Clia members will have the chance to see Celebrity Edge at next year’s Clia Conference in Southampton.
The 2,918-passenger vessel is to launch in November but will sail itineraries from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, before arriving in the UK in May.
Andy Harmer, Clia’s UK and Ireland director and senior vice-president of membership, told Travel Weekly, Clia’s media partner, that three ships would be at the conference: Edge, MSC Preziosa and Cunard’s Queen Mary 2.
“We are using three ships,” he said. “This is the first time we have had a MSC ship, but we are lucky enough to be showcasing Celebrity Edge too.”
Clia also revealed in a Facebook Live broadcast that it would be increasing the number of delegates at the conference, which runs from May 15-17.
About 650 delegates attended this year’s conference at Hilton Ageas Rose Bowl in Southampton, but Harmer said a new venue would be announced for next year.
The conference, gala dinner and closing ceremony will again be co-hosted by Harmer and Travel Weekly editor-in-chief Lucy Huxley.
“We are putting together an event that will be both educational and exciting to attend. Agents love hearing from our guest speakers from inside and outside the cruise industry,” Harmer added.
“This year we heard from Sir Ranulph Fiennes. It is no wonder the Clia Conference is the biggest travel agent event in the UK and the biggest cruise travel agent event in Europe.”
Agents will be able to register via cruiseexperts.org from September 12.