CONFERENCE Clia Conference 2026: About 800 attendees hear the cruise industry is in


Clia president extols sector as ‘a land of opportunity’


C


lia’s global president and chief executive, Charles ‘Bud’ Darr, said there has “never


been so much opportunity” in the cruise industry for travel agents. Globally, the sector carried a


record 37.3 million ocean-going passengers last year, and Darr said volume “will be substantially above that in the coming year” and pass the 40 million mark “before you know it”. Having completed his first full


year in the role, Darr reported having “made a real effort” to speak to the trade and wanted to take “more time to engage” in the future. He said: “I’ve come to appreciate


what an important role the travel trade plays in the cruise ecosystem and what a good future it will continue to have with our product.” Darr added that the cruise market


presented “a land of opportunity” for agents due to a growing diversity of ships, itineraries and excursions.


What we are finding


is [younger passengers] are willing to pay a premium for a luxury or expedition product


He noted there were “more


impressive numbers” than ever for repeat business, with 90% of past passengers saying they wanted to cruise again, and three-quarters of international travellers open to taking a cruise. “We have never seen so much


opportunity out there,” he said. Darr also urged agents


to capitalise on the evolving demographics of the sector, noting 40% of cruise passengers are now Gen Z or millennials – which he defined as those aged up to 40 – who display different spending patterns and values to older generations.


Clia reveals flagship fam trip and three new agent events


Clia plans to make 2026 its “most impactful year yet for trade engagement” by launching a new flagship fam trip alongside a dedicated line-up of events for the luxury and small-ship sectors. The cruise trade body will run the new fam trip to


Seattle and Washington State in partnership with the Port of Seattle, Visit Seattle, Virgin Atlantic, Delta Air Lines, Holland America Line and Travel Weekly. Applications will open shortly, with the trip targeted


at senior sales, commercial and product managers. Departing from London, the itinerary will feature


a three-night stay in Seattle, including ship visits to Holland America Line’s Eurodam and Princess Cruises’


12 11 JUNE 2026 “What we are finding is they are


attracted to cruises and are willing to pay a premium for a luxury or expedition product because, unlike some older generations, they want to take their time and spend their money on experiences and authenticity,” he explained. He described the current state of


the industry as “excellent”, although he admitted there are still “issues” that need to be managed, such as regulation, overtourism and sustainability. However, Darr insisted the future


of the sector remains “bright” due to “rising” demand from “a whole generation of very interested younger people”. This demand is being met by cruise lines making investments totalling $88 billion for an order book of 89 ships. He concluded: “We are


committed to solid but sustainable growth, and what we are providing to the trade is one of the most valuable and diverse product offerings.”


Charles ‘Bud’ Darr


Star Princess, followed by a three-night stay in Washington with hosted activities, guided tours and dining. Clia has also confirmed


Andy Harmer


Possible fuel shortages ‘no


three other new agent events for 2026: a Luxury Cruise Summit on board Oceania Marina in Southampton on September 4; a River Cruise Forum in Manchester on October 6; and a Yacht and Small-Ship Forum in Birmingham on October 7. Clia UK and Ireland managing director Andy


Harmer said: “Whether via ship visits, specialist training, networking opportunities or flagship events, we’re continuing to invest in helping agents develop their expertise and unlock new sales opportunities across every cruise sector.”


Cruise chiefs have reassured agents over concerns about potential fuel shortages stemming from the Middle East conflict. Speaking during a panel debate, Giles


Hawke, Celebrity Cruises vice-president of international, said: “Like airlines, we all work really hard to make sure we have got fuel supplies to make our cruises run. “There are other sources of fuel. The


US produces a lot of fuel, and in Western nations, I would say we have no concern about the ability to get fuel.” Jamie Loizou, AmaWaterways managing director of international


travelweekly.co.uk


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