Director, Spain

We use cookies to create the most secure and effective website possible. By continuing to use our website you are agreeing to our use of cookies.

• Get 7 Days Free

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Announces 2024 Hall of Fame Cruise Industry Award Winners

PR Newswire

WASHINGTON, April 23, 2024

WASHINGTON, April 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has announced the 2024 CLIA Hall of Fame Cruise Industry Award winners. The awards identify individuals and organizations whose efforts and accomplishments represent a significant contribution to the cruise industry. Award winners were inducted during the CLIA Hall of Fame Cruise Industry Awards & Gala Dinner during the CLIA Cruise360 conference in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on Thursday, April 18 th , 2024.

"The 2024 Hall of Fame Winners are an extraordinary group of industry leaders with incredible passion for travel and limitless dedication to their clients and guests," said Kelly Craighead, President and CEO, CLIA. "They are innovators, visionaries, and a shining example of how hard work and leadership lead to success. We are proud to honor their impressive contributions to the cruise industry."

CLIA Congratulates its Hall of Fame Inductee Class of 2024

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD WINNER

Awarded to two individuals — one from the CLIA North American Travel Trade Membership and one from either a CLIA Global Cruise Line Member or River Marketing Affiliate — who are lifetime champions of cruise travel and have made monumental contributions to the cruise industry.

Christine Duffy President Carnival Cruise Line

Steering the flagship brand of Miami-based global cruise industry leader Carnival Corporation & plc. and the world's most popular cruise line, Carnival Cruise Line, President Christine Duffy leads more than 48,000 team members delivering fun and memorable cruises to more than 5.5 million guests each year. Duffy is at the helm of all operations across Carnival's fleet of 27 ships sailing from 14 U.S. homeports and two homeports in Australia, where she also oversees the operations of three ships that sail for P&O Cruises Australia.

Duffy most recently ushered the company through a rapid growth phase with the acquisition of five new ships in a period of two years. The cruise line's fleet expansion continues with two more of its largest and most innovative Excel- class ships in 2027 and 2028. She's also currently focused on the development of the cruise line's new exclusive destination, Celebration Key, which opens in July 2025 on Grand Bahama.

Under Duffy's leadership, Carnival became the first major U.S. cruise line to have its entire fleet back in operations after the industry-wide pause. Part of that restart coincided with the cruise line's implementation of Liquefied Natural Gas, with Carnival's Mardi Gras becoming the first LNG-powered cruise ship in North America. The same ship also took cruise ship attractions to new heights with the introduction of BOLT: The Ultimate SeaCoaster, a first at sea. Duffy's tenure also includes several major milestones in the company's history, including the year-long celebration of its 50th birthday in 2022 and the moment it welcomed its 100 millionth guest on board in 2023.

Expanding the company's ubiquitous brand recognition, Duffy continues to build partnerships, from inviting Shaquille O'Neal on board as the company's Chief Fun Officer and Emeril Lagasse as the fleet's Chief Culinary Officer, to meeting ambitious fundraising goals for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and supporting military families through Operation Homefront.

Duffy, the cruise line's first woman president, has served in this role since 2015 while simultaneously advocating for the entire cruise industry – including an appointment to the Secretary of Commerce to the United States Travel and Tourism Advisory Board and having also served as chair of the U.S. Travel Association, the national, non-profit organization representing all components of the travel industry, from 2020 to 2022. She joined Carnival after a successful tenure as president and CEO of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), which represents the $120 billion global cruise industry. As the first woman to lead CLIA, she elevated the industry's profile before consumers, regulators, industry stakeholders and the media.

Prior to CLIA, Christine spent 10 years at Maritz Travel Company, the world's largest corporate meeting, events, and incentive travel company, where she was the company's first woman president and CEO. While leading Maritz, Christine played an important role with industry leaders and U.S. travel during the financial crisis of 2008, raising awareness about the importance of business travel and solidifying support in Washington. Her leadership led to a number of initiatives, including the first-ever public/private partnership to promote international travel to the U.S. creating what is known today as Brand USA. Throughout her career, Duffy has been a strong supporter of women's leadership in the travel industry, leading initiatives that delivered research and programs to help women advance their careers.

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD WINNER

John Lovell, CTC President Travel Leaders Group

John Lovell, CTC, President of Travel Leaders Group, a division of Internova Travel Group, is a travel industry veteran with more than two decades of executive experience, a respected voice on travel trends and a leader in supporting the charitable needs of the travel community. Based in Orlando, Fla., Lovell leads a division that generates gross travel sales approaching $21 billion annually. The division includes Internova's consortia operation, its large host agency and its wholly owned cruise, leisure, and specialty agencies. He oversees Travel Leaders Group's partnerships with travel suppliers, including cruise lines, tour operators, car rental companies and travel insurance entities, working to strengthen their vital relationships with travel advisors. As President of Travel Leaders Group, Lovell is also responsible for the strategic operations, sales, marketing, and overall growth of Travel Leaders Network, one of the largest travel agency organizations in North America. Prior to his current role, which he took on in 2020, Lovell served as President, Leisure Travel, Supplier Relations & Networks for Travel Leaders Group and as President of Vacation.com. At the time, Vacation.com was the largest travel agency consortium in the United States. In 2016, Travel Leaders Network was formed when Travel Leaders Franchise Group and Vacation.com were combined. Before becoming President of Vacation.com in 2011, he held several other positions within the company, including Vice President of Sales, Industry Relations, and Revenue Management. He was originally hired in 2002 as Vice President of Sales and Business Development. Before joining Vacation.com, Lovell held the position of Director of Travel Industry Sales at ANC Rental Corporation. He also worked as Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Renaissance Travel Solutions. His first job in the travel industry was at the Hertz Corporation, serving as Regional Sales Manager for the state of Florida. Additionally, Lovell spent nine years at BAT Industries, working his way up to Director of Global Accounts for the tobacco giant while based in London. Lovell is recognized within the industry for his expertise on the growing popularity of travel advisors, as well as cruise and leisure travel trends and the retail travel business. But he is also a leader in connecting the travel industry with those in need at home and around the world. In 2015, he founded the Family Bonds Foundation, the nonprofit giving arm of Travel Leaders Group that supports the charitable needs of those who work within the travel industry as well as the broader community.

TRAVEL AGENCY OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNER

Awarded to a CLIA Travel Agency Member or Premier Agency Member that has demonstrated innovative and visionary leadership in their approach to promoting cruise travel, growing their cruise travel sales, and supporting their affiliated travel advisors.

Travel Planners International

Travel Planners International (TPI) is recognized for its pivotal role in transforming the travel industry through relentless innovation and a forward-thinking approach. They empower travel professionals with cutting-edge technology, comprehensive training, and robust marketing tools, setting a high standard for excellence and creativity in delivering exceptional travel experiences. TPI's 35-year influence is evident in its pioneering initiatives and services, significantly shaping the travel sector's evolution. Their commitment to innovation is reflected in their adaptive strategies, embracing changes and emerging trends to stay ahead in a competitive market. This forward-thinking mindset, led by President, Ken Gagliano, COO/Executive Vice President, Tony Gagliano, Jr., and Senior Vice President, Erwing Hernandez, ensures TPI advisors are equipped with the latest tools and knowledge to thrive in the dynamic travel landscape. The organization's dedication to innovation extends to its business model and partnership strategies, where they foster a culture of collaboration and entrepreneurial spirit. By encouraging creativity and flexibility, TPI enables its advisors to tailor unique travel experiences, leveraging the latest industry insights and technologies to meet the ever-changing demands of today's travelers. TPI's notable achievements and sustained industry leadership highlight their unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and the empowerment of travel professionals. Their enduring legacy is not just in their accomplishments but in their continuous pursuit of pioneering solutions that drive the travel industry forward, ensuring a vibrant future for travel professionals and clients alike.

ELITE CRUISE COUNSELLOR OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNER

Awarded to a CLIA Individual Agent Member who has demonstrated their career commitment to professional development through achievement of Elite Cruise Counsellor or Elite Cruise Counsellor Scholar status – the pinnacle of CLIA certification – with the requisite sales requirements as well as significantly impacted the travel agent landscape through contributions to their agency.

Michael Akana, ECCS

"Travel, new experiences, and diverse culture challenges our assumptions about the world. Believing travel opens up our minds and breaks us out of our routine."

Michael Akana is one of the few travel agents certified by Cruise Line Industry Association (CLIA) as an Elite Cruise Counsellor Scholar (ECCS), the highest level of CLIA certification. Michael also holds a master's degree in Recreation, Hospitality and Tourism, is a Certified Travel Counselor from the Travel Institute, and is an ASTA Verified Travel Advisor. Michael began selling travel in 2006 following a career in management support of humanitarian agencies. He continues humanitarian work in Disaster Response with the American Red Cross, youth development with Kiwanis International and crisis response and addiction treatment with El Centro de Libertad/The Freedom Center. Michael serves on CLIA's Strategic Trade and Relations Board and is co- author of the Travel Advisor's Handbook and the Travel Advisor's Cruise Handbook.

About the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) CLIA is the world's largest cruise industry trade association, providing a unified voice for the industry as the leading authority of the global cruise community. On behalf of its members, affiliates and partners, the organization supports policies and practices that foster a secure, healthy, and sustainable cruise ship environment, promoting positive travel experiences for millions of travelers who cruise annually. This year, CLIA forecasts that the annual number of passengers will reach 35.7 million passengers. The CLIA community includes the world's most prestigious ocean, river, and specialty cruise lines; a widespread network of stakeholders, including ports and destinations, ship development, suppliers, and business services; and highly trained and certified travel agent members that represent the largest network of travel professionals specializing in cruise travel. 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 cruising.org  or follow us on Facebook ,   Instagram ,   X (formerly Twitter) ,  and YouTube  with our handle @CLIAGlobal—or on LinkedIn .

SOURCE CRUISE LINES INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION

Market Updates

What history tells us about the fed’s next move, what’s happening in the markets this week, alphabet’s new dividend: what investors need to know, going into earnings, is palantir stock a buy, a sell, or fairly valued, going into earnings, is eli lilly stock a buy, a sell, or fairly valued, what’s the difference between the cpi and pce indexes, 5 stocks to buy that we still like after they’ve run up, markets brief: stocks are starting to look cheap again, stock picks, abbvie earnings: next-generation immunology drugs help offset humira biosimilar pressure, exxon earnings: ignore earnings shortfall as long-term growth and improvement on track, american airlines earnings: we see costs overshadowing market share this year, snap earnings: advertising growth and snapchat+ drive monetization, stmicro earnings: we still see an attractive margin of safety despite a poor first-half forecast, alphabet shares surge on strong earnings, dividend surprise, microsoft earnings: firm beats forecasts on strong ai and cloud demand, pg&e earnings: near-term regulatory certainty supports industry-leading earnings growth, sponsor center.

Cruises Face New Rules in Polar Regions

Svalbard , an archipelago deep in the Arctic Circle known for its rugged, remote terrain of glaciers and frozen tundra, is often referred to as the land of the polar bear. But spotting one of the majestic white giants is expected to get harder next year under new regulations aimed at protecting the region from the growth in popularity of expedition cruising.

Beginning January 1, 2025, only ships carrying 200 or fewer passengers will be permitted to land-and only in select spots-within national parks and other protected areas of the Norwegian territory that are home to walruses, seals, reindeer, and more.

The new rule , among several changes enacted by the government of Norway in February, is even more strict than those for cruises in Antarctica, where ships carrying up to 500 people can make landings, albeit with no more than 100 people disembarking at a time.

It's one of a growing list of recently adopted or proposed restrictions for the Arctic and the Antarctic that aim to regulate where visitors can go and what they can do when they get there.

Like debates about overtourism worldwide, the attempt to balance environmental concerns with booming travel demand is a tug-of-war that has been going on for years-and one that will no doubt continue to escalate in response to the steady increase in expedition cruise ships being built and deployed.

Here's a look at the new and proposed rules for polar tourism, and the impact they might have.

New rules for cruises in Svalbard

Last year, 32 boats carrying nearly 24,000 passengers visited Svalbard, compared to 25 ships carrying just over 20,000 passengers in 2019, according to numbers provided by the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO).

While larger ships will still be able to visit Svalbard's only cruise port in Longyearbyen, the northernmost settlement in the world, it's just the jumping-off point for sailing deeper into the wild to explore by foot and on Zodiacs and kayaks.

Expedition ships traditionally carry up to 200 passengers, and those small ships make up 70 to 80 percent of the Svalbard sailings, according to industry estimates. But as expedition cruising has grown, so has the size of some of the ships, including some of the luxury entrants into the expedition market. Seabourn and Silversea's new expedition ships, for instance, carry between 200 and 300 passengers. Scenic's new ships carry just over 200, but the company keeps polar sailings to 200 passengers.

Besides restricting passenger counts of ships in the protected areas, the new Norwegian regulations will limit to 43 the number of protected areas where the ships can drop anchor and take their passengers to explore. They will also prohibit people and boats from getting closer than 500 feet to areas where walruses congregate, and prohibit cruise ships from breaking fast ice, or ice that is connected to the shore or seabed-a controversial practice that some employ to give passengers a closer view of polar bears or to allow passengers to walk on ice.

Exactly what impact these rules will have on cruising in the region remains to be seen. But AECO said it "will not only limit operations, but also will put a severe strain on the remaining areas open for shore-landings."

Howard Whelan, a veteran guide with the Australian company Aurora Expeditions , which only sails ships with fewer than 150 passengers, said he, too, is concerned about the impact of funneling all the ships into limited sites rather than having them spread out and explore more widely across the archipelago. But he applauded the fast-ice rule "because that's clearly affecting polar bear and seal habitat."

AECO said it was disappointed the rules were enacted "despite a thorough consultation process, where a united industry has worked on providing solutions in line with the common goal of protecting the vulnerable wildlife and wilderness of Svalbard."

Now the group said it is working with operators to help them better understand the new rules as they tweak their itineraries.

Hurtigruten, the Norwegian-based company that was a pioneer in expedition cruising, says that while its two ships that circumnavigate Svalbard have a maximum capacity of 200 passengers, it has larger ships that also sail the region.

"Our team of expedition experts await further updates from AECO, and we will work together to adapt our itineraries where necessary," said Karin Strand, vice president of expedition development at HX, Hurtigruten's expedition arm.

HX said it will announce new Svalbard itineraries in the weeks ahead that meet the new requirements, and that it is deepening its partnership with sister brand Hurtigruten Svalbard , the oldest and leading ground operator in the destination.

Proposed regulations for Greenland and Iceland

While the new regulations may push more Arctic cruises south to Iceland and to Greenland's remote eastern coast, authorities in those countries are also working on proposals that could restrict cruising.

Among those being considered is a tourism law that would create zoning in Greenland to define areas where tourism is restricted or banned, according to AECO.

Greenland is also looking at creating cruise-specific zones that define where cruise activities are either fully unrestricted, allowed under certain conditions, or prohibited entirely.

In Iceland, the government is considering regulations for Zodiac landings near the Dynjandi waterfall, the largest waterfall in the country's Westfjords region and a popular attraction for tourists on land and ship. And it recently passed an accommodation tax for overnight stays, including on cruise ships.

Antarctica looks into further limits, too

One of the hottest tickets for expedition cruising is Antarctica, which reported more than 100,000 visitors last year, mostly on cruise ships. Managing that growth is expected to be a key focus of next month's annual meeting of consultative members of the Antarctic Treaty, which last year agreed to begin work on a comprehensive tourism management plan.

Among the contentious topics discussed last year were whether to prohibit any expansion of landing sites for cruise-ship passengers and the possible banning of overnight camping and the use of helicopters and submersibles by cruise ships.

Debates for limiting tourism in Antarctica have been going on for years, but changes are much harder to adopt as there is no central government, and 56 countries are party to the treaty that governs the vast white continent.

Royal Caribbean lifts profit view again on cruise boom, higher prices

• Medium Text

Sign up here.

Reporting by Juveria Tabassum in Bengaluru and Doyinsola Oladipo in New York; Editing by Devika Syamnath and Shounak Dasgupta

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. New Tab , opens new tab

Business Chevron

Exclusive: elon musk heading to china for visit to tesla's second-biggest market, sources say.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk was on a flight heading to Beijing on Sunday to kick off a surprise trip in the electric vehicle maker's second-biggest market, according to two people with knowledge of the matter.

The European Union criticised Russia on Saturday for putting subsidiaries of one Italian and one German company under the "temporary external management" of a Gazprom entity, saying the move underscored Moscow's disregard for international norms.

SMART INDEX SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE > EUROPEAN SUMMIT PROGRAMME > INNOVATION EXPO SCHEDULE >

Giorgio De Sciora

RINA Director, North America Passenger Ship Excellence Center & Marine Business

Schedule at a Glance

Schedule is subject to Change

• Welcome Reception  (By Invitation Only)
• CLIA Committee Meetings
• Plenary sessions + interactive workshop
• Official opening of CLIA Innovation Expo
• CLIA Diamond Dinner (By Invitation Only)
• Hosted Dinners (By Arrangement)
• CLIA European Summit
• CLIA Innovation Expo (Continues)
• Cruise Week Europe Evening Reception
• Innovation Expo Happy Hour
• A Taste of Liguria Reception
• CLIA European Summit Workshops
• Innovation Expo closes at 2pm CET
• Closing Night Celebration

European Summit Programme

1 9.30-22.00 WELCOME RECEPTION Stazione Marittima di Genova (separate registration required – by invitation only)

TUESDAY (All sessions at the Pavilion Jean Nouvel unless noted)

0 9.00-12.30 PORTS & DESTINATIONS DIALOGUE (for CLIA Members and Executive Partners) Mezzanine Moderator: Nikos Mertzanidis , Vice President, Ports & Destinations and Taxation, CLIA – BIO > In this exclusive session for CLIA members and Executive Partners, we will take a deep dive into the facts and figures of the 2023 season and an early overview of the forecast for the 2024 season. Participants will have the opportunity to exchange directly with cruise lines on key trends in fleet deployment in Europe for 2024 and 2025.

09.00-10.15 PORTS & DESTINATIONS BREAKFAST Meeting the Cruise line leaders Sala 10-11, Mezzanine For CLIA members and partners, an opportunity to interact with cruise line leaders within the ports & destinations community.

10.30-11.30 2023 CRUISE SEASON DEBRIEF AND 2024 SEASON FORECAST Sala 1, Mezzanine Moderator: Nikos Mertzanidis , Vice President Ports & Destinations and Taxation, CLIA – BIO > Presentation: Chris Mastrippolito , Global Director Research, CLIA Panel: Elisabetta de Nardo , VP Port Development, MSC – BIO > John Portelli , General Manager Roma Cruise Terminal – BIO > Dirk van Aarsen , Vice President Marine Operations, Carnival Maritime – BIO >

11.30-12.30 STRUCTURING THE LOCAL DIALOGUE AROUND CRUISE Sala 1, Mezzanine Moderator: Jason Park , Senior Vice President of Global Government Affairs, Managing Director for North America, CLIA – BIO > Panel: Klaus Bondam , Director, Cruise Baltic – BIO > Hélène Lebas , General Secretary, Marseille Provence Cruise Club – BIO> Ana Karina Santini , AVP, International Destination Development, Royal Caribbean Group > BIO > Jill Stoneberg , Director Social Impact and Sustainability, Virgin Voyages

———————

09.30-12.45 HIGH-LEVEL ROUNDTABLE ON MARINE LIFE PROTECTION Summit Hall Protecting the oceans that we sail is vitally important to the future of the cruise industry. This roundtable will review the latest international developments and initiatives for the protection of marine ecosystems. Industry, government and environmental NGOs will discuss practical projects for the protection of cetaceans in Europe.

09.30-10.00 OPENING SESSION Summit Hall Moderator: Paul Holthus , Founding President and CEO, World Ocean Council Presentations: Andreas Ullrich , Global Market Leader, Passenger Ships & Ferries, Bureau Veritas – BIO > Patrick Augier , Secretary General, Ponant – BIO > Angela Stark , Senior Vice President, Assistant General Counsel, Securities, Sustainability & Compliance, NCLH

10.00-11.00 PANEL Special Marine Protected Areas Moderator: Paul Holthus , Founding President and CEO, World Ocean Council Presentation for the Baltic Sea: Paul Trouth , Communications Coordinator, HELCOM > BIO Presentation for the Med: Nicolas Entrup , Director International Relations, OceanCare Panel: Marco Nobile , Harbour Master Dpt., Italian Coast Guards Stephan Rousseau , French Regional Maritime Directorate for the Mediterranean Bernard Vanheule , Director EU Affairs, Costa and Carnival Corp

11.30-12.30 PANEL Supporting Scientific Mapping for Better Protection of the Cetaceans Moderator: Sascha Gill , Vice President Environment & Sustainability, CLIA > BIO Keynote: Erik Roscam Abbing , Great Whale Conservatory > BIO Panel: Eric Baudin , Innovation – Global Service Line Energy Transition Manager Bureau Veritas Linden Coppell , Vice-President Sustainability & ESG, MSC Cruises – BIO > Thomas Folegot , President & CEO, Quiet Oceans Steve Jones , Director Fundraising & Operations, ORCA –  BIO > Nicole Yeomans , Senior Offshore Account Executive, Nature Metrics – BIO >

12.30-12.45 CLOSING SESSION World Shipping Council Speakers: Giovanni Lanza de Cristoforis , Marevivo Claudio Abbate , World Shipping Council

1 4.00-14.45 PANEL Fueling Change – Strategies to reduce methane slip in maritime LNG Sala 7, Mezzanine Moderator: Tom Strang , SVP Maritime Affairs, Carnival Corporation – BIO >

32 cruise vessels on the orderbook (63% of the new vessels) in the next five years will be powered by LNG engines. The use of this technology is associated with the challenge to manage methane slippages. This session will uncover the latest research on measuring methane slip in marine LNG engines and discuss measures to eliminate slippage.

Presentation: Kati Lehtoranta , Principal Scientist Emission Controls VTT Research Center Finland – BIO > Panel: Maikel Arts , General Manager Market Innovation, Wartsila – BIO > Henri Doyer , Program Director, Chantiers de l’Atlantique Michele Francioni , Chief Energy Transition Officer, MSC – BIO >

1 4.30-15.45 PANEL Management of Cruise Tourism in Destinations and Deployment of Best Practice Summit Hall Moderator: Martyn Griffiths , Director, Public Affairs, CLIA – BIO >

This session will take review the conclusions of the European Commission Report on Good practices for sustainable cruise tourism and how its recommendations are being implemented in daily operations. This panel will take stock of progress made and remaining challenges in the implementation of sustainable tourism recommendations.

Keynote: Chris Theophilides , CEO Celestyal Cruises – BIO > Istvan Ujhelyi , Vice-President of the Transport Committee, Member of the European Parliament – BIO > Presentation: Heino Nau , Coordinator – International Blue Economy European Commission Panel: Marika Mazzi Boém , EU ECO-CRUISING FU_TOUR project Ioannis Pappas , Director Mediterranean Region, GSTC Maribel Rodriguez , SVP Membership and Commercial, WTTC Gianluca Suprani , SVP Port Development and Shoreside Activities, MSC – BIO > Jelka Tepšić , Deputy Mayor of Dubrovnik – BIO > Stephen Xuereb , COO, Global Port Holdings

15.00-15.30 Opening Philippa Charlton , Chief Marketing Officer, Lloyd’s Register CEO Panel Moderator: Marie-Caroline Laurent , Director General in Europe,  CLIA – BIO > Panel: Felix Eichorn , CEO, AIDA Andy McKeran , Chief Commercial Officer, Lloyd’s Register Barbara Muckermann , CEO, Silversea Cruises – BIO > Gianni Onorato , CEO, MSC Cruises – BIO >

15.30-16.00 Session 1: The future of ship building Moderator: Andrew McKeran , Chief Commercial Officer Panel: Bill Burke , CMO Carnival Corporation – BIO > Captain Patrick Dahlgren , Executive Vice President Vessel Operations, NCLH Wassim Daoud , Head of CSR and Sustainability, PONANT Palle Laursen , Executive Vice President, Head of Marine, Royal Caribbean Group – BIO > Luigi Matarazzo , General Manager Merchant Ship Division, Fincantieri

16.00-16.45 Session 2: Impact of EU and IMO regulations on shipbuilding decisions Moderator: Sascha Gill , Vice President Environment & Sustainability, CLIA – BIO > Panel: Michele Francioni , Chief Energy Transition Officer, MSC – BIO > Ivan Stojanovic , Business Advisory Manager at Lloyd’s Register Tom Strang , SVP, Maritime Affairs Carnival Corporation & plc – BIO > Tor Svensen , Senior Sustainability Advisor, RCG

17.00-18.00 Session 3: Net Zero Technologies Moderator: Mark Warner , Strategic Content and Partnership Director Lloyd’s Register Panel: Maikel Arts , General Manager Market Innovation Cruise, Wärtsilä Daniela Biffis , Lead project Designer Basic Design, Merchant ship BU, Fincantieri Marco Ghiglione , Managing Director Mariotti Marcus Högblom , VP Head of Passenger Ships Segment, ABB Marine and Ports David Lloyd , Programme Director Energy Transition Lloyd’s Register Tobi Menzies , Director Business Development at CORE POWER (UK) Ltd Hendrik Verkiel , Sales Manager, Meyer Werft

1 6.15-17.30 FOCUSED WORKSHOP – PORTS & DESTINATIONS Berthing Systems – Better Planning of Cruise Calls Sala 9, Mezzanine Moderator: Maria Deligianni , National Director, Eastern Mediterranean, CLIA – BIO >

The objective of the session is to demonstrate how a carefully designed berthing policy, coupled with an advanced booking system can not only regulate the cruise traffic but also provide the information that destinations and their businesses need in order to reap the benefits of cruise tourism.

Keynote: Professor Thanos Pallis , Professor of Port & Maritime Economics and Policy, University of Piraeus – Revisiting the principles of a berthing policy Presentations and Panel: Simone Tommaso Maraschi , Managing Director, Cruise Gate Hamburg – BIO > Ljubo Radovic , Assistant Director, Kotor Port Authority Thanassis Karlis , Deputy Manager of Marketing Department, Piraeus Port Authority Marie Blitza , Director Port Operations, Carnival Maritime – BIO > Sandra Weir , Government Relations & Public Affairs, Sr. Director, NCLH – BIO > Keynote: Sigurdur Jökull Olafsson , Marketing Manager at Faxaflóahafnir / Associated Icelandic Ports / Vice Chairman at Cruise Iceland  

1 6.15-17.30 FOCUSED WORKSHOP – PORTS & DESTINATIONS Cruising in Norway and in the High North Sala 7, Mezzanine Moderator: Tor Christian Sletner , National Director, Norway, CLIA – BIO >

Welcome to an in-depth discussion on Norway as a cruise destination. This session will present multiple perspectives on the potential of cruise tourism and how to meet the objectives of sustainable tourism along the Norwegian coastline and in the High North.

Keynote: Monica Berstad , CEO, Cruise Norway Erik Blom , Pilot Director Norwegian Coastal Administration Einar Vik Aarset , CEO Norwegian Coastal Administration Gyda Gudmundsdottir , Head of Community Engagement, Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise operators (AECO) Ole Kristian Fiskaa , Port Director, Ålesund Panel: Jonathan Hawkings , Director, Government Relations UK & Nordics, Royal Caribbean Group – BIO > Bruno Joubert , Senior Advisor, International and Institutional Relations, Ponant Andreas Storl , CEO European Cruise Services

1 9.00-22.30 CLIA DIAMOND DINNER (by invitation only) Villa Zerbino

WEDNESDAY (All sessions at the Pavilion Jean Nouvel unless noted)

07.30-08.45 BREAKFAST BRIEFING Focus on River Cruise (CLIA members only) Sala 3-4 Moderator: Andy Harmer , Managing Director, CLIA UK & Ireland, CLIA – BIO > If River and Ocean cruising share the same success with increased passenger numbers in 2023, both sectors share the same challenges to get to a net-zero emission future, avoiding congestions at the most popular destinations. This breakfast will be an opportunity for the CLIA river community, both cruise lines and destinations, to exchange on these common challenges.

09.00-13.00 EUROPEAN SUMMIT

09.00-09.15 OPENING SESSION Summit Hall Jason Liberty , Global Chairman, CLIA > BIO

09.20-10.45 MINISTERIAL PANEL From Aspirational Goal to Reality – for a Successful Decarbonisation of the Cruise Industry Moderator: Virginia Di Gaetano , Journalist

The cruise industry is committed to a net-zero emission future by 2050. The recent adoption of the EU Fit for 55 package in Europe will help support the maritime industry in this transformation. Cruise line executives and European government representatives will discuss on the investments needed in Europe regarding new vessels and technologies as well as renewable energy infrastructures to reach the decarbonization objectives and explore how these efforts could be accelerated with the adequate use of EU ETS revenues.

Keynote: Nello Musumeci , Minister of Maritime Affairs, Italy (invited) – BIO > Panel: Marina Hadjimanolis , Shipping Deputy Minister, Cyprus – BIO > Eduardo Rixi , Deputy Minister of Transport, Italy – BIO > Harry Sommer , President & CEO, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH) – BIO > Pierfrancesco Vago , Executive Chairman, MSC Cruises – BIO > Einar Vik Aarset , CEO Norwegian Coastal Administration – BIO > Josh Weinstein , President & CEO and Chief Climate Officer, Carnival Corporation Keynote: Ugo Salerno , Executive Chairman, RINA

10.45-11.15 MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING btw Chamber of Commerce of Genoa and Chamber of Commerce of Pireaus Cruise Liguria Lounge Panel: Luigi Attanasio Vassilis Korkidis 

10.45-11.15 Break

11.15-12.00 MINISTERIAL PANEL Structuring Tourism Development in Destinations Moderator: Virginia DiGaetano , Journalist

Cruise has been the fastest recovering segment of tourism since the pandemic. This dynamism will however only be sustainable if it is accompanied by a coordinated efforts from cruise operators, public authorities and local stakeholders to carefully plan and manage tourism activities in destinations. This panel will explore how we can tap into the great potential of coastal tourism respecting and benefiting the local communities.

Keynote: Daniela Santanché , Minister of Tourism, Italy – BIO > Panel: Felix de Paz , Deputy Director General for Tourism Cooperation and Competitiveness, Ministry of Industry and Tourism, Spain Wybcke Meier , CEO TUI Cruises – BIO > Electra Papazachou , Senior Advisor to the Minister of Tourism Olga Kefalogianni, Greece Istvan Ujhelyi , Vice-President of the Transport Commitee, Member of the European Parliament – BIO > Mario Zanetti , CEO President Costa Crociere – BIO >

1 2.15-13.00 INNOVATION IN CRUISE Chief Innovation Officers of the Cruise Lines Moderator: Kelly Craighead , President & CEO, CLIA – BIO >

The cruise industry has demonstrated its ability to constantly reinvent itself and be at the forefront of innovation. This panel is a unique opportunity to hear about the multifaceted innovations introduced by the cruise industry and explore future solutions being developed by cruise lines in partnership with suppliers and technology providers. 

Keynote: Pierroberto Folgiero , CEO, Fincantieri Panel: Captain Patrik Dahlgren , Executive Vice President Vessel Operations, NCLH Harri Kulovaara , Executive Vice President, Maritime, Royal Caribbean Group Emilio La Scala , President and Managing Director of MSC Cruise Management Tom Strang , SVP Maritime Affairs, Carnival Corporation – BIO >

13.00-14.30 Lunch

1 4.30-15.30 EUROPEAN SUMMIT PANEL Financing the Green Transition of the Cruise Sector and Risk Management Summit Hall Moderator: Francesco Galietti , National Director, Italy, CLIA

The cruise industry is one of the last segment of shipping that builds its vessels in Europe (98% of the future vessels are built in European shipyards). This European success is conditioned by the ability to offer attractive and flexible financing solutions to the cruise sector. How can Europe keep its advantage in complex shipbuilding and remain competitive in the global market.

Panel: Herve Gastinel , CEO Ponant Roberto Alberti , Chief Corporate Officer, Costa Francesca Beomonte , ECAs Senior Originator, Unicredit Michele De Capitani , CFO, SACE Francesco Dialti, Partner , CBA LEX Stefano Messina , President, Assarmatori

15.00-16.30 FOCUSED INDUSTRY WORKSHOP

15.00-16.30 EU Logistics for Cruise Provisioning (Transshipment and Intra EU) Moderator: Carla Guilbaud , Vice President, Membership Experience, CLIA – BIO >

Provisioning cruise vessels in Europe present unique challenges and opportunities. This panel discussion brings together industry experts to explore the complexities of supplying cruise ships in European ports and to share best practices for optimizing logistics operations.

Panel: Paolo Raia , CEO and Managing Director, MSC Procurement & Logistics – BIO > Anne Albrecht , Director Logistics, Costa – BIO > Harold Betancourt , Sr. Director, Logistics Management, NCLH – BIO > Doris Miranda , Director Global Logistics & Warehousing, Royal Caribbean Group Emilio Parodi , CEO, Interglobo USA Inc.

15.00-16.30 Diversification of Cruise Destinations Sala 1, Mezzanine Moderator: Nikos Mertzanidis , Vice President Ports & Destinations and Taxation, CLIA – BIO >

Cruise lines are expected to launch 70 more ships in 2023-2028, while the industry is expected to grow by 2 million passengers on average every year as of 2024. At the same time, new destinations are growing stronger while others need to re-invent themselves challenged by global events. The participants in this session will explore the needs of the cruise industry ecosystem for diversification in destinations and itineraries; identify minimum requirements and standards; and, exchange best practices.

Keynote: Svetlana Cuk , Shore Excursions Product Development Manager, MSC Cruises Panel: Paula Cabaço , President, Ports of Madeira Alessandro Carollo , Associate Vice-President Government Relations, Royal Caribbean Group – BIO > Yana Grundke , Chief Business Officer for Cruise, Port of Roenne – BIO > Marina Mylona , Tourism Officer A’, Deputy Ministry of Tourism, Cyprus Chris Nicolaides , CEO, ICCS – BIO >

17.00-18.00 Smart Cities for Managed Cruise Tourism Sala 1, Mezzanine Moderator: Alfredo Serrano , National Director, Spain, CLIA – BIO >

A smart city is a technologically modern urban area that uses different types of electronic methods and sensors to collect data. Among the challenges the cruise industry faces when confronted with criticism regarding high tourist density in certain cities is lack of information on the origin, background, behavior, etc. of visitors. While a few advocate limiting tourism, others propose using technology to manage it instead. But how can you manage something without sufficient and reliable data? Digitalization is, probably, the answer. In this session we will explore the state of the art in SMART TOURIST CITIES and its potential applications.

Panel: Josianne Cutajar , Member of the European Parliament, Vice-Chair of the SEArica EP Intergroup Davide Falteri , VP Nazionale Federlogistica, Consigliere delegato City of Genoa – BIO > Tania Marcos , Head of Quality & Smart Sustainable Cities,UNE. Vice Chair U4SSCU4SSC The “United for Smart Sustainable Cities” (U4SSC), a UN initiative – BIO > Carlos Romero , Director of Tourism Research, Development and Innovation, SEGITTUR (Spanish State Secretariat for Tourism) – BIO > Jose Sanchez , Director of Agenda AIVP 2030, Projects and Content, AIVP

16.00-17.30 EUROPEAN SUMMIT PANEL The Cruise Investment Plan in Europe Summit Hall Moderator: Sascha Gill , Vice President Environment & Sustainability, CLIA – BIO > If the decarbonization objectives are clear, the practical steps to deliver these objectives are less obvious. CLIA and its members are launching for the first time, a scientific, research-based study that will combine itinerary planning, onboard technology and fuel infrastructure, and will map what is needed where and when. This session will present the Cruise Investment Plan research methodology and discuss how decarbonization scenarios can be developed. The panel discussion will highlight how such a model can be implemented and what this means for industry and governmental investments. Presentation: Global Cruise Investment Study Maria Garbarini , Head of Passenger Ships Excellence Centre, RINA – BIO > Presentation: European Cruise Investment Study Eirill Bachmann Mehammer , Senior Consultant, DNV – BIO > Nick Powell , Principal Consultant, Ricardo – BIO > Moderator of the Panel: Tom Strang , SVP Maritime Affairs, Carnival Corporation – BIO > Speakers for Panel: Emily Bishop , Senior Director, Sustainability, NCLH Daniel Buchmüller , River Cruise Representative, CSO River Advice AG – BIO > Timothy Cosulich , CEO Fratelli Cosulich and Chair of the International Bunker Industry Association – BIO > Michele Francioni , Chief Energy Transition Officer, MSC Cruises – BIO > Christophe Tytgat , Secretary General, SeaEurope

18.00-19.30 INNOVATION EXPO HAPPY HOUR

20.00-23.00 A TASTE OF LIGURIA RECEPTION Palazzo della Borsa

THURSDAY (All sessions at the Pavilion Jean Nouvel unless noted)

0 9.30-10.30 EUROPEAN SUMMIT PANEL A Career in Cruise – Skills for our Industry Summit Hall Moderator: Damon Embling , Euronews Presentation: Julie Green , VP of Strategic Communication, CLIA – BIO > Panel: Felix Eichhorn , CEO, AIDA Cruises Luca Fanciulli , Director, Crew Management Leisure, V-Group – BIO > Tino Hensel , VP Marine Human Resources, Carnival Maritime – BIO > Michael Jaworski , Director, Global Crew Government Relations and Visas, Royal Caribbean Group – BIO > Ilaria Wambach , Head of crew experience MSC Cruises – BIO >

1 1.00-12.30 EUROPEAN SUMMIT WORKSHOP New Border Management Systems – Implementation of Entry-Exit and Travel Authorisation for Cruise Passengers in Europe (UK / EU) Sala 1, Mezzanine Moderator: Marie-Caroline Laurent , CLIA – BIO > In 2024, both in the UK and in Europe, significant changes to border management measures will be implemented. These changes will impact the cruise industry from the time passengers book their tickets to when they will disembark. This workshop will inform all participants on these upcoming changes and discuss how the impact can be mitigated and anticipated by all actors of the cruise travel industry.

11.00-11.45 Session 1 – New border requirements for passengers – impact on guests and cruise operations Lamiaa Albert , Senior Information Technology Officer, Product Management Sector, euLISA –  > BIO Andy Harmer , Managing Director CLIA UK & Ireland, CLIA – BIO > Melanie Oliveira da Silva , Manager Leisure, TAP Air Portugal Ingo Soerensen , Area Vice President, Global Cruise Sales, Oracle – BIO > Scott Waldner , Director, Experience and Innovation Systems, Princess Cruise

11.45-12.30 Session 2 – Implementation of Entry-Exit in the EU – Impact on Port operations Klaus Bondam , Director, Cruise Baltic – BIO > Mai Selke , Head of Business Development, Governments, Europe, SITA Nicola Cesaro , Operations Director, MSC Cruises Luis de Carvalho , Council member of Cruise Europe, Port of Copenhagen – BIO >

11.00-11.45 EUROPEAN SUMMIT PANEL Women at the Helm – a Success Story of the Cruise Sector Summit Hall Moderator: Maria Deligianni , National Director, Eastern Mediterranean, CLIA – BIO > This session will illustrate with facts and figures the support of the cruise sector to women seafarers and women employment in general. Different business opportunities for women across the entire spectrum of the cruise sector will be presented, from careers onboard, to careers in the office, at the port including ground handling operations, and at destination level. The goal will be to examine how the EU policy could help reinforce women employment in the shipping sector, including cruising. Introduction: Laura Amoretti , CEO, Crocierissime – BIO > Keynote: Marina Hadjimanolis , Shipping Deputy Minister to the President of the Republic of Cyprus Panel: Elpi Petraki , President of WISTA International & Chartering, Operations, Business Development Manager at ENEA Management INC Raffaella Del Prete , Director of Italian Cruise ports, Global Ports Holding Michela Giustini , Director Employer Branding – Corporate HR, Costa Crociere S.p.A. Eleonora Modde , General Manager, FONASBA – BIO >

12.15-13.00 EUROPEAN SUMMIT PANEL Skills for the Future Moderator: Alfredo Serrano , National Director Spain, CLIA – BIO >

Cruise tourism is not only enjoying continued growth in popularity, but the industry is also undergoing an extraordinary transformation. This is driven by the industry’s commitment to its sustainability agenda, the opening of new markets and destinations, consumer expectations, new regulations, and the emergence of new technologies. In this session we will explore what the future workforce will need to thrive in this transformation, what existing skills can be adapted, and where/how to acquire the necessary skills.

Panel: Gilda Hernandez , Deputy Dean Tourism IQS School of Management – BIO > Nicolò Iguera , Cambiaso Risso Marine SpA. Chairman YOUNGSHIPS Italy Paola Strata , Maritime Courses Manager, Coordinator, Italian Shipping Academy – BIO > Elena di Tizio , MD, GDM Training Center , Cosulich Kerstin Will, Director HR Fleet, AIDA – BIO > Kerstin Will , Director HR Fleet, AIDA

13.00-13.10 SIGNING CEREMONY OF MOU WITH THE ITALIAN SHIPPING ACADEMY Summit Hall Marie-Caroline Laurent , CLIA – BIO > Eugenio Massolo , President, ISA

19.00-21.00 CLOSING NIGHT CELEBRATION Acquario di Genova

Innovation Expo Schedule

10.00-14.00 REGISTRATION OPENS

08.30-18.00 REGISTRATION

11.00-18.00 INNOVATION EXPO OPEN

11.30-12.00 COOKING DEMONSTRATION Serenissima Ristorazione S.p.A. Join us at the upcoming cooking show where we’ll showcase our culinary expertise in preparing semi-finished products. Explore our innnovative approach to high-quality, ready to use indgredients that streamline meal preparation. Our chef will demonstrate creative techniques, share industry insights and offer taskings to showase the versatility and excellence of our semi-finsiehd products.

1 3.00-13.30 PRESS CONFERENCE Ocean Theater

13.30-14.30 WELBILT LUNCH

13.30-13.45 INNOVATION EXPO OPENING CEREMONY

14.00-14.30 KEYNOTE PRESENTATION BY RISPOSTE TURISMO The Potential of the Cruise Market for Hotel, Food & Beverage Ocean Theatre Moderator: Carla Guilbaud , Vice-President, Membership, CLIA – BIO >

In this opening session to the Innovation EXPO, Risposte Turismo will present its economic analysis commissioned by CLIA on the Potential of the Cruise Market for HF&B suppliers in the Mediterranean. This new CLIA report will include a practical guide on how to become a supplier to the cruise industry.

Keynote: Pierfrancesco Vago , CLIA Europe Chairman, Executive Chairman MSC Cruises – BIO > Presentation: Francesco di Cesare , Risposte Turismo – BIO > Panel: James Wells , Chief Procurement Officer, RCG – BIO > Marco Diodà , Vice President Procurement and Supply Chain, Costa Group Paolo Raia , Managing Director, MSC Cruises Procurement and Logistics SpA – BIO >

14.45-15.30 INDUSTRY TALK Sustainable Supply Chains and Traceability Moderator: Carla Guilbaud , Vice President, Membership Experience, CLIA – BIO >

In today’s global marketplace, supply chain sustainability and product traceability have become critical considerations for ethically sourced and environmentally responsible products. This session will explore the significance of these expectations in the cruise industry, challenges and opportunities, and future outlook.

Panel: Emily Bishop , Senior Director , Sustainability, NCLH Vito Caradonio , Sustainability Consultant Jill Stoneberg , Sr. Director, Sustainability, Virgin Voyages Sandra Matic , F&B Quality Compliance Manager, MSC Cruises

15.30-16.00 WELBILT SNACKS

16.00-16.20 INNOVATION PRESENTATION Tower Supplies Innovation Hub Tower’s CtrlFlow challenges decades of cleaning traditions by replacing synthetic cleaning products with a naturally occurring sustainable onboard generated solution. Speaker: Mark Dowling , Divisional Managing Director – BIO >

1 6.00-16.45 INDUSTRY TALK Accessibility and Inclusiveness of Cruise Travel –   Best travel Option for Passengers with Reduced Mobility – from Ship to Shore Ocean Theatre Moderator: Alessandro Carollo , Associate Vice President Government Relations – BIO >

This dynamic industry talk will share examples of how the cruise industry is leading on the development of accessible and inclusive travel – making cruising a unique experience adapted to the needs of all passengers.

Panel: Cristina de Gregori , Ports of Genoa John Sage , Sage Inclusion Bernard Vanheule , Director EU Affairs, Costa and Carnival Corp.

16.45-17.05 INNOVATION PRESENTATION H+H Engineering & Service GmbH / TecnoVeritas – Services of Engineering and Systems Technology, Ltd Reducing NOx emissions on cruise ships – on the project example of Vasco da Gama Innovation Hub Government’s request to reduce emissions of cruise ships in the world heritage fjords Norway tightened the regulations for ship owners. This is one step to protect the stunning visual landscapes in the World Heritage Fjords. All ships entering the fjords must comply with IMO Tier Ill NOx values by 2025 – whether newbuild or not. Without aftertreatment technology the impact on itinerary planning is significant. This ambitious project “Vasco de Gama” was initiated in January, when she was docked at LISNAVE Shipyards in Portugal. The project steps:

• The scanning (full 3D-Scan) of the vessels engine room and funnel enabled an exact fit of the SCR housings. The installation of the catalyst units could be planned and done with as less impact as possible to the existing vessel structure.
• The calculation and validation of the exhaust gas flow and exhaust gas pressures, could be started by means of a CFD-Flow Analysis as well as backpressure and NH3 distribution calculation.
• The installation of the exhaust gas cleaning system could be carried out by an experienced team on site.

Panel: Jürgen Müller , Managing Director, H+H Engineering & Service GmbH Jorge Antunes , CEO, TecnoVeritas – Services of Engineering and Systems Technology, Ltd

1 7.15-18.00 INDUSTRY TALK Seamless Passenger Experience at Cruise Terminals Ocean Theatre Moderator: Nikos Mertzanidis , Vice President Ports & Destinations and Taxation, CLIA – BIO > The success of the cruise industry is built on the amazing customer experience offered onboard. But what about the passenger experience in cruise terminals? This Industry Talk will hear from experts on how cruise terminals are being re-invented to provide an amazing experience from curb to cabin! Panel: Daniele Ciulli , General Manager, La Spezia Cruise Terminal Paolo Di Fiore , Guest Experience – Meet & Greet & Onboard Administration Manager, Costa Sandra Yunta , Terminal Director, MSC Cruises – BIO > Benoit Verbaere, Business Development Director – Travel and Transport, SITA

17.25-18.00 INNOVATION PRESENTATION Ocean Exchange – Award Winning Incubators/StartUps Innovation Hub

• WAVE – ADHERE GEAR, Robert E. Buchanan Jr , CEO, Co-Founder Eliminating food loss and reducing waste by continuously monitoring frozen and perishable food products, dry goods, and chemicals transported aboard
• Impact Food, Kelly Pan , Co-Founder & CEO A food technology company that is restoring the health of our oceans by reinventing seafood using plants and biotechnology.
• Hydronalix, Tony Mulligan , CEO and President Advanced unmanned vehicles for emergency responders. Fully-integrated mission support services.
• AnchorGuardian, Thomas Frizlen , Managing Director and Founder AnchorGuardian is a patented technology that immediately recognizes anchor drag, thus minimizing groundings, collisions, and environmental damage.

08.00-17.00 REGISTRATION

09.00-19.00 INNOVATION EXPO OPEN

11.30-12.00 COOKING DEMONSTRATION Il Pesto di Pra di Bruzzone e Ferrari Srl Cooking demonstration with a professional well known Chef who will prepare some receipes that can be realised with Pesto

13.15-13.35 INNOVATION PRESENTATION Zelim Introducing ZOE: Using AI to provide highly accurate Person Overboard Detection, Tracking and Alerting Innovation Hub Finding a person who has fallen overboard is often a game of luck, at Cruise ship deck level you are trying to spot and keep track of an object no larger than a football from several hundred metres. A person drifts quickly in currents and is often obscured by waves, light glare and sea spray. Imagine trying to spot a person overboard in a storm or at night. The random motion of water, weather and reflected light combine to create a chaotic environment where the human eye and vision systems can become confused, leading to misidentification or worse, failed sightings. Zelim have developed ZOE, an AI enabled PoB detection solution which brings order to the chaos, detecting, alerting and tracking PoB’s in daylight, night time, storm, mist or fog. Developed in collaboration with the US Coastguard, ZOE’s AI models have been built on a dataset of over 4 million labelled maritime rescue images across a wide range of ocean conditions. Powered by this dataset, ZOE provides a greater probability of detection and a consistent level of detection performance, whatever the weather. Hear from Zelim’s CTO, Doug Lothian for an insight into how AI can be used to improve the chances of finding and tracking people who unfortunately end up overboard. Doug will also reveal how the technology could be expanded to support other detection needs of the Cruise Industry, such as marine mammal monitoring. Panel: Doug Lothian , CTO

13.30-14.30 WELBILT LUNCH

13.45-14.30 INDUSTRY TALK Maritime: Alternative Fuels (What you need to know about sustainable marine fuels?) Ocean Theatre Moderator: Jes Nauckhoff , Sustainability and ESG Manager, MSC Cruises – BIO >

You always wanted to have quick-download on what these sustainable fuels are? In this session you will be introduced to the type of fuels, the logistics involved, and some of the pricing and fuel density considerations that you must consider. Our expert team will outline in an accessible way what all the acronyms mean and separate fact from fiction.

Panel: Marco Alverà , CEO and Founder TES – H2 Daniele Corti , Small Scale LNG Manager, AXPO Neil Lamerton , Bunker Country Sales Manager, Alpha Trading Chen Shi, VP, Goldwind Green Energy and Chemical – BIO >

14.00-14.20 INNOVATION PRESENTATION RINA Enhancing Noise and Vibration Comfort in Passenger ships and Yachts Innovation Hub Join us for an insightful session exploring the latest advancements in addressing noise and vibration comfort aboard passenger ships and yachts. Our discussion will focus on innovative technologies and methodologies utilized during the design stage to minimize onboard disturbances. Additionally, we will highlight the importance of conducting thorough analyses to identify and mitigate noise and vibration hotspots before construction begins. Through real-world examples and practical insights, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how these strategies can enhance the overall comfort and tranquility of maritime travel. Outcomes: 1. Participants will learn about cutting-edge technologies and methodologies used to minimize noise and vibration disturbances aboard passenger ships and yachts. 2. Attendees will understand the significance of conducting thorough analyses during the design phase to identify and mitigate potential noise and vibration hotspots. 3. Participants will gain insights into practical strategies for optimizing onboard comfort, ultimately enhancing the overall passenger experience in maritime travel. Panel: Elisa Fassola , Marine Noise & Vibration Engineer

1 5.00-15.20 INNOVATION PRESENTATION Wärtsilä Innovation – A never-ending process Innovation Hub The session will begin by examining how market requirements, including accelerated decarbonisation targets, are driving the need for innovation in the maritime industry. It will discuss fuel cost developments due to emissions-related fees and highlight that these changes will happen within a single vessel’s lifespan. It will continue by emphasising the importance of fuel flexibility to avoid stranded assets, and then lay out a fuel roadmap through transition fuels towards green zero-carbon fuels such as hydrogen, ammonia and methanol. We will then move on to examine how Wartsila has invested both internally and externally to deliver leading technological innovations that will enable a fast-track to profitable decarbonisation for cruise vessel owners and operators. The session concludes with a look at Wärtsilä’s multi-fuel engine innovations – including concepts for ICE operation on ammonia, methanol and hydrogen – and how they offer a viable upgrade path and certainty in the transition to green fuels for today, 2050 and beyond. Outcomes: 1. How accelerated decarbonisation targets and developments in future fuels are shaping the shipping industry. 2. The role of R&D in enabling the cruise industry to transition to more sustainable operations. 3. How Wärtsilä’s multi-fuel engine technology brings certainty in the future-fuel transition and enables a viable path to decarbonisation. Panel: Marco Cailotto , General Manager, Product Management

15.00-15.45 INDUSTRY TALK Luxury Cruise Procurement and Operation Moderator: Damon Embling , Euronews

From sourcing exquisite furnishings to ensuring impeccable service delivery, we will explore strategies and key considerations driving excellence in this dynamic sector.

Speakers: Giorgio Zagami , Chief Procurement Officer, Explora Journeys – BIO > Olivier Buton , Senior Vice President, Marine/Technical & New Build Supply Chain Management, NCLH – BIO > Armando Carrara , Director Procurement FB, Hotel, New Build OS, Silversea Cruises – BIO >

15.30-16.00 WELBILT SNACKS

16.30-16.50 INNOVATION PRESENTATION Lloyd’s Register New Nuclear – an alternative pathway for the Shipping Green journey? Innovation Hub Nuclear over the next 10 to 15 years is firming up as a way for many ‘hard to abate’ industries, including maritime, to emancipate themselves from fossil fuels. The next generation of reactors have the promise of truly making nuclear an available technology. Lloyd’s Register’s believes they represent a significant opportunity for the world’s energy transition. The two most promising technologies are the Small Modular and the Molten Salt reactors, that unlike their predecessors employ passive safety systems and offer a compact, but efficient form of propulsion. There is a risk that there will not be enough alternative fuels to go around, at least in the medium term (2035-40). In many ways you could say that nuclear will enable a more equitable low-carbon future. Lloyd’s Register is actively supporting clients considering the deployment of nuclear technology for floating nuclear power, offshore applications and shipping. Panel: Gianpaolo Dalla Vedova , Strategic Business Partner, Lloyd’s Register

17.00-17.20 INNOVATION PRESENTATION NEC Enterprise Solutions The Power of 3 Commitment and Horizons in a commoditized world Innovation Hub With the Global Cruise Industry now running at full speed (again) and the major Ship-Yards being fully booked, both with new build – as well as Retrofit Projects – Cruise Lines need to think strategically about their technology landscape (and especially) technology partners moving forward. Already a vast majority of both the Electrical, as well as IT landscape on board a Cruise Vessel, consists of products which are (highly) commoditized, this resulting in a price-competition, which (initially) seems good for the Cruise Investment Community. In parallel, on the Vendor-side, not only massive consolidation is taking place – resulting in even fewer vendors “willing and able” to work with the Global Cruise Industry – some Technology Vendors have changed their commercial model, which does not fit the Cruise Industry at all ! What is the result of all of this: • Fewer Technology Partners who are willing and able to serve the Global Cruise Industry • Financial in-stabilities with some of the Technology Vendors • Cruise-Lines therefore need to think strategically with whom they want to partner, for how long, and at what price Outcomes • Think before you buy • Choose – also for commoditized products – your Technology partners, both from a Strategic Perspective (fit / Tech landscape) as well as Horizon (> 10 / 15 years) • In other words – choose wisely https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3RN9zz77Cs Panel: Kees van Donk , Sr Director Travel, Hospitality & Leisure

1 7.30-18.20 INNOVATION PRESENTATION Ocean Exchange – Award Winning Incubators/StartUps Innovation Hub Coral Vita, Austin Martin, COO

• Helix Power, Phil Meyer , Director of Engineering and Development Protects threatened ecosystems by growing diverse and resilient corals and outplanting them into degraded reefs. 
• Lios, Eimear O’Carroll , CTO and Co-Founder Helix Power’s kinetic batteries represent a key enabling technology for zero-emission port operations. 
• NatureMetrics, Nicole Yeomans , Senior Offshore Account Executive SoundBounce is a smart acoustic material saving space and improving low-frequency attenuation in the maritime/ships industry. 
• Measures corporate impact on biodiversity. Single and multi-species detection in a range of sample types and a wide array of ecosystems.

18.00-19.00 COOKING DEMONSTRATION Barton & Guestier Veuve du Vernay is the leading French Sparkling wine brand in the USA, New-Zealand and Nigeria with a distribution in more than 70 markets. In the USA, Veuve du Vernay’s N°1 market, the brand obtained the HOT PROSPECT AWARD for its 2019 performance for the 3rd year in a row by IMPACT/SHANKEN

08.00-12.00 REGISTRATION

09.00-14.00 INNOVATION EXPO OPEN

10.00-10.45 INDUSTRY TALK Design: From Concept to Supply Ocean Theatre Moderator: Carla Guilbaud , Vice President Membership, CLIA Panel: Marco De Jorio , De Jorio Design Giovanni Molteni , Molteni&C/Dada Marine Interiors

1 1.00-11.20 INNOVATION PRESENTATION CETENA-FINCANTIERI The Italian Shipping Academy: Setting Sail to Innovation Innovation Hub Capt. Luca Apicella , Research & Development Manager, ITS Foundation Italian Shipping Academy Luca Isgrò , Head of Simulation Solutions, CETENA

11.00-11.30 COOKING DEMONSTRATION Biomar SRL Cook a typical local dish called “Panissa”. This is fried morsels made with a mixture of chickpea flour. It is something special and unique. Then we will cook Fried Calamari followed by stuffed anchovies – a typical dish from Genoa.

1 2.30-13.15 INDUSTRY TALK Supply Chain: Meet the Buyer: Cruise Line, Shipyard, Ship Management Ocean Theatre Moderator: Carla Guilbaud , Vice-President Membership Experience, CLIA – BIO >

Closing the Innovation Expo, this will be an open session for Q&A with the Chief Procurement Officers and staff from the cruise lines and other supporting entities. An opportunity to obtain further insights on how to engage and collaborate.

Panel: Olivier Buton , Senior Vice President, Marine/Technical & New Build Supply Chain Management, NCLH – BIO > Marco Dioda , Vice-President, Procurement & Supply Chain, Costa Jon McKeown , Chief Procurement Officer, Carnival Corporation Paolo Raia , CEO and Managing Director, MSC Procurement & Logistics – BIO > James Wells , SVP, Global Chief Supply Chain Officer, Royal Caribbean Group – BIO >

12.30-14.00 ICE CREAM/GELATO served by Welbilt

Founding Leaders

Premier Contributors

Local Hosts

Alfredo Serrano National Director, Spain, CLIA

Biography Alfredo Serrano leads public affairs and strategic engagement with ministries, regional and local administrations and national stakeholders, as well as the direct relationship with the CLIA partners and members in Spain. Alfredo held the position of Managing Director at the Spanish cruise line Iberojet Cruceros, a division of the Iberostar Group. In 2007 Carnival Corporation & PLC acquired Iberojet and rebranded it to Iberocruceros, where Alfredo remained as the Managing Director. He was responsible for launching the company as a key player in the Spanish travel market by diversifying its customer base and establishing a presence in South America. Alfredo obtained the degree of Industrial Engineering from the Polytechnic University of Madrid and holds an MBA from INSEAD (Fontainebleau, France).

Ana Karina Santini AVP International Destination Development, Royal Carribbean Group

Biography Ana Karina Santini was born in Argentina. She pursued her undergraduate in Political Science & International Relations from the University of Córdoba (Argentina), and obtained a Masters in International Cooperation from the University of Bologna (Italy), supplementing these two with studies at the European Commission DG1 International Cooperation (Brussels) and a second degree in Political Science with an economics focus at the University of Genoa (Italy).  She joined MedCruise as Secretary General in 1997. After 6 years she opened her own firm, providing consultancy activities to ports, cruise terminal companies, industry exhibition and congress organizers, local governmental bodies and tourism boards, shipping and tour agencies in the cruise sector in the Mediterranean and Latin America Regions.  In 2012, Karina joined RCG following PR and Communications, theme cruises and new products.  Over time she has assumed responsibilities as an operating company Board of Directors member in RCG’s port companies and developing new infrastructural projects. She now covers International Destination Development, embracing EMEA and APAC regions.  Ana Karina lives in Genoa (Italy) with her husband and her 17 years old son.

Andy Harmer Managing Director CLIA UK & Ireland, CLIA

Biography Andy first joined the Association in 2006 after many years in the travel industry, including as a travel agent. Andy re-launched CLIA’s travel agent programme in the UK and later extended it to European countries, during which time agent and cruise line membership reached record levels. CLIA now offers a multi-layered programme that encompasses blended learning to recognise different learning styles. In 2021, Andy was promoted to CLIA UK & Ireland Managing Director. Andy was recognised by Travel Weekly UK in 2019 for his contribution to the UK travel industry. He was presented with the 2022 Peter Grant Contribution to the Cruise Industry Wave Award for ‘his tireless work to promote the cruise sector and provide valuable resources to travel agents’, and a 2023 Travel Weekly Globe Travel Award for Outstanding Achievement. Andy was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s 2022 Birthday Honours List, for services to the maritime sector.

Carla Guilbaud Vice-President, Membership Experience, CLIA

Biography Carla Guilbaud is Vice President, Membership Experience for Cruise Lines International. In this role, Guilbaud leads the Membership and Commercial elements that are so critical to support and provide value to our members and commercial partners around the globe.

She joined CLIA in November 2022 and has extensive experience in the industry, having spent her entire career working for one of the world’s largest cruise lines. As a result, she brings to CLIA insight and experience supporting a wide range of business structures in North America and globally.

Prior to joining CLIA, Guilbaud was with Royal Caribbean Group, most recently as Director, Supply Chain Management. In this position, she was responsible for marine and technical procurement related to new builds and special projects. Prior this position, Guilbaud held positions of increasing responsibility over her 23-year career with the company.

Guilbaud earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in international business from Florida International University—College of Business, and recently earned a Master of Science degree in Engineering and Industrial Management from Florida International University—College of Engineering & Computing.

Carlos Romero Director of Tourism Research, Development and Innovation, SEGITTUR (Spanish State Secretariat for Tourism)  

Biography Carlos Romero is the Director of Research, Development and Innovation of SEGITTUR, www.segittur.es, a public company belonging to the Spanish Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, area from which he is responsible of promoting innovation and use of new technologies at the tourism sector. During the last years he has been in charge of the Spanish National Innovative Tourism Startups & Entrepreneurs Program (Emprendetur) and the Smart Tourism Destination initiative. Carlos got a degree in Economics, and IE Executive Master in Tourism Management. For several years he has been working at the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) with different responsibilities as Executive Director of the UNWTO Affiliate Members and as General Manager of the UNWTO.Themis Foundation. He has extensive experience in the tourism sector, both nationally and internationally in the fields of tourism innovation, new technologies, travel tech sector, smart destinations, economic impacts of tourism and tourism information systems.

Erik Roscam Abbing Great Whale Conservatory

Biography I am a consultant, teacher and thought leader in ecosystemic innovation for sustainability and urban challenges, with 27 years of working experience. My career has been a mix of industrial design, service design, entrepreneurship, strategic consulting and teaching. I strive to be a source of inspiration to fellow practitioners, clients and students by applying designerly ways of working to strategic issues such as brand development, customer insight research, innovation strategy and customer experience. My key traits are empathy, curiosity, ability to connect, intelligence and passion. I specialise in strategic consulting and entrepreneurship in sustainable urban development, especially where it concerns areas where urban centres meet rivers, seas and oceans. I have a strong affinity for the complexities of urban development in South East Asia. I focus my pro bono work on marine conservation, especially whales.

Chris Nicolaides CEO, ICCS

Biography Principal of ICCS Corp. Business Consultant and Expert in international tourism, aviation & cruise development, for private and public sector companies and organizations in Greece and abroad. Has collaborated in high ranked positions with major and important tourism development organizations, as well as in the transportation sector, utilizing expertise and experience over 35 years on the subject. specially for the last 15 years in the cruise business development, acting as change agent fostering innovation and collaborate with governments, organizational leaders, and local authorities to demonstrate innovative methods of effective cruise traffic management, waste reduction, efficiency improvements, environmental protection, alternative energy development, and focus on the financial aspects required to sustain organizations and individuals. Providing also guidance toward a continual improvement effort which results in sustainability. He has participated as head for development projects, programs and initiatives of the EU. He was member of organizing committees of major international athletic and tourism development events like Olympic Games, investment and development conferences for the cruise industry, transportation and tourism, etc. Finally, he is visiting professor and author for post graduate studies in tourism management in Greece and abroad, member of international organizations, speaker and moderator at conferences of the broader field of tourism, aviation & cruise development.

Davide Falteri VP Nazionale Federlogistica, Consigliere delegato City of Genoa

Institutional Profile Municipality of Genoa’s Councillor delegate to the “New Production/Buisiness Settlements” of the Municipality, he supports Mayor Marco Bucci in fostering the most favorable and suitable conditions for making the territory competitive and ready to welcome new entrepreneurial realities, also in view of the centrality of the Port of Genoa and the related activities. He contributes to supporting the digital and energy transition of the transport, logistics and shipping chain, taking care of highly-priority strategic development projects related to digital logistics on behalf of the Municipality.

Entrepreneurial profile Network entrepreneur, he has been working in the Transport, Logistics and Shipping sector for over twenty years. He is responsible for stimulating the competitive growth of human and digital resources in the supply chain, favoring the meeting between supply and demand through commercial scouting, recruitment and industrial relations. Through the consortia and companies of which he is president, he is all about stimulating competitive growth. He holds numerous membership positions in different trade associations in Italy representing the interests of the sector, such as Federlogistica,   Fai (Italian hauliers federation) and Confcommercio (General Federation of Italian Commerce and Tourism).  

Daniel Buchmüller River Cruise Representative, CSO River Advice AG

Biography Daniel Buchmüller began his career in the river cruise industry in 1994 with a small Dutch river cruise company. After holding various management positions in the cruise and event industry, he joined the River Advice group in 2011. River Advice is the leading independent white label ship management company for river cruising and operates over 70 passenger vessels on European inland waterways. Daniel Buchmüller is board member of the European Barge Union, board member of the Swiss Association for the Shipping and Ports and Vice President of the European River Cruise Association IG RiverCruise.

Eirill Bachmann Mehammer Senior Consultant, DNV

Biography Eirill Bachmann Mehammer graduated from Imperial College London in 2017 with a first class masters degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, specializing in electricity and energy. As part of her studies, she had a six-month industrial placement at SINTEF Ocean, where she worked with maritime energy. After graduating, she worked as a Research Scientist and Project Manager in the department of Electric Power Technology at SINTEF Energy Research. In this role, she developed a new focus area related to electrification of maritime transport and the green ports of the future. Among others, she developed, and was central in the management of, the innovation project ElMar, the competence-building project InterPort and the Green Platform project ZeroKyst. She was also a founding member of IEA Task 47 on port electrification. Furthermore, she worked with offshore wind and was part of the management team for FME NorthWind. From August 2022 until March 2023, Eirill was based in Brussels, where she was following the energy situation and the research & innovation programmes closely, with a focus on offshore wind and decarbonisation of maritime transport. Eirill joined DNV in April 2023 as a Senior Consultant within green shipping. In this role, she has worked with green shipping corridors, electrification and hybridisation of vessels, and charging infrastructure. Among other responsibilities, she is project manager for the Green Shipping Programme, the Knowledge basis for the European Cruise Investment Plan, and the Barometer for the green transition of Norwegian shipping. She is also chapter author for the Maritime Forecast to 2050, and task leader for pilot studies and collaboration platform in the Nordic Roadmap project.

Elena Di Tizio MD, GDM Training Center , Cosulich Kerstin Will, Director HR Fleet

Biography April 2020 to date Managing Director of GDM (Gente di Mare) Maritime Training Founder, Partner and CEO of the first compulsory maritime training centre in the Tuscany region. IMO STCW International Maritime Organization Courses. 2005 – 2022 Customer Care Manager – Azimut Benetti Group SpA Customer Service Manager for the Giga Yachts refitting area, for the first building yard in the world for the locations of Livorno, Viareggio and USA 2000 – 2005 Executive PA for the Director of Laboratori Guidotti SpA, Menarini Group Pharmaceutical Company in La Vettola (Pi), Italy 1996 – 1999 Purser for Ro-Ro Pax Shipping Companies in Italy

Fran Golden

Biography Fran Golden is an award-winning travel writer who focuses on the cruise industry. Her work regularly appears in such leading publications as Bloomberg Pursuits and Businessweek, Travel + Leisure, AFAR and Conde Nast Traveler. Fran’s writing about cruises has been recognized with awards by the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) Lowell Thomas Foundation and the North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA)—and is often informed by her sailing on more than 170 ships (and counting!) during her career. Her resume includes travel editor for the Boston Herald and Gatehouse Media, travel news editor for AOL and cruise editor for Travel Weekly. She developed the Experience Cruise website for USA Today. Early in her career, she worked in radio and as a TV reporter in Connecticut. 

Francesco Galietti National Director, Italy, CLIA

Biography Francesco Galietti is National Director, Italy. Francesco is a policy expert, an author and a commentator in both the international print and broadcast media. His professional track record before joining CLIA includes three years as “Consigliere” at the Italian Ministry of Finance and advisory assignments with other Italian public institutions (Cassa Depositi e Prestiti, Government task force on sovereign wealth funds).

Frigg Jørgensen CEO, Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise operators (AECO)

Biography Frigg Jørgensen has been involved in Arctic tourism for 30 years. She has managed Svalbard Tourism/Visit Svalbard and coordinating the establishment of Svalbard Tourism Board. She has also worked as tourism adviser at the Governor of Svalbard, before entering the position as executive director of AECO – the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators. Her work has been focused on sustainable and responsible tourism, especially in the Arctic expedition cruise industry. Environmental challenges, Maritime Safety, Preparedness and Search & Rescue (SAR), Community Engagement, and Knowledge have been focusing areas with strategic planning, international and government relations, cross sector collaborations as inclusions.

Gilda Hernandez-Maskivker Deputy Dean Tourism IQS School of Management

Biography Current professional activity: – Director of the Tourism Department IQS School of Management – Director of the Tourism, Sustainability and Innovation Chair at IQS – IP Research Group Tourism, Hospitality and Mobilities (IQS School of Management Ramon Llull University) – Professor in Tourism Marketing and Research Methods (Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism and Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing) – Supervisor of Bachelor’s Degree Thesis and Master’s Degree Thesis. Coordinator and Jury Member of the Final thesis

Gyda Gudmundsdottir Position – Society

Biography Gyda joined AECO’s on May 1, 2022, as Community Engagement Specialist and is now Head of Community Engagemetn, based in Copenhagen, Denmark. She works on developing framework and tools related to AECO’s Community Engagement, and has a special focus on Iceland in her role, working to achieve dialogue, partnership and community engagement. Gyda became acquainted with the cruise industry in Wonderful Copenhagen, working for the Cruise Baltic Network. After moving to Iceland in 2016 she worked hands on handling port calls in Reykjavik as Port Agent and Key Account Manager for Gára Port Agency. She then took over as General Manager for the North Atlantic Agency in 2017, a network of port agents in the North Atlantic and the Arctic. During the summer of 2018 she lived in Nuuk, working for Royal Arctic Line, handling cruise calls and implementing a port operations software with the Greenlandic team. After spending her summer in Greenland, Gyda moved back to Copenhagen. As well as being General Manager at NAA, Gyda was spokesperson for Cruise Iceland for a year. Gyda holds a BA in Int. Sales and Marketing management from CPH Business Academy and is almost done with her masters in Strategy and Leadership from the University of Iceland

Ilaria Wambach Head of crew experience MSC Cruises

Biography HEAD OF CREW EXPERIENCE (GLOBAL) May 2023 – Leading the Corporate Crew Development & Experience Team (130), look after our crew (30K onboard and 15K at home) manning our 22 ships. Working closely with Technical Teams, Ships, Shipyards, and Executive Team in HQ, the focus of this role is on the training and development of all crew members, talent management of senior managers, internal mobility, compensation & benefits, and the welfare onboard of our ships to ensure their fast career development and their wellbeing enabling the Company to reach NPS and business objectives. HEAD OF HR (GLOBAL) August 2018 – April 2023 With the evolution of the Company, progressed from my previous role and created the Corporate HR Team to support the fast growth of the HQ. Provided strategic direction, leadership, and support to senior management on all HR topics. Led strategic initiatives (company values, global TA strategies, digitalization, organisation redesign, opening of new offices, etc.) while creating and ensuring implementation of universal HR processes and policies. Led international HR Teams across multiple regions ensuring consistent employee experience and engagement. HR MANAGER CRUISES December 2013 – July 2018 Working closely with the CHRO, built from scratch the Corporate HR Function as well as supported the owner and top management in setting up the HQ in Geneva to accompany the business 2 development plan (from 12 to 22 ships, 2017-2023). Provided 360-degree strategic HR support to 25 shoreside offices based in 20 countries around the world (3500 employees).

István Ujhelyi Vice-President of the Transport Committee, Member of the European Parliament

Biography MEP dr. István Ujhelyi is a Hungarian politician who has been serving as a Member of the European Parliament since 2014 in the fraction of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists & Democrats. He is the vice-chair of the Committee on Tourism and Transportation (TRAN) and substitute member of the Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI). As of this year, he is also a member of ENVI’s Subcommittee on Public Health, SANT. Even before the Covid-19 pandemic, he started floating the idea of a minimum standard for healthcare in the European Union, and he took part in the creation of S&D’s Position Paper on the European Health Union in 2020. In 2022, together with healthcare organizations and colleagues, he launched the European Health Union Network, a roundtable between organizations and the parliament with his leadership. In addition, together with colleagues from S&D, he is actively working on the creation of a task force or a working group on Mental Health Strategy. He holds a law degree from József Attila University in Szeged. He has been active in Hungarian politics since 1996 and he held several significant positions such as State Secretary in the Prime Minister’s office in 2009-2010 and state Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development in 2006-2008. In 2022, he established Esély Közösség – the Hungarian Community of Chance, which focuses on social democratic values and helps bringing civilians together with everyday problems – be it social or health related – and solve the issue, move forward together as a community.

Jason Park Senior Vice President of Global Government Affairs, Managing Director for North America, CLIA

Biography Jason Park joined CLIA in September 2023 in the new role of Managing Director for CLIA in North America, and Senior Vice President for Global Government Affairs. In this position, he oversees government relations, public affairs, policy development, and membership and commercial efforts in the United States and Canada, reflecting similar CLIA structures in Europe, Australasia, and South America. Jason has more than 20 years of experience in government affairs and policy development in international and national arenas. Previously he served as Head of Federal Government Affairs, Americas, at Expedia Group, Inc., where he was responsible for the company’s outreach strategy with governments in the United States and foreign capitals. Throughout his career, Jason has successfully navigated complex legislative landscapes and fostered critical relationships with key stakeholders at various levels of government. A graduate of Yale University with a degree in Political Science, Jason earned his Juris Doctorate degree from Columbia University School of Law. Before joining Expedia Group, he spent more than a decade on Capitol Hill, notably playing an instrumental role in negotiating significant provisions in trade-related legislation during his time as International Trade Counsel on the Senate Finance Committee. He also worked as an international trade lawyer at Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld. He currently serves on the boards of Asian American LEAD and The Travel Technology Association. 

Jelka Tepšić Deputy Mayor of Dubrovnik

Biography • Head, Sector for Communication Tactics, Dubrovnik Tourist Board, since 2012 • Director, Dubrovnik Tourist Board, 2008 – 2012 • Head, Public Relation and Special Events, Dubrovnik Babin Kuk since 2003 • External Consultant, various national and local media • Administrative Secretary, Marin Držić Theatre • Receptionist, Dubrovnik Sun Gardens; Hotel Dubrovnik Palace

Jennifer Williams VP, Maritime Policy, CLIA

Biography Jennifer Williams is Vice President, Maritime Policy at Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) in Washington DC, where she develops, presents, negotiates, and implements global industry positions on legislative, regulatory, and policy matters involving ship design, operation and engineering. She is accredited to the International Maritime Organization where she represents the global cruise industry during international treaty negotiations and other matters. She is also the designated Secretary to the CLIA Global Committee on Maritime Safety Matters as well as the Cruise Ship Safety Forum and its Steering Committee. Jennifer has diverse expertise in maritime safety, security and marine environmental protection. Having retired from the U.S. Coast Guard with nearly 30 years of service, she has held a variety of operational and staff positions which included Sector Commander Los Angeles/Long Beach where she served as Captain of the Port and Director of Inspections and Compliance in Washington DC, where she oversaw developed and maintained regulatory policy, standards, and program alignment for all prevention activities associated to the safe operation of vessels and facilities. She managed policy development for the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, recreational boating safety, foreign and domestic commercial vessels compliance inspections, ports and facilities safety and security, vessel documentation, and marine casualty investigation. She is a 2006 graduate of the National Graduate School in Quincy, Mass., where she received her Master of Science degree in Quality Systems Management, and a 1990 graduate of the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Transportation as well as her Third Mate’s Unlimited Tonnage U.S. Coast Guard License. 

John Portelli General Manager Roma Cruise Terminal

Biography John Portelli is the General Manager of Roma Cruise Terminal, the manager of one of Europe’s premier cruise terminals. Roma Cruise Terminal, whose shareholders include Costa Crociere, MSC and Royal Caribbean, was the recipient of CLIA Italys’s Best Port Operator in 2016, 2015 and 2019. In 2023, RCT handled 3.3 million passengers. John has spent the past thirty years working in the port sector. Prior to moving to Civitavecchia in 2014, John Portelli served as the CEO of Valletta Cruise Port, General Manager of CMA CGM in Malta and director of Malta Freeport Terminals, one of Europe’s leading container transhipment hubs. John also had a leading role in the privatisation of the ports and airport in Malta. A graduate from the Universities of Malta and Manchester and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, John has written extensively as well as designed and delivered educational programmes on port management and development. He has also conducted a number of port and privatisation realted consultancy assignments overseas on behalf of the World Bank, the Commonwealth Secreteriat and UNDP. John believes that success in terminal management is positively influenced by communication (personal and direct), investment with development (personnel, assets and systems), creativity and most importantly passion.Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamcorper suscipit lobortis nisl ut aliquipex ex ea commodo consequat.

Jonathan Hawkings Director, Government Relations UK & Nordics, Royal Caribbean Group

Biography Jonathan Hawkings joined Royal Caribbean Group in March 2022 as Director, Government Relations UK & Nordics. Jonathan is the primary interface between the company and local and national politicians, regulators, trade associations and legislative bodies. He is responsible for advocacy and engagement on public policy issues in the UK and Nordic region. Jonathan has over 15 years of experience in policy and public affairs. He has worked at high profile trade associations, most recently as Director of Policy at ADS, representing the UK’s aerospace, defense, security and space industry. Prior to that he worked for SMMT, the UK’s trade body for the automotive industry and for the CBI in Brussels on EU policy and legislative affairs. Jonathan graduated from Loughborough University with a degree in European and International Studies and holds a post-graduate Diploma in Public Affairs and Political Communication from the Charted Institute of Public Relations (CIPR).

Jose Manuel Pagés Sánchez Director of the Agenda 2030 by AIVP (International Association Cities and Ports)

Biography Dr. José Manuel Pagés Sánchez is the Director of the AIVP Agenda 2030, Projects and Content in AIVP (International Association Cities and Ports). José Sánchez has been working in AIVP since 2016 in different positions to improve the relations between cities and ports by promoting dialogue and cooperation. He is an architect by training, having received his bachelor and master degree in architecture and planning at Lisbon’s Technical University, but his passion for port and urban development led him to pursue a PhD in Hamburg’s Hafencity University, completed in 2019, focused on sustainable port-city relationships. In his research career he received different grants to pursue his investigation from organizations such as the Übersee-Club from Hamburg or the Cusanuswerk Studientstiftung as well as academic awards. Previously, Jose Sánchez has worked as an architect in renowned practices, and as independent consultant, lecturer and researcher.

Julie Green VP of Strategic Communication, CLIA

Biography Julie Green joined CLIA in Europe in January 2020 as Vice President of Strategic Communications. Julie is an expert communicator with a strong background and combined experience in corporate PR and Public Policy. Previously, Julie headed up global communications for the infrastructure business at the engineering firm Bechtel, where she helped to transform the company’s approach to reputation management. During her time at Bechtel, she introduced and ran strategic communications and thought leadership programs across multiple markets, including central and eastern Europe, and the Middle East. With a proven track record of results-oriented.

Karyn Gruenberg Position – Society

Biography Details coming soon

Kelly Craighead President & CEO, CLIA

Biography Kelly Craighead is the President and CEO of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the world’s largest cruise industry trade association and the leading the authority of the global cruise community. She is responsible for overseeing the management of the global operations and CLIA leadership teams across its seven regions around the world. Ms. Craighead comes to CLIA with extensive experience serving in executive leadership positions in the public and private sectors. As the first executive director of the National Travel & Tourism Office at the U.S. Department of Commerce from 2014 to 2017, Ms. Craighead served as the senior government representative for travel and tourism matters on behalf of the administration. In addition to providing overarching coordination of federal government tourism policies and programs, Ms. Craighead led initiatives that generated more than $250 billion annually from international visitors to the USA while also representing the United States as the key point of contact with other government tourism ministers in critical travel and tourism policy efforts. Prior to her role at the U.S. Department of Commerce, Ms. Craighead served as President and Managing Director at Democracy Alliance where she provided essential management capacity to evolve the organization from inception to steady state. Earlier in her career, Ms. Craighead held leadership roles on the White House staff from 1993-2001 and traveled extensively within the United States and abroad and developed a far-ranging network of partners in government, public affairs, media, and business. Immediately before her appointment to CLIA, Ms. Craighead was Principal of Vertimas Consulting, a consultancy she founded to deliver strategic planning, business development and executive leadership support to variety of private sector clients including The World Travel and Tourism Council where she served as a Special Adviser. In 2017, Women in Travel and Tourism Industries (witti) named Ms. Craighead “Outstanding Woman in Travel and Tourism Leadership.

Klaus Bondam Director, Cruise Baltic

Biography Klaus Bondam was born in 1963 on the Danish island Bornholm to a Danish mother and a Dutch father. He has lived over 25 years of his life in Copenhagen. Today he lives with his husband on a small farm in Odsherred, Denmark. He is originally trained as an IT assistant, customs officer and actor. As an actor, he had an exciting career on films a.o. the internationally acclaimed Dogme-film ‘Festen’ (‘The Celebration’). He has also been a theater manager at Grønnegårds Teatret and Folketeatret in Copenhagen. He has been a member of the Copenhagen City Council for 9 years (2002-10) elected for the social liberal party Radikale Venstre. He has served as Mayor of Technology and Environment (2006-09) and Mayor of Employment and Integration (2010). He lived in Brussels for three years (2011-14), where he was Director of the Danish Cultural Institute/Benelux. In the years 2014-22 he was the director of the Danish Cyclists’ Federation. From 2023 he has been the director of the two network organizations Cruise Baltic and CruiseCopenhagen. He is a part of the senior management at the regional tourist organization Wonderful Copenhagen. In his spare time, he relaxes in the garden and when cycling. In addition to being interested in Danish and European politics, he is also very interested in art and culture; he does this by going to the theater a lot, watching many movies and TV series and visiting art museums.

Luca Fanciulli Director, Crew Management Leisure, V-Group

Biography Born in Genoa with a degree in local University in Political Science, International law, Luca has almost 30 years in Shipping business with 25 in crewing operations. Currently working as Crew Director for V. Ships Leisure SAM, the cruise arm of V.Group. Board Member of the Propeller Club of Monaco and member of CLIA Labour Affair working Group.

Maria Deligianni National Director, Eastern Mediterranean, CLIA

Biography Maria Deligianni is National Director, Eastern Mediterranean based in Athens, Greece. She joined CLIA in March 2018 and is responsible for government and public affairs issues in the region. Maria has been involved in the shipping industry since 2011. Before joining CLIA, she worked for the European Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA) in Brussels as a Senior Advocacy and Policy Advisor on maritime safety, environmental and offshore shipping issues. Previously she spent time at the European Commission’s Director General Mobility and Transport Directorate in Brussels as well as SQE Marine Group and PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PwC Greece) in Piraeus and Athens. She holds an executive Master in Maritime Science (MSc) degree from the University of Ghent in Belgium as well as an MSc degree in International and European Studies from the University of Piraeus and a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Public Administration from the University of Athens.

Marie-Caroline Laurent Director General in Europe, CLIA

Biography Marie-Caroline is a transport policy expert who has worked in leadership roles at the International Air Transport Association (IATA) for nearly a decade, including serving as Assistant Director for EU Affairs. Previously she worked in policy development for the Association of European Airlines and has also served as a parliamentary adviser at the European Parliament and as senior policy officer at the American Chamber of Commerce to the EU. She joined CLIA as Director-General in Europe in November 2021.

Marina Hadjimanolis Shipping Deputy Minister, Cyprus

Biography Marina Hadjimanolis was born in Ammochostos in 1973. After the Turkish invasion of 1974, at the age of one, she settled in Lemesos with her family. She is a graduate of Lanitio Lyceum B, Lemesos. She studied Law at the University of Leicester in the United Kingdom, where she was awarded the degree of Bachelor of Laws (LLB Hons). She was awarded the title Barrister at Law from the Inns of Court School of Law in London, as a member of Lincolns Inn in England. She is a member of the Cyprus Bar Association and the Lemesos Bar Association. She practiced the law profession for many years, in a law firm, as well as in companies as a legal advisor. She has been an elected Municipal Councillor in Lemesos Municipality since 2016. She actively participates in numerous committees of the Municipality and she is a member of the Board of Directors of the Sewerage Board of Limassol. She was a founding member of the Youth Chamber of Commerce of Lemesos, President of the Parents’ Association in Primary Education, Member of the Federation of Parents’ Associations and Guardians of Primary Schools of the city and District of Lemesos and she is an active member of public and private charities of the city. She has received honorary awards for her social and charity work. With her own contribution, a Blockchain application was implemented for the Municipality of Lemesos for the first time, for the electronic issuance and authentication of documents of the Municipality, allowing the residents of Lemesos to receive quality service in a digital environment. Since 2021, she has been the first female honorary member of Europa Uomo Cyprus, where she pioneered in the campaign to raise awareness and prevent prostate cancer. Her political activity began from her school years as an active member of the Student Movement (MAKI) of NEDISY Lemesos, then in Protoporia of England and then in NEDISY and the Democratic Rally. During the 2023 presidential election campaign, she held the position of Director of the Political Bureau of the President-elect of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides. She is the mother of three children, Harry, Melani and Christina.

Maribel Rodriguez Senior Vice President – World Travel & Tourism Council

Biography Maribel has more than 25 years of experience in the travel and tourism sector with executive responsibilities in international organizations, commercial aviation, hospitality, destination management and academia. She is currently Senior Vice President of WTTC and member of the board of directors leading the Commercial, Business Development and Private Sector Relations. Previously CCO and Member of the Operating Committee of Travelodge Hotels where she also served as a Member of the Board of Directors of the Madrid Business and Hotel Association and of the Tourism promotion Commission. Previously she spent a decade in commercial aviation overseeing the launch and operations of low-cost airlines in the Southern European markets for Virgin Express, Go-Fly, Easy Jet and Ryanair airlines. In addition, she was Commercial and Marketing Director at GB Airways/British Airways for the markets of Spain, Portugal and France. In 2020 she founded with a group of professional women a non-profit organization, Women Leading Tourism, to support women’s leadership in the travel and tourism sector. She graduated in Industrial and Social Psychology from the University of Salamanca with stays in Coimbra, Portugal and Leuven, Belgium. She studied an Executive MBA at ICADE Business School and a SEP in Tourism Boards of Directors Programme.

Michael Jaworski Director, Global Crew Government Relations and Visas, Royal Caribbean Group

Biography Michael Jaworski, Global Director Crew Government Relations, and Visas for Royal Caribbean Group has over 42 years of experience in Government Relations pertaining to global crew and passenger visas issues/processing. Michael’s long tenure with the airlines and with the Royal Caribbean Group has enabled him to build a global relationship with U.S and foreign Embassies, Consulates, and Immigration officials in most countries, ports, and airports worldwide. His long tenue with CBP (CIQ prior) has forged a trusting and solid relationship bridging and resolving issues plaguing the industry. He has been an active member of CLIA U.S. / CLIA Europe Visa Subcommittee group pertaining to maritime visas which has reshaped the landscape for seafarers. He is regarded as an industry S.M.E. for the Global Maritime Sector around the world to help resolve crew visa and port immigration / customs issues. His passion and top priority for his 90,000 crew members (“his Internal Guests”), keeps him busy 24/7, to ensure their safe, compliant passage from their front door to their ship and return.

Martyn Griffiths Director, Public Affairs, CLIA

Biography Martyn Griffiths is a Welsh man who has been living and working in Brussels since 1999. He is currently the Director Public Affairs at the Cruise Lines International Association a position he has held since 2016. He is responsible for issues management and developing proactive communications around the industry’s sustainability initiatives. Previously he spent six years at the animal welfare NGO, Eurogroup for Animals, helping the organisation redefine its purpose from a legislative focus to a proactive campaigning focus. He has also worked for CEPI the European Paper Producers Association where he developed their sustainability approach including the Paper Value Tree and Meet Paper initiatives. His first appointment in Brussels was as Communications Manager with the European Council of Vinyl Manufacturers where he developed the industry’s 10-year sustainability programme, Vinyl 2010, as well as the industry’s award-winning specifier engagement programme, PVC for Life and Living. His background saw him study Management Science at Aston University in the UK followed by post-graduate studies in Media and Public Relations at the Welsh School of Journalism, University of Wales, in Cardiff. He is a specialist in issues and crisis management and has worked for many organisations in all sectors of society helping them manage major change programmes and major customer/audience issues management programmes

Michele Francioni Chief Energy Transition Officer, MSC

Biography Michele Francioni joined MSC Cruises S.A. in September 2018 as Senior Vice President. On January 2024 he has been appointed as Chied Energy Transition Officer, leading the decarbonization strategy of the Company. Among his current responsibilities, Michele leads the Sustainability team of MSC Cruises. Michele has strong background in shipping and maritime technology. He holds a Master degree in Naval Architecture and Mechanical Engineering from the University of Genoa. He started his career at the Italian Classification Society RINA, as a structural engineer and marine surveyor before being appointed as Asia General Manager and lately he served as CEO of RINA Services S.p.A. for over 6 years.

Nick Powell Principal Consultant, Ricardo

Biography Nick is a Principal Consultant at Ricardo, a global strategic, environmental and engineering consultancy. He is based in the UK and has over 35 years experience in propulsion system development and technology strategy projects including studies on decarbonization in the maritime sector. Nick has led multiple projects relating to engine technology strategies and market assessments including alternative marine fuel market share forecasts, methanol propulsion market and technology reviews and the impact of new marine emissions regulation. Nick holds a 1st class honours degree in mechanical engineering, a PhD from Cambridge University, an MBA, and is a Fellow of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers.

Nicole Yeomans Senior Offshore Account Executive, Nature Metrics

Biography Nicole, Cruise and Shipping Lead at NatureMetrics, seamlessly integrates scientific expertise with industry insight. Pioneering the utilization of nature intelligence and eDNA technology, she spearheads a collaborative initiative with MSC Foundation and MSC Cruises to address critical ocean data gaps. At the core of NatureMetrics’ mission to transform global biodiversity data, Nicole’s background in marine molecular ecology and marine policy positions her to comprehend challenges and opportunities. Having previously steered the industrial sector towards nature-positive outcomes in large infrastructure projects and sustainability within UK marine planning, Nicole is at the forefront of driving positive environmental impact. Currently, she facilitates data collection within MSC cruise routes, unveiling the hidden wonders of marine life. This invaluable data, extending beyond informing conservation decisions, is shared publicly through platforms like GBIF and eBioAtlas, fostering widespread awareness and inspiring action. Simultaneously pursuing a PhD on the commercialization of conservation and restoration practices, Nicole envisions a future where protecting biodiversity aligns seamlessly with business success. Join Nicole as she illuminates the transformative power of data, collaboration, and innovative solutions in safeguarding cetaceans for generations to come.

Nikos Mertzanidis Vice President Ports & Destinations and Taxation, CLIA

Biography Nikos Mertzanidis is Vice President, Ports & Destinations and Taxation at Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) where he is responsible for developing, presenting, negotiating, and implementing European industry positions on legislative, regulatory, and policy matters involving taxation, port & destination, public health, crew and visa issues. In addition, he is the designated Secretary to the CLIA Europe Port & Destination Advisory Committee and the Taxation, Labour Affairs and Public Health Working Groups. Mertzanidis joined CLIA in 2016 as manager, European Government Affairs and was promoted to his present position in 2024. Prior to joining CLIA, Mertzanidis was a political advisor, working on the Constitutional Affairs Committee of the European Parliament, and later joined Imperial Brands Ltd. where he was the chief lobbyist focused on taxation, new generation products, and consumer affairs. A seasoned government and public affairs professional, with expertise in EU policy making and European business regulation, Mertzanidis is a long-standing member of the International Political Science Association and the Society of European Affairs Professionals. Born and raised in Greece, he studied political science and international relations at the University of Macedonia in Greece, working in parallel for the UNESCO Chair for Intercultural Policy. In 2009, he earned his Master’s degree in International Politics at the University of Aberystwyth in Wales, and in 2022, he will complete his PhD, with an emphasis on International Relations and Affairs, from the University of Macedonia.

Paul Trouth Communications Coordinator, HELCOM

Biography Paul Trouth is an experienced communications professional with a proven track record in government administration. Currently serving as the Communications Coordinator for EU Mission Ocean’s PROTECT BALTIC project, Paul also takes on the pivotal role of leading two critical work packages: communication and outreach, and sustainability. PROTECT BALTIC, a flagship EU-funded initiative, aims to achieve significant milestones in the protection and restoration of the Baltic Sea. Specifically, the project endeavours to meet the ambitious target of designating 30% of the sea as protected areas by 2030, with 10% under strict protection—a key objective under the EU’s Biodiversity Strategy. Prior to his current role, Paul spent more than a decade as part of a large communications team at the European Chemicals Agency, where he specialized in news production and content editing while also developing a versatile skill set across various communication disciplines. He holds a Master of Arts in English Philology from the University of Helsinki, Finland.

Sascha Gill Vice President Environment & Sustainability, CLIA

Biography Sascha has previously worked as Vice President, Nautical Operations and hs had several roles within hotel operations, and learning and development, for Viking. Before working in the cruise sector, Sascha held the position of Senior Consultant Brand Protection for Richey International with responsibility for Asia and the US. Previously, Sascha worked for leading hotel brands, namely Marriott, Intercontinental and Hilton. Sascha’s cruise experience also includes roles onboard Seabourn Cruise Line and Cunard. Sascha holds a Doctorate in Business from Nottingham Trent University, an MBA from Oxford Brookes University and is currently studying Environmental Policy Making and International Negotiations.

Steve Jones Director Fundraising & Operations, ORCA

Biography Steve is the Director of Fundraising & Operations at ORCA, a UK-based whale and dolphin NGO that works with the cruise industry to monitor and protect whales and dolphins around the world. Steve works with the shipping industry to develop high impact conservation projects addressing threats to large whales such as ship strike, responsible whale watching and commercial whaling. Steve also developed and oversees ORCA’s innovative Ocean Conservationist program, where the charity place professional conservationists onboard cruise ships and ferries around the world to enrich the guest experience whilst conducting citizen science research to help us better understand some of the world’s most important whale and dolphin habitats. ORCA have been working with the shipping industry for over 25 years, helping to monitor whales and dolphins globally and support the sector in creating safe habitats for marine mammals in all five oceans. To find out more about some of ORCA’s conservation projects, visit www.orca.org.uk

Tania Marcos Head of Quality & Smart Sustainable Cities, UNE. Vice Chair U4SSCU4SSC The “United for Smart Sustainable Cities” (U4SSC), a UN initiative

Biography Tania is Smart Sustainable Cities coordinator at the Spanish Association for Standardization – UNE, where serves as Manager of the Standards Committee for the deployment of smart sustainable cities, communities, and tourism destinations. She is Vice-Chair of the UN initiative ‘United for Smart Sustainable Cities (U4SSC)’ leaded by ITU, UNECE and UN-Habitat, an international platform for information exchange and partnership building to guide cities and communities in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals; and has participated at the expert group meeting for the thematic review of SDG 11 and SDG 9 in preparation of the HLPF 2023. She is also Vice-chair of ITU-T Study Group 20 on ‘Internet of things (IoT) and smart cities and communities (SC&C)’ on behalf of the Spanish State Secretariat for Telecommunications and Digital Infrastructures, where promoted the development of the ITU Recommendations on Smart City Platforms and interoperability and is editor to Y.MIM on ‘Minimal Interoperability Mechanisms for Smart and Sustainable Cities and Communities’. Tania is engaged with the European Commission through the Living-in.EU initiative, supporting the deployment of local digital twins, MIMS and the European Interoperability Framework for Smart Cities and Communities (EIF4SCC), and participated at its networking event at last World Urban Forum, WUF11. She represents Spain at the ISO, IEC and JTC1 relevant Committees on SC and at the CEN-CENELEC-ETSI Sector Forum on Smart and Sustainable Cities and Communities, where was liaison to the European Innovation Partnership on Smart Cities and Communities (EIP-SCC); and is Head of the Spanish delegation to CEN/TC 465 on Sustainable Cities and Communities, where is co-leading the standardization on Nature-Based Solutions. Senior Standardization Programme Manager, Tania has successfully performed different roles in a wide range of developments at European, LATAM and international level, including EU-funded R&D projects, for the public and private sectors covering Quality and Sustainability, with a particular sensitivity towards accessibility, conformity assessment and green & digital transition.

Tino Hensel PVP Marine Human Resources, Carnival Maritim

Biography Tino Hensel has been working in leading positions in the maritime industry for more than 25 years. Apart from previous assignments in a well-known shipmanagement company he built up his career at AIDA Cruises and supported the company in its growth period by holding various positions in different areas of responsibilities. His focus is set on Human Resources. Besides establishing a sustainable organization, he constantly looks for innovative approaches in human resources management in the maritime area with special attention on education, development, and support of personnel on board of ships. In the year 2008 the European Cruise Academy was built up under his lead which included the introduction of state-of-the-art education and development programs for the cruise industry. Tino Hensel holds the honorary post as Chairman of Labour Subcommittee with CLIA Europe in Brussels and he engages himself actively for the interests of the cruisy industry in this position. Since April 2015 Tino Hensel has been in the position Vice President Marine HR with Carnival Maritime in Hamburg. Supported by 25 employees in his department he is in charge of the management of more than 4000 employees working in the nautical and technical areas on board of 26 cruise ships of the Costa Group (AIDA Cruises, Costa Cruises, Costa Asia).

Tom Strang SVP Maritime Affairs, Carnival Corporation

Biography Tom is a chartered Naval Architect who started his career in British Shipbuilders in Barrow-in-Furness. He then joined Lloyd’s Register where he was involved in all aspects of shipbuilding and ship survey, finishing up as a Senior Passenger Ship Specialist. He joined Carnival Corporation & plc in 2000 and has had a variety of senior roles across the group, including three years as SVP Marine Operations for Costa Cruises. Now SVP Maritime Affairs, Tom is based in the UK where as well as being responsible for Carnival’s LNG strategy and ship recycling, he leads our engagement on regulatory aspects of decarbonisation. He chairs several industry committees including the CLIA EU Sustainability Advisory Committee, ICS Passenger Ship Panel, Royal Institution of Naval Architects Environmental Committee and the UK Chamber of Shipping Safety and Environmental Committee and Carbon Working Group. He is Chairman of the Board of the Society for Gas as a Marine Fuel (SGMF) and a board member of SEA-LNG and the UK CoS.

Tor Christian Sletner National Director, Norway, CLIA

Biography Tor Christian Sletner has his primary education from the Royal Norwegian Navy; at the Coastal Artillery School of Appeal, the Naval Academy’s Operative Line and the Navy’s Staff School. In addition, he holds a degree in Economics from the University of Oslo and an MBA in Strategic Management from the Norwegian School of Economics. Following 15 years of service in the Navy, he began his civil career at Vestfold University College, later he became Deputy Director of the Norwegian Coastal Administration. Until he joined CLIA and has worked at the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association since 2010. Finally, he has been a board member in the Norwegian NOx fund, permanent representative of the Norwegian delegation to IMO and over years jointed and worked in committees in both International Chamber of Shipping and the European Community Shipowners’ Association.

Barbara Muckermann President of Silversea

Biography Barbara Muckermann is the President of Silversea, as well as a member of Royal Caribbean Group’s Executive Committee. Muckermann joined Silversea in October 2001, returning as Chief Marketing Officer in 2016 to lead the company’s brand evolution and help establish the company as the world’s leading ultra-luxury and expedition cruise line. Muckermann has played a pivotal role in the launch of such pioneering travel concepts as Silversea’s S.A.L.T. culinary programme and the cruise line’s Roman-inspired wellness programme, Otium, among others. A Doctor in Political Sciences and Economics, with a joint Executive MBA from the London Business School and Columbia University, Muckermann is an accomplished professional in the luxury travel and hospitality industries, with more than 25 years of experience. Muckermann has held strategic marketing positions with multiple luxury and cruise brands, including Loro Piana, NCL, and MSC. She also formerly held the position of Chairwoman of the Reputation Committee of CLIA. An expert in luxury, Muckermann has taught Branding and Strategy at numerous universities. The Italian national is the second woman to lead one of Royal Caribbean Group’s three wholly owned brands, and currently serves as a Global Member of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).

Bill Burke CMO Carnival Corporation

Biography Vice Admiral William Burke is the Chief Maritime Officer for the Carnival Corporation & plc. He joined Carnival Corporation in December 2013. Burke graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering, completed his MBA at Marymount University, and received Master of Science in National Security Strategy at the National War College. He is a graduate of MIT Seminar 21 Program in International Politics. Adm. Burke served on five submarines including command of USS Toledo and commanded Submarine Squadron Two. His Washington, D.C. assignments included tours in Navy Office of Legislative Affairs, JCS directorate for Combating Terrorism, Navy Warfighting Assessments Branch and as Executive Assistant to the Vice Chief of Naval Operations. His flag assignments included Command of Logistics Group Western Pacific in Singapore, Director of the Assessment Division (N81), and Director of the Navy Quadrennial Defense Review (N00X). He served as Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Fleet Readiness and Logistics (N4) and his final assignment was as Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Warfare Systems (N9).Vice Admiral William Burke is the Chief Maritime Officer for the Carnival Corporation & plc. He joined Carnival Corporation in December 2013. Burke graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering, completed his MBA at Marymount University, and received Master of Science in National Security Strategy at the National War College. He is a graduate of MIT Seminar 21 Program in International Politics. Adm. Burke served on five submarines including command of USS Toledo and commanded Submarine Squadron Two. His Washington, D.C. assignments included tours in Navy Office of Legislative Affairs, JCS directorate for Combating Terrorism, Navy Warfighting Assessments Branch and as Executive Assistant to the Vice Chief of Naval Operations. His flag assignments included Command of Logistics Group Western Pacific in Singapore, Director of the Assessment Division (N81), and Director of the Navy Quadrennial Defense Review (N00X). He served as Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Fleet Readiness and Logistics (N4) and his final assignment was as Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Warfare Systems (N9).

Daniel Frakas Xxxxxxxx

Biography Daniel Farkas is the Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:NCLH), which operates Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, and brings more than 25 years of legal experience. Daniel oversees all aspects of the Legal division, including Risk Management, Corporate Governance and Compliance, Passenger and Crew Claims, and Governmental Affairs. He also serves as the company’s Corporate Ethics Officer. Before joining the company, Daniel served as an assistant State Attorney for the Eleventh Judicial Circuit in Miami-Dade Country under both Janet Reno and Katherine Fernandez Rundle. Daniel was also a partner at a boutique law firm specializing in maritime litigation. Daniel earned his Bachelor of Arts in English and America Literature from Brandeis University in Massachusetts, and his Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Miami. 

Gianni Onorato Chief Executive Officer, MSC Cruises

Biography As Chief Executive Officer of MSC Cruises, Gianni Onorato oversees the Company’s growth from its Geneva-based headquarters and reports to the Board of Directors and to its Executive Chairman, Pierfrancesco Vago. With over 30 years’ experience in the cruise industry, Mr. Onorato has a finely developed understanding of the cruise business and extensive knowledge in senior executive leadership, having served as President of Costa Cruises from 2004 to 2013. Born in Italy, Mr. Onorato graduated from Naples’ Istituto Orientale with a degree in Foreign Languages and Literature in 1983 and then specialized at SDA Bocconi School of Management in Milan and INSEAD in Fontainebleau. He began his cruise industry career in 1986 at Costa Cruises as Food and Beverage Manager before becoming Cruise Product Director. From 1997 he served as Vice President & Cruise Operations Director and was responsible for logistics and provisioning, as well as all activities relating to calls, excursions, and hotel operations.

Harry Sommer President & CEO, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH)

Biography Harry Sommer is President and Chief Executive Officer of S&P 500 company Norwegian Cruise Line Ltd. (NYSE:NCLH) which operates Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Sommer, an over 30-year cruise industry veteran, assumed this role on July 1, 2023 after previously serving as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company’s largest brand, Norwegian Cruise Line. In this role, Sommer led sales, marketing, revenue management, passenger services, itinerary development and international business development and operations for Norwegian Cruise Line. Under his leadership, Sommer navigated the cruise through the industry’s toughest period in its history and successfully relaunched its fleet of ships following a more than 500-day paise; delivered the first-in-class Norwegian prima, the first ship of six ships in the Brand’s first new class in nearly a decade; and led the team to achieve a record-breaking booking year in 2022. In addition to his role at Norwegian Cruise Line, Sommer also assumed oversight responsibilities in January 2023 for all of the Company’s other revenue generating functional areas which included Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and the tri-branded Onboard Revenue department. Previously, Sommer served as President, International for the Company’s portfolio of award-winning brands including Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. In this role, he was responsible for sales, marketing, public relations, business development, and office operations for all markets outside of the United States and Canada. Sommer led efforts to expand the Company’s global footprint with the opening of several offices around the world and significantly strengthened its international presence. During his tenure in the industry, Sommer held a variety of executive roles at Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., Prestige Cruise Holdings, Renaissance Cruises and Viking River Cruises including Executive Vice President, International Business Development; Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer; Senior Vice President Finance; Chief Information Officer and Chief Accounting Officer. He also co-founded Luxury Cruise Centre, a high-end travel agency specialising in premium and luxury cruise experiences. Sommer holds an MBA from Pace University and a BBA from Baruch College, both in New York City. 

Luca Pronzati Chief Digital Technology Officer, MSC Cruises

Biography Luca Pronzati is the “Chief Business Innovation Officer” of MSC Cruises. He reports directly to Mr. Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises. He oversees the overall company’s ongoing “Digital Transformation and Innovation Program”, supporting the company’s long-term vision strategy from MSC Cruises headquarter in Geneva (Switzerland). Mr. Pronzati is Seasoned Keynote Speaker and Innovation Influencer in several worldwide events. Mr. Pronzati is responsible to outline the big picture vision to spread the culture of innovation inside the company, to enable the disruption of current business models, to leverage on emerging technologies (such as Digital Channels, Wearables, IoT, Bots, AI & Robotics, AR&VR, etc.) to accelerate the transformation and to keep the company competitive in the market. He is successfully spearheading the launch of a 10-plus years investment plan of digitalization, with the adoption, on new next-generation mega cruise ships, of “ MSC for Me ”, the industry-first digital innovation program designed to elevate the on-board customer experience by enhancing the way guests interact each other’s, with the ship and the crew members  ( www.msccruises.com/en-gl/Discover-MSC/MSC-for-Me.aspx ).  To further enrich the MSC for Me ecosystem, Mr. Pronzati and the Business Innovation Team introduced in March 2019  Zoe , the industry-first virtual personal cruise assistant, powered by artificial intelligence, developed in partnership with Harman and Samsung Electronics. In the last edition of CES 2020 in Las Vegas MSC Cruises released a new report called “The Future of the Guest Experience,” which explores the trends that will impact the future of the travel industry. For the christening of the new ship MSC Virtuosa, in May 2021, the Innovation Team sailed off onboard the ship  Rob , the first humanoid robotic bartender at sea, the main character of the immersive, futuristic MSC Starship Club, an entertainment bar experience. Mr. Pronzati holds a Masters’ degree in Electronic Engineering. He holds further degrees in Financial, Business and Marketing trainings attended at SDA Bocconi and other top-class institutes. Mr. Pronzati began his career in the 2000s at Siemens. In 2002 he took on the position of International Business Development Manager of Postel. He joined Carnival Corporation & Plc in 2003 as Manager, Management Advisory Services. In 2008 he took over the responsibility as Senior Manager Continuous Improvement, Business Development, Revenues Enhancement & Cost Optimization of Costa Crociere. In 2012 joined MSC Cruises, recruited by the Chairman, to orchestrate the “MSC 3.0 Enterprise Transformation Program” targeting millions of euro of investments optimization and consolidation. In his current role as “Chief Business Innovation Officer” of MSC Cruises Mr. Pronzati heads a team of more than 50 internal professionals and more than 100 FTEs externals around the world, including but not limited to, strategic partners such as Samsung Electronics International, Deloitte Digital, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, McKinsey, Boston Consulting Group and others who are focusing on disrupting the cruise industry going through a significant digital transformation, building smart ships and setting a new standard of digital excellence at sea. With nearly 20 years’ experience in digital innovation and in the cruise industry, Mr. Pronzati has a finely developed experience in boosting productivity and extensive knowledge in senior executive leadership.

Mario Zanetti President Costa Crociere

Biography Mario Zanetti was named President of Costa Cruises in March 2021, reporting directly to Michael Thamm, Group CEO, Costa Group & Carnival Asia. In his role of President, he oversees the Costa brand across the world, including Asia, with the aim of guiding Costa to strengthen its leadership in Europe, South America and Asia, and ensure profitable and sustainable growth in the long term. A veteran in the cruise sector with over 20 years of industry experience, Zanetti began his career in 1999, when he joined Costa Revenue Management unit based in Genoa headquarters, which he brought to excellence over the years. In 2017 he was named President of Costa Asia, where he demonstrated great leadership capabilities, promoting important innovations in Costa’s local business. Since July 2020 he has been back in Genoa to take also the position of Chief Commercial Officer of Costa Cruises, showing sharp decision-making skills and vision during these challenging months. Zanetti studied maritime economy at University of Genoa and completed his executive education by attending general management programs at Insead Business School. 

Pierfrancesco Vago Executive Chairman, MSC Cruises

Biography Leads the Cruise Division of MSC Group, the leading, privately held Swiss-based shipping and logistics conglomerate. From the Division’s global headquarters in Geneva, Mr Vago sets the strategy and long-term vision of MSC Cruises, the world’s third largest cruise brand, and Explora Journeys, the Group’s new luxury travel brand. Mr Vago focuses on the two brands’ sustained growth, fleet development and the division’s overall terminal portfolio. He also oversees other MSC Group subsidiaries in maritime passenger shipping, including ferry operator GNV. As Chair of the MSC Foundation’s Executive Committee, Mr Vago leads MSC Group’s philanthropic efforts, focusing on conservation, humanitarian and cultural projects seeking to restore the critical balance between people and nature within a generation. Mr Vago was appointed Global Chairman of CLIA, the cruise industry’s international association, in January 2021. In this role, he led the efforts to resume service around the world following the global halt of cruise operations brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. He has been closely involved in the association for many years, having previously held the position of Chairman, CLIA Europe. As CEO of MSC Cruises from 2003 to 2013, Mr Vago oversaw the company’s first phase of expansion, which saw 12 purpose-built cruise ships join the brand’s fleet in just ten years, to become the leading line in Europe. He began his professional career in the family business, Franco Vago SpA, one of Italy’s leading transport companies, before joining MSC Group’s Cargo Division in 2000, where he was Line Manager for the USA, Mexico and Canada. Mr Vago studied Economics at St Catharine’s College, University of Cambridge, UK. In his free time, he is happiest spending time with his wife and two young children and is particularly passionate about sailing, skiing, and football. 

Alessandro Carollo Associate Vice-President Government Relations, Royal Caribbean Group

Andreas Ullrich Global Market Leader, Passenger Ships & Ferries, Bureau Veritas

Anne Albercht Director Logistics, Costa

Armando Carrara Director Procurement FB, Hotel, New Build OS, Silversea Cruises

Chris Theophilides CEO Celestyal Cruises

Dirk van Aarsen Vice President Marine Operations, Carnival Maritime

Elisabetta de Nardo VP Port Development, MSC

Biography Since September 2018, Elisabetta De Nardo works for MSC Cruises VP Port Development. In this role, Elisabetta reports to the SVP Port Development and Shore Side Activities, supporting the establishment and development of strategic partnerships with the global cruise port community. Since February 2024 she’s Chairman of the CLIA Europe Port & Destination Advisory Committee, for her second mandate. Elisabetta joined the cruise industry in 2007, having first worked in the cargo shipping business, where she reached the level of Director, Operations. Ever since, she has worked for Costa Crociere and then for Silversea Cruises, where she was appointed Vice President, Port & Destinations Operations. Elisabetta has a University degree in Shipping & Maritime Economics and a Master in Cargo Marine Surveying (London).

Gianluca Suprani SVP Port Development and Shoreside Activities, MSC

Giorgio Zagami Chief Procurement Officer, Explora Journeys

Herve Gastinel CEO Ponant

James Wells SVP, Global Chief Supply Chain Officer, Royal Caribbean Group

Jes Nauckhoff Sustainability and ESG Manager, MSC Cruises

Kati Lehtoranta Principal Scientist Emission Controls VTT Research Center Finlan

Biography Kati Lehtoranta joined VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland in 2011 and currently acts as Principal Scientist in Transport emission control team. Kati has over 20 years research and development experience in the field of engine emissions and emission reduction technologies, focusing mainly on marine and HD sectors. She has led large research projects involving several research and industry partners, currently she is coordinating an EU funded GREEN RAY project to reduce methane slip from LNG vessels. She has a docentship at University of Vaasa. She started her career at Tampere University of Technology achieving the Doctor of Science in 2006. Following that she worked over 4 years at catalyst company Ecocat developing after-treatment systems to reduce engine emissions.

Linden Coppell Vice-President Sustainability & ESG, MSC Cruises

Biography Linden Coppell has more than 20 years of senior experience in sustainability and environmental protection within the travel industry. She joined MSC Cruises at its Geneva-headquarters in 2018, establishing the MSC Cruises’ Sustainable Advisory Board, led by Executive Chairman Pierfrancesco Vago, that approves actions throughout the company to meet its corporate sustainability goals and ensure sustainability is embedded across all business functions. With the aim of becoming a net zero emissions organisation by 2050, Linden is responsible for tracking and reporting on the company’s decarbonisation strategy and she also has the same responsibility for sister company Explora Journeys, the luxury travel brand of MSC Group. Linden manages the publication of MSC Cruises’ annual Sustainability Report and represents the company on several external programmes and initiatives, including the Sustainability Taskforce of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and the Sustainability Committee of the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA). She is a regular panellist and presenter at maritime events around the world and on behalf of MSC Cruises Linden received the ‘Sustainability Initiative of the Year – 2023’ accolade at the Seatrade Cruise Awards for the world’s first net zero emissions cruise operated by the ship MSC Euribia . Linden joined MSC Cruises after 10 years at the UAE’s national airline Etihad Airways where she was Head of Sustainability.  Previously she was Manager Environmental Affairs at Hong Kong-based airline Cathay Pacific for six years. Prior to that Linden had been a sustainability and environmental protection consultant for national governments and private companies in Southeast Asia.

Palle Laursen Executive Vice President, Head of Marine, Royal Caribbean Group

Paolo Raia Managing Director, MSC Procurement & Logistic

Patrick Augier Secretary General, Ponant

Sandra Weir Government Relations & Public Affairs, Sr Director, NCLH

Biography Sandi brings over 20 years of valuable experience to the vibrant tourism and hospitality industry, with a specialized focus on the cruise sector for the past 15 years.  During her tenure with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, she has led NCL’s shoreside operations in Hawaii, spearheaded business development initiatives, and held a key leadership position in Revenue Management.  In her current role, she leads Global Government Relations for all three of Norwegian’s brands alongside managing Public Affairs. Through her current responsibilities, she effectively integrates her extensive cruise experience, which encompasses shore excursion development and operations, port operations, contract management, community engagement, itinerary design, and optimizing revenue.  Prior to Norwegian Sandi held positions at Cendant Corporation in their travel division.  She began her career in the Oil and Gas industry in Calgary, Canada.  Weir has a Bachelor of Commerce (Honors) degree in Finance and holds a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation.

Sandra Yunta Terminal Director, MSC Cruises

Simone Tommaso Maraschi Maraschi Managing Director, Cruise Gate Hamburg

Wybcke Meier CEO TUI Cruises

Yana Grundke Chief Business Officer for Cruise, Port of Roenne

Lamiaa Albert Senior Information Technology Officer, Product Management Sector, euLISA

Biography Lamiaa joined eu-LISA in May 2021 as Product Manager of the Webservices for the new EES (Entry/Exit) and ETIAS (the European Travel Information and Authorisation) systems. In her current position she supports carriers, travel industry and the eu-LISA project teams in the implementation of the EES and ETIAS systems. Prior to joining eu-LISA, she worked as a Head of Security and Governments Projects in private sector, leading the Passenger Data Transmission from carriers to various authorities in the EU, connecting more than 200 airlines, over multiple airports and systems. In addition, Lamiaa has worked as a Business Analyst and Project Manager at Amadeus.

Heino Nau Xxxx

Biography Dr. Nau coordinates the work on International Blue Economy in the European Commission. He closely cooperates with international organisations like the European Investment Bank, the OECD, the World Bank, the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) and other UN agencies. European Cruise Tourism is part of his portfolio. He previously coordinated the EU Arctic Policy in the European Commission and was an EU observer in the Arctic Council. Prior to joining the European Commission, he worked for leading research organisations in Germany, France, the U.K., and the U.S. He authored and co-authored several books and published numerous articles in refereed journals

Ingo Soerensen Area Vice President, Global Cruise Sales, Oracle

Biography Ingo Soerensen is a seasoned professional with over two decades of expertise in the global cruise industry. In his current role as Area Vice President Global Cruise Sales at Oracle Hospitality, he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the industry. Throughout his illustrious career, Ingo has played a pivotal role in shaping the cruise industry by leveraging technology and innovation. Ingo’s expertise spans a wide range of areas, including revenue management, guest services, operations, and digital transformation

Ioannis Pappas Director Mediterranean Region, GSTC

Biography Dr Ioannis PAPPAS, Founder & CEO of GREEN EVOLUTION SA, is Director for Mediterranean Region of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). He is a Mechanical Engineer, with PhD in Applied Mechanics, with over 30 years’ experience in several fields of science, focusing in Sustainability for Tourism, Energy and Environmental Efficiency in Infrastructure and Buildings, Advising in standardization of companies and technological implementation of climate adaptation and mitigation methodologies. He is Lead GSTC Assessor for Destinations, Auditor / Assessor for Sustainable Tourism Certification Standards, focusing on Hotels, Tour Operators and Destinations, Lead Trainer and Assessor for GSTC in South East Europe Region. He was an invited speaker in a large number of seminars and webinars, including European Commission, GSTC and Google.

Luis de Carvalho Council member of Cruise Europe, Port of Copenhagen

Biography Luis de Carvalho is one of the leading Port and Destination Development Planners in the World. His extensive career in the cruise and travel industry spans over 38 years including positions with Premier Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, Hilton Hotels, Crystal Cruises, TUI AG, Tumlare Corporation, Kuoni DMC, Consult DC and for the last 10 years CEO of the Europe’s division of leading AEP firm Bermello Ajamil & Partners Inc. His experience covering more than 450 ports and destinations around the world allows him to understand the logistics and requirements involved in the delivery of a successful cruise port and destination, and Luis has personally overseen the delivery of over 50 projects in the last 15 years. Currently Luis holds the position of Commercial Cruise Director for Copenhagen Malmö Port (CMP) in addition to be a member of the Cruise Europe Council and a member of the Danish Tourism Advisory Board.

At CMP and as part of a well-structured team, he is responsible for the cruise commercial activities at the ports of Copenhagen, Malmö and Visby which welcome approx. 500 cruise ships and 1 million passengers yearly. Copenhagen is the leading turnaround port in the Baltic Sea Region and one of the most important cruise ports in Northern Europe. CMP has the ambition to become one of the most sustainable ports in the world and is well underway to become CO2 neutral by 2025 by amongst other things focusing on an effective and sustainable cruise service. Luis is also a regular speaker at international cruise and tourism events with over 75 appearances in the last 15 years.

Maria Garbarini Head of Passenger Ships Excellence Centre, RINA

Biography Maria Garbarini is the Head of Passenger Ships Excellence Centre at RINA Services S.p.A. With a decade-long tenure in a shipping company, she specialized in overseeing new building, conversion, and engineering projects, as well as managing funded innovative projects. Transitioning to RINA in 2018 as a passenger ships engineer, Maria focuses on implementing cutting-edge products and value-added services in the passenger ships sector. She actively contributes to RINA’s Decarbonization Committees, dedicated to exploring alternative fuels, new technologies, and operational strategies to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. Currently, Maria leads a team that provides a unique source of expertise to the cruise and ferry industry, concentrating on energy transition and safety considerations. Maria holds a degree in Naval Architecture and Mechanical Engineering from the University of Genoa and is a Member (MRINA) of the Royal Institution of Naval Architects.

Marika Mazzi XEU ECO-CRUISING FU_TOUR project

Biography Founder, Major shareholder, Innovation Strategy Director at X23 — The Innovation Bakery™ (a European, multidisciplinary, independent, and private Research Center, registered at the Ministry of Research and University in Italy at #60954DHH). Mother of 4, one day I’ll stop and rest on my favorite island. But not yet. Industrial leadership program expert at European Commission, at #EX2014D166255.

Neil Lamerton Xxxx

Biography Neil Lamerton is currently a UK based bunker supplier and trader with the Italian company Alpha Trading Spa. Alpha specialises in Bunker Supply in Italy & Worldwide Trading and Biofuels supply as well as Bitumen and products supply in Italy. Neil Started his career as a Navigation Cadet with P&O Steam Navigation Co, before coming ashore in 1983 buying bunkers for P&O, before working as a broker in AJ Speed & Co, a trader for Marubeni, a broker/trader for Wake Marine, Davies and Newman Wake, and KPI Bridge Oil. He then took on the role of Global Head of Bunkers for Gulf Petrochem based in Dubai, and in 2017 set up his own bunker broking company Oceanic Energy. He spent a year working for the broker trader LQM before joining Alpha trading in 2021. Neil has always been interested in the technical and specification issues in the bunker Market and looking at the alternative fuels side of the business. He was a founder member of the International Bunker Industry Association, is a member of the Energy Institute and is a member of the Worship Company of Fuellers in London.

Paola Strata Maritime Courses Manager, Coordinator, Italian Shipping Academy

Biography Maritime Courses Manager – Didactical Coordinator // Responsible for internationalization It is delegated to operate on everything connected with the management/organization of the Accademia Foundation, with particular reference to the core business of the structure, or to the maritime courses (courses for officer/officer/master/director/commissioner and alignment). Management and coordination of the Maritime Courses Office and teachers for the conduct of training courses. Responsible for the internationalization of students and the Academy structure, managerial functions in the management of relations with abroad, within the associations IAMU and IAPH. Responsible for the management and organization of summer/winter schools for foreign universities and for the Government of Panama.

Chen Shi Vice President of Goldwind Green Energy and Chemical

Biography Detail coming soon

Svetlana Cuk Shore Excursions Product Development Manager

• Overseeing the product content and delivery, negotiating costsand developing new tours with the aim to grow revenue andimprove guest satisfaction in specific geographical regions
• Developing new tour products and manage the shoreexcursions tour program for selected geographical areas;
• Procuring Shore Excursions product in a timely manner tomeet seasonal deadlines;
• Identifying threats and consumer trends within the assignedgeographical region and proposed appropriate actions plan;
• Analyzing guest service scores by region and develop tactics toensure continuous improvement;
• Managing the relations with up to 100 tour operators and 1000+tours;
• Negotiating with suppliers, follow up their performance andstrives to reduce costs; Ensuring and maximizing inventory accuracy;
• Performing site inspections in areas of responsibility;
• Representing the company at selected governmentalmeetings, association functions, cruise industry events, travelindustry conventions, and other meetings as required.

Theodora Riga Chief Commercial Officer & Director of Strategic Communications of ThPA S.A.

Biography Theodora Riga is the Chief Commercial Officer & Director of Strategic Communications of ThPA S.A., a Member of the Board of Directors of MedCruise (Association of Mediterranean Cruise Ports), Member of the Board of Directors of Thessaloniki Tourism Organization and the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping Representative on the Hellenic Government’s National Cruise Committee. Born in 1973 in the USA, she holds an MBA in Business Administration and has held senior managerial positions in port, shipping and financial services companies over the last 20 years, a member of the National Cruise Committee and a Board Member of a shipping company listed on the Athens Stock Exchange, as Commercial Director and as Management Consultant on Strategic Development, Sales, Marketing and Communication in the largest shipping companies in Greece, providing communication support to the Association of Shipping Companies.

Timothy Cosulich CEO Fratelli Cosulich and Chair of the International Bunker Industry Association

Biography Timothy started his career as a Consultant at PricewaterhouseCoopers first in London and then in Madrid, in the Valuation & Strategy department, focusing on M&A transactions. He then got his MBA from INSEAD and later on joined the A.P. Moller Maersk Group in The Netherlands as a General Manager, focusing on New Terminals acquisition and development. In 2010 Timothy joined his family business, Fratelli Cosulich, where he sits on the Group Board of Directors and holds the role of CEO – Marine Fuels. Fratelli Cosulich is a diversified Group founded in 1857, fully owned by the Cosulich family, now at its seventh generation. The Group is active in a number of aspects of the Shipping Industry, from ship-owning to ship-agency, freight-forwarding, catering, manning, yacht-services, ship-management, Marine Energy. Fratelli Cosulich has offices in 25 countries, approx. 2,200 employees worldwide and a yearly turnover of USD 2bn. Timothy is also the Chairman of the International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) and sits on a number of Boards, including YPO.

Daniela Santanche Minister of Tourism, Italy

Biography Minister Santanché is an entrepreur and politician. Born on 7 April 1961 in Cuneo, Santanché graduated in Political Science from the University of Turin and cut her teeth in marketing. In 2007 she founded ‘Visibilia Pubblicità’ (an advertising concessionaire later listed on the Milan stock exchange), and pater on also expanded into publishing and hospitality. She has always been very active politically, and is a long time conservative MP (first with AN, an ancestor of Brothers of Italy, then with Berlusconi). In 2010 she served as Undersecretary of State to the Presidency of the Council of Ministers in charge of the government programme when Berlusconi was PM. In 2017, Santanché 2017 left Forza Italia, joined Fratelli d’Italia and got elected Senator in 2018 and in 2022, when she was also appointed Minister of Tourism.

Edouardo Rixi Deputy Minister of Transport, Italy

Biography Rixi was born and raised in Genoa. His political career began in 2002, when he was elected municipal councillor with the League in Genoa. In 2010 he made it into Parliament in Rome, but opted instead to become a Regional Councillor in Liguria. In 2018 he became MP in Rome, and also served as deputy minister of Transport until 2019. In Fall 2022 he was re-elected MP, and became once again deputy Minister of Transport. His portfolio includes ports and shipping, which makes him a go-to for the cruise industry.

Einar Vik Arset CEO Norwegian Coastal Administration

Biography Einar has been Director General of the NCA since 2019, after being municipal director of Ulstein County. Arsets term as director has been focused on establishing good working relations with the numerous ports that are spread out along the Norwegian coastline. Norwegian ports are both publicly and privately owned, and cooperation between them has become more and more important in the effort towards strengthening value creation locally through tourism, industry and innovation. Ports are, at their core, regional centres of commerce and financial activity, and Arset has been focused around creating jobs and industry surrounding the ports. Arset has repeatedly pointed to the importance of ports as facilitators of the transition to net zero – they are providers of shore-side electricity and facilitators of the offshore industry.

Maikel Arts General Manager Market Innovation, Wartsila

Biography Maikel Arts is General Manager Technical Sales Cruise & Ferry at Wärtsilä Marine Power. His career in Wärtsilä spans well over 15+ years and it has brought him in contact with all aspects of the marine industry. During his early years at Wärtsilä he has worked a lot with customers on solutions for their existing fleet and after that he has started to work more and more on New Building projects and concept development. While growing the company to become the global leader in innovative technologies and lifecycle solutions Maikel has specialized himself in the Passenger vessel segment and has become a key partner for the Cruise industry. The company purpose: ”Enabling sustainable societies through innovation in technology and services” is close to his heart. Maikel works at the intersection of maritime C-suite challenges and cutting-edge technology development with a strong focus on decarbonisation. He combines this technology with his experience and network to create solutions that deliver on sustainability and business economics. Maikel has a degree in engineering and a degree in commercial business; however he is also a certified tutor in engineering. This enables him to explain complex problems and solutions to a wide range of audiences. He has 25+ years of experience in commerce and business development in complex and competitive environments. This combination of technology expertise, business understanding, and communication makes him a frequent speaker at events and an ideal advisor from engine room to board room. In his private life Maikel is married and a father of 3 children and as a Dutch man also a keen cyclist.

Nello Musumeci Minister of Maritime Affairs, Italy

Biography Musumeci is a nationalist-conservative career politician from Sicily. In 1994 Musumeci he was elected President of the Catania province, a position he held twice. In 1995 he joined Alleanza Nazionale, a right-wing party, but soon locked horn with its leader Gianfranco Fini. In 2005 Musumeci quit Alleanza Nazionale and founded his own local party, Alleanza Siciliana. In 2011 Musumeci served as Labour undersecretary in Berlusconi’s last government. In 2017 he became president of Regione Sicilia, a position he held until Fall 2022, when he was elected Senator and Minister for Maritime Affairs. He has been elected to the Hellenic Parliament at every election since May 2012. From 10 June 2014 to 27 January 2015, he served as Minister for Public Order and Citizen Protection in the Cabinet of Antonis Samaras. He was party spokesman from 18 November 2016 to 9 October 2017. He served as Minister for Health from 9 July 2019 to 31 August 2021, when he was appointed Minister for Tourism by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

Olga Kefalogianni Minister for Tourism, Greece

Biography Olga Kefalogianni was born in Athens in 1975. She is a graduate of the School of Law of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (1997) and holds two postgraduate degrees, from King’s College, University of London (LL.M, 1998) and the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University in Boston (GMAP, 2006). She has worked in large law firms in Athens and New York, as well as in the Legal Service of the European Commission in Brussels. From 2004 to 2006 she was an associate of Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis in legal matters. She was elected Member of Parliament for the Prefecture of Rethymno (2007 and 2009), and, since 2012, she has been elected to the Athens A’ constituency (2012, 2015, 2019, 2023). She served as Minister of Tourism in Prime Minister Antonis Samaras’ government (2012 – 2015). She has also served as Head of the Greek parliamentary delegation to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (I.P.U), ambassador of the Greek Parliament to the Women Political Leaders (WPL) network, and member of the parliamentary committees of National Defense and Foreign Affairs, Production and Trade, Institutions and Transparency, European Affairs and Armament Programs and Contracts. She is the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Center for Policy Studies on Gender and Equality – (KEMEFI) of the European Public Law Organization (EPLO). She is married to composer Minos Matsas and they have two children.

Rosana Morillo State Secretary in charge of Tourism, Spain

Biography Academic experience Degree in Mathematical Sciences from Universidad Complutense de Madrid with an Erasmus program at University College Dublin and postgraduate training at ESADE in the areas of Human Resources and Leadership. Professional experience Appointed Secretary of State for Tourism of Spain in December 2022, she began her career in 1996 in Mexico working as a technology consultant for companies in different sectors. Then she moved to France, United Kingdom and Italy. Advisor in technology applied to human resources for Société Générale Corporate & Investment Banking in Paris. In 2007, she joined the Barceló Group, in the position of Head of Organization and Projects at corporate level. In 2009, she joined Arabella Starwood as Corporate Director of Human Resources, a position she continued to hold until 2019 managing the period of its acquisition by Marriott International. Member of the Board of Directors of the Balearic Islands Port Authority and member of CECET (Executive Committee of the Spanish Tourism Council) drafting the Sustainable Tourism Strategy 2030 for Spain. Since her appointment in 2019 as Director General of Tourism of the Government of the Balearic Islands, she has managed initiatives such as the Excesses Law in the field of Tourism, the settlement process with the cruise sector and the Law of Circularity in Tourism. In addition, she has led the implementation process of the projects associated with the Next Generation funds, with programs for the modernization and reconversion of mature tourist areas, the creation of an international HUB for tourism innovation and circular economy, and social sustainability projects among others.

Jason Liberty Global Chairman, CLIA

Biography As the President and Chief Executive Officer of Royal Caribbean Group, Jason Liberty stewards the industry’s leading cruise brands, including Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea, as well as a joint venture in TUI Cruises and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, of which the company is a 50% owner. The Group’s global fleet of 65 ships sails to all seven continents propelled by nearly 100,000 employees from more than 130 countries. Mr. Liberty is committed to delivering the best vacations responsibly and leads an organization that is continually innovating to create the ultimate experiences at sea and on land; drive the company’s ambitious energy transition efforts; harness technology to expand the company’s commercial capabilities; and generate exceptional long-term shareholder value. Each of the Group’s three marquee brands lead their lifestyle category – Royal Caribbean International delivers thrilling vacations for the family and contemporary market; Celebrity Cruises elevates premium travel; Silversea offers ultra-luxury and expedition experiences – and together, as a family of brands, they turn the vacation of a lifetime into a lifetime of vacations. In January 2024, Mr. Liberty was appointed Global Chairman for the Cruise Line Industry Association (CLIA), to further establish cruise vacations as an accessible and responsible option for today’s traveler that creates positive ripple effects across the globe. He became CEO in January 2022, following a career spanning nearly two decades in the cruise industry, including nine years as Chief Financial Officer. Prior to joining the Group, he worked at KPMG, one of the world’s leading professional services firms. He holds an accounting degree from the University of Miami Herbert Business School; a Master’s Degree in Finance from Indiana University; and an MBA from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Kenan-Flagler Business School, where he serves on the Board of Advisors. He also serves on the Board of Directors of WNS Limited, a business process management public company headquartered in Mumbai, India.

Marie Blitza Director Port Operations, Carnival Maritime

Biography As Director Port Operations, Marie is responsible for worldwide port operations and itinerary planning for both AIDA Cruises and Costa Crociere. In this role, Marie works in collaboration with various stakeholders in ports & destinations, local authorities, and port agents. Working closely with key departments within AIDA Cruises and Costa Crociere the focus is on safe and compliant port operations, identifying opportunities to contribute to an efficient itinerary and port planning process, as well as strategic and sustainable itinerary planning. Prior to joining Carnival Maritime GmbH as Manager Port Operations in 2016, Marie’s started her career in the cruise industry in port agency and ground operations, overseeing port operations and passenger logistics in the three main German cruise ports. Marie holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Cruise Industry Management and a Master’s degree in Marketing Management (MBA). 

OlivierButon Senior Vice President, Marine/Technical & New Build Supply Chain Management, NCLH

Biography Olivier Buton is currently the SVP of Marine/Technical & New Build Supply Chain Management at Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., where he has worked for over 11 years focusing on supply chain for fleet in service, new builds and shoreside constructions, and supervising multiple categories like marine, technical, FF&E, refurbishment, and security. Previously, he was the Group Procurement Director at MCI Group, a Swiss company specialized in communications and event management, enhancing procurement strategies. His experience also includes roles in procurement and technology consultancy. Olivier has over 22 years of experience in supply chain and purchasing. Born on the West coast of France, Olivier relocated to Miami in 2009. He holds a Master of Science in Engineering from Ecole Nationale Superieure d’Arts et Metiers (ENSAM) in Paris.

Hélène Lebas General Secretary, Marseille Provence Cruise Club

Biography Hélène has been working at Marseille Provence Chamber of Commerce and Cruise Marseille Provence for more than 25 years for the development of the cruise market locally. General Secretary of Cruise Marseille Provence, an association which members are public authorities, the port, the representatives of the main trade unions linked with tourism, maritime, travel agents, hotel, transport, taxis. In 2024, the membership is increasing, showing the economic impact of the industry.

 Coordinating with the other members the actions of the association to:

• Encourage and coordinate all the marketplace stakeholders in the ongoing eco-energy transition phase
• Promote Marseille Provence as an all-in-one cruise destination, with ocean and river ports that consolidate its unique position in the Mediterranean
• Inform and coordinate the key players handling incoming passengers to optimize tourist flows and experience
• Analyze developments and outlook in the cruise market and passenger profiles
• Deliver information to the members
• Open to advice the cruise lines with projects with the local community
• Organize the third edition of the « Blue Maritime Summit » on December, 5 th 2024 in Marseille which will review the « sustainable cruise charter » and present the results of the second year of implementation of it.
• Develop the provisioning in Marseille

Eleonora Modde General Manager, FONASBA

Laura Amoretti CEO, Crocierissime

Biography In the last few years of my career, I have professionally performed all tasks relating to the active management of services aimed at maintaining a high standard of. Thanks to my experience at @lastminute.com, I have been able to build an effective leadership model to lead business growth and development!

Francesco di Cesare Risposte Turismo

Biography Francesco di Cesare, President of Risposte Turismo. The company he had founded in 2001 with headquarters in Venice has established itself as the leading Italian research and consulting company with expertise in maritime tourism and is partner of the CLIA European Summit since the first edition. In 2011 the company launched Italian Cruise Day and in 2013 Adriatic Sea Forum, two among the most relevant international events dedicated to an international event dedicated to cruise and maritime tourism. Francesco combines his commitments to teaching, research and consultancy on the main topics of the macro-industry of travel and tourism, with operative roles also in the organisation of big events. Besides contributions about tourism marketing and management, he wrote or curated numerous articles and papers dedicated to maritime and cruise tourism.

Mark Dowling Vice President of Global Partnerships, Tower Supplies

Biography Based near Southampton, UK, Tower are a non-food dry goods supplier to the hotel and technical sectors within the cruise industry, working with strategic partners and clients including Carnival UK and MSC. Supporting many aspects of Tower’s solutions to cruise lines, Mark has led Tower’s commitment as Diamond Executive Partners of CLIA from the outset of the Hospitality & Guest Services community in 2018. An avid cruiser himself, Mark has been involved in cruise since 1995, moving his focus to suppling cruise in 2014. Mark is also passionate about sustainability. As a Tower Sustainability Committee Member, Mark drives many of Tower’s sustainability initiatives and regularly engages cruise companies on the topic of supply chain miles.

Harold Betancourt Sr. Director, Logistics Management, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.

Biography Harold is a seasoned Senior Director at Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. with nearly two decades of expertise in the logistics industry, specializing in the cruise line sector. Beginning his career in 2004 in freight forwarding with a focus on dry docks and New Builds, he quickly ascended to the role of Logistics Manager at PCH, parent company of Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, where he managed various aspects of their logistics operations. Currently, as the head of logistics for Norwegian Cruise Lines Holdings, Harold oversees the intricate logistics, warehousing operations, dry docks, and New Builds, for a fleet of 32 ships and growing. His proficiency lies in efficient transportation, and warehousing management, ensuring flawless operations within the dynamic and complex world of cruise logistics.