The Tales and Travels of Taylor Made PA – CLIA Conference 2025
Published 08.06.2025
Hello!
2025 Conference
Last month I was excited to attend my first annual Cruise Line International Association (CLIA) Conference in Southampton.
Back when I worked on the High Street as a Travel Agent in the 1990’s I trained as Cruise Expert with the Passenger Shipping Association Retail Agents (PSARA) programme. And I love to cruise myself.
The Conference started at the Guildhall and was hosted by CLIA CEO, Andy Harmer, alongside Travel Weekly Editor, Lucy Huxley.
Day One
The morning of day one started hearing from a number of key personnel across all aspect of Cruise, including; Luxury, Small Ship and Expedition.
Speakers included the charismatic President of Azamara Cruise, Dondra Ritzenthaler, who recalled speaking at the Conference last year in her first week in the role. She spoke passionately about the experiences on board Azamara and indeed the Industry. And another was Paul Ludlow. President of Carnival UK including P&O Cruises, where he has worked for 25 years. There is something magnetic about this industry that gets you. Then we heard from Zoologist Billy Heaney on his experiences in Antarctica. The scenery, the icebergs and the wildlife. The Penguins. The Birdlife.
In the afternoon we heard from the keynote speaker, sponsored by AE Expeditions, James Cracknell OBE. James spoke passionately about his experiences. From the Olympics and winning Gold alongside Sir Steve Redgrave and Sir Matthew Pinsent. To his going back to Cambridge University and winning the Boat Race, despite being so much older than his rowing mates. Then he talked about his row across the Atlantic with adventurer Ben Fogle, and other challenges, before embarking on the adventure that changed his life.
He set off on a cycle challenge across the US, when in the early hours of one morning the wing mirror of a fuel tanker smashed into his head as he travelled at speed. The accident caused damage to his frontal lobe, resulting in changes in his personality, memory problems, and epilepsy, among other effects. He was in a medically induced coma and his recovery was a long and challenging process. And ultimately led to the breakdown of his marriage.
James spoke carefully and passionately about his experience. It was this that led him back to University and his Boat Race win. It was truly inspiring to hear him talk. And the reception he received was deserved.
After the conference day wrapped up at 4.30pm, we were taken to the Horizon Cruise Terminal, where there was a Networking Marketplace set up with suppliers across the Cruise Industry, including River Cruise and Cruise Partners like Cruise Plus who create bespoke package including Flights, Cruising and Hotels and/or Tours. It was a great opportunity to see so many suppliers in one place.
Day 1 finished with dinner, where the Premier Travel team were hosted by Royal Caribbean Cruises at, well, a Caribbean Restaurant, where else. Jamaican Jerk Ribs served with Rice and Peas.
Day Two
We started Day two with Ship Visits. I had opted to visit Oceania Cruises ship Vista. Launched in 2002, Oceania offer Small Ship Luxury Cruises. They have a fleet of 8 ships including the Allura which sets sail in 2025 and is the sister ship to Vista. They both take just 1200 passengers onboard, with no inside cabins offered.
With passengers due onboard, we started with tours of the Ships Suites. From the Stunning Owners Suite and Vista Suite, kitted out by Ralph Lauren. To the lead-in Oceania Suite. All come with Butler Service.
The cabins were also stunning. In natural and sea tones, they are beautiful designed. Worth looking at the Concierge Verandah Cabin which also comes with access to the Concierge Lounge.
Facilities on-board including a reasonable sized pool, hot tubs, Spa and Gym with views out to sea. But what Oceania are best known for is “the finest cuisine at sea”. Vista offers a total of 12 dining venues, including a variety of restaurants, cafes, and private dining experiences.
For lunch we were treated to a sample of the food served across all their restaurants in their main dining room. Including Crab Cakes, Risotto, Steak, Chocolate Brownie and Petit Fours. It was delicious!
In the evening it was time to Celebrate at the “Sailaway Party”. Again taking place at the Guildhall. With a Champagne Bar hosted by Oceania. A variety of Tribute Acts from The Proclaimers to The Beatles finishing with a 3-piece Take That. Canapes were themed from all the corners of the UK. Fish & Chips, Chicken Tikka, Cornish Pasty and Toad in the Hole!
The evening ended with a DJ set sponsored by Princess Cruises by Radio 2’s Scott Mills.
Day Three
The Conference wrapped on Day 3 with a second ship visit. This time I opted to see the Royal Caribbean Independence of the Seas.
Launched in 2008. It was updated in 2018. Holding a maximum of 4,375 passengers. Slightly smaller than the 4905 on Anthem of the Seas which I visited in 2022. And a lot smaller than their worlds largest Icon of the Seas which takes 7,600 passengers.
The ship has a fantastic central promenade with Shops and Restaurants. And there are a number of “Inside” Cabins that have windows overlooking.
We started the day with an introduction to the full Royal Caribbean team, where we were treated to a highlight performance of the Grease production by the Entertainment Team.
We then got to see all the facilities onboard the ship. As one of the older ships in the fleet, it’s more traditional in its style than the newer ships. This makes it a great choice for multi-generational families, as it still has superb facilities for children and families, including kids clubs, splash park, climbing wall and mini golf. With a huge gym, spa, and a number of hot tubs.
There are over 10 dining options, including many on the main dining plan, including the Café Promenade in the Royal Promenade, and Sorrento’s New-York-style pizzeria. The multilevel main dining room was stunning! And this is where we were served lunch. In my case, Asparagus with Pine Nuts, Herbed Chicken with Roasted Vegetables and a Vegan Chocolate Brownie with Chocolate Sorbet. It was also delicious!
And with that it was time to disembark and that was the close of CLIA 2025.
Cruising in the UK Market
Cruising continues to be a growing market in the UK. And there really is a cruise for everyone. It’s all about finding the right cruise ship and the right itinerary, making it the right cruise or you.
- Small Ship vs. Large Ship
- Ocean vs River vs Expedition
- Inside vs Outside vs Balcony vs Suite
- Luxury vs Ultra Luxury
- Mediterranean vs Alaska vs Oceana
- Danube vs Duoro vs Mekong vs Nile
- Arctic vs Antarctica vs the Kimberleys
Want to speak to an expert and find the right cruise for you?
Email me on jules.taylor@premier-travel.co.uk or book in a time to talk here.
Until next time…
Jules x