Tickets for the UK Cruise Convention have gone on sale, as organisers revealed that agents are to be given the chance to visit a fifth ship during the event.
The convention takes place in Southampton on June 24-26, and Travel Weekly has been confirmed as the trade media partner.
The convention will include ship visits to three of the newest ships afloat in the form of Celebrity Eclipse, NCL’s Norwegian Epic and P&O Cruises’ Azura.
Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 is also in port, and Association of Cruise Experts (ACE) this week confirmed that Crown Princess would be available for pre-convention visits on Wednesday, June 23 when Complete Cruise Solution will also be hosting a drinks reception.
ACE director Flo Powell said: “Cruise lines and agents are reporting huge interest in cruise holidays. This year’s UK Cruise Convention will provide travel agents with the very latest news and trends within the industry, ship visits and business sessions designed to help them turn the high consumer interest into increased cruise business.”
An early bird rate of £60 for ACE members and £70 for non-members is available until March 15, when prices rise to £70 and £80 respectively. The cost does not cover accommodation or travel, though ACE has negotiated rates with a number of city centre hotels.
To reserve tickets for the cruise convention and for more information on the Ace awards, go to www.ukcruiseconvention.org.
Sponsorship opportunities are also available, including headline and trade fair stands. Contact flo@psa-ace.org for more information or call 020 7436 2449.