This week marks the 11th annual CLIA conference, the biggest travel agent conference in the UK and an opportunity for delegates to immerse themselves into cruise.

When discussing the conference, Andy Harmer, senior vice president and director of CLIA UK & Ireland, said: “We launched the event in 2007 to combine learning with ship visits, conference sessions and networking – and each year we have showcased some of the industry’s leaders, newest ships, and plenty of inspiration.”

Just as the conference has grown and developed over the years, so too has the cruise industry. There has been constant innovation to meet the needs of the modern customer, in terms of dining, destinations and entertainment.

Harmer commented that: “Cruising has come a long way over recent years in adding different experiences, shows and acts.

“Entertainment has become a major selling point for cruise holidays overall, and are a great way of talking to those ‘yet to cruise”.

Therefore, it is unsurprising that entertainment is to be explored throughout the 2017 CLIA conference, with the rumoured appearance of some special guests and a themed ship tour of Navigator of the Sea on the schedule.