The 2019 CLIA UK & Ireland conference will take place on 15, 16 and 17 May in Southampton.

The three-day event, the largest travel agent event in the UK, will include a trade fair, a full day of conference sessions and gala dinner, including entertainment.

Delegates will also have the chance to visit two of the three ships in port for the event – Celebrity Edge, which launches in December 2018, Cunard’s Queen Mary 2, and MSC Preziosa – the first time the ship has been available on one of the main conference days.

Andy Harmer, CLIA UK & Ireland director, said: “We are thrilled to be able to offer agents the opportunity to visit these fabulous ships at our 2019 conference. Ship visits play a huge role in the event and we are delighted to give agents the chance to explore these amazing examples of modern cruising.”

The conference sessions will feature speakers from across the cruise industry, as well as keynotes from outside the sector. Both the conference and evening events will be held at new venues.

The final day will be held onboard Queen Mary 2, and will include a special closing conference session.

Further details of the venues, theme and speakers will be announced shortly.

The event is open to CLIA member travel agents, with registration available from 12 September. Early bookers can also choose the ship they wish to visit on the 15 May.