Executives from 20 cruise lines have been confirmed for two Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) events this autumn – the Port & Destination Summit, in Lisbon on 17-18 September, and Summit at Sea, held onboard Royal Caribbean International’s Symphony of the Seas from 11-14 October.

Decision-makers from four cruise lines will attend the Port & Destination Summit for the first time, including the yet-to-launch Virgin Voyages, as well as Azamara Club Cruises, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, and Windstar Cruises.

Bo Larsen, CLIA’s senior vice-president, strategic partnerships, said: “I am delighted that we have an incredibly diverse range of cruise lines attending both these events, from all sectors of the cruise industry. I look forward to welcoming all our participants and continuing to strengthen the global cruise industry.

“Both the Summit at Sea and Port & Destination Summit offer unrivalled opportunities to connect with key industry players from various segments of our community and maximises the impact of the invaluable knowledge our speakers and attendees possess.”

At the Port & Destination Summit, cruise line executives will take part in interactive sessions on a range of topics, including itinerary planning, port operations, and shore excursions.

“The Port & Destination Summit is a diverse and productive platform for CLIA Executive Partners and cruise lines to discuss innovative changes and the future of the cruise industry,” said Grant Holmes, global vice-president cruise solutions of Inchcape Shipping Services, one of the event’s moderators. “I look forward to moderating an innovative and engaging session.”

Meanwhile, Adam Goldstein, deputy chairman of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., and Stuart Leven, vice president, EMEA, and managing director of RCL Cruises Ltd., will host this year’s Summit at Sea event, bringing together key decision makers and subject matter experts.

The four-day event takes place in an informal business environment, comprising discussions on issues of importance to the industry, complemented by port visits and opportunities to network.