Cruise Down Under books five keynote speakers for 2015 conference

They are Claudius Docekal (director deployment, destinations and charter sales, Azamara Club Cruises), Rich Pruitt (vp safety and environmental stewardship, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.), Darius Mehta (director land programs, Silversea Cruises), Michael Hackman (evp marine operations and new ship building, Star Cruises) and Sture Myrmell (svp P&O Cruises Australia).

CDU ceo Jill Abel said the conference, titled ‘Uniting Australia’s Cruise Future,’ will explore a wide range of topics including emerging markets and passenger mix, itineraries and land programmes, ports and the environmental footprint of cruising.

Abel said CDU 2015, sponsored by Tourism Northern Territory, Darwin Port Corporation and Tourism Top End, will have one of the strongest programmes to date and should not be missed by stakeholders.

The registration desk opens at Hilton Darwin on September 2, when there will be a programme of full-day and half-day tours, including Darwin harbour and jumping crocodile cruises, an outback pub adventure and a visit to Paspaley to view ‘the world’s finest pearls.’ 

A welcome function will be held at Il Lido on the Darwin waterfront.

The conference runs September 3, when CDU’s 2014-15 Economic Impact Assessment will be launched.

The gala dinner will be held that evening at the beachfront restaurant Pee Wees at the Point. 

There will be a motivational breakfast for all delegates on September 4, followed by the annual general meeting for CDU members only.

Information/registration: cruisedownunder.com/conferences.