Seatrade Europe experts debate luxury small ships and creating the ultimate passenger experience

Case studies will be presented Thursday September 12 9.30-9.40am at Seatrade Europe followed by an interactive industry panel discussion 9:40am - 10:30am.

Chaired by Liz Gammon, marketing consultant & industry influencer, a dialogue will be opened on how to manage the passenger experience for the emerging expedition and luxury cruise market and how niche products are being created to suit this market.

Speakers:

Susana Gutiérrez, General Manager, Malaga Cruise Port

Eva-Britt Kornfeldt, Director, Visit Svalbard & Visit Oslo

Justin Poulsen, VP, Strategic Pricing & Itinerary Planning, Silversea Cruises

Gina Dunnett, Director, Land Product Development, Azamara Club Cruises

Saskia Vrolyk, Senior Product Manager, Noble Caledonia

Rob Kritzman, Itinerary Planner, SeaDream Yacht Club

Guest moderator:

Liz Gammon, Marketing Consultant & Industry Influencer

Small port, big attraction

Small ports are traditionally only on the radar of the smaller ship community - their small stature allowing them the privilege of visiting boutique, off-the-beaten-path ports.

Which… in turn, results in boutique, off-the-beaten-path, more often highly rated shore excursions.

Something that does not go unnoticed by the cruise community!

Many small ports are now reporting an increase in interest from mid-sized ships, who are, it seems, not adverse to anchoring and tendering their guests ashore.

Particularly if they feel the port has something special to offer their passengers on land.

Small ships, big experiences

Creating new itineraries that in turn, lead to a fantastic range of shoreside experiences is the aim of all cruise lines.

It is no secret that many newbuilds are set to join this modest sector of the cruise industry within the next few years – all of them looking to create their own special brand of exploration.

The gem in every ports crown lies in it’s shore excursion portfolio. The more experiential and immersive the better!

'There has never been a better time for small ports to get noticed and I predict this session will bring a lot to the table by way of the sharing of best practise advice and on creating sustainable, on-trend shore experiences and land programs,' said Gammon.

Conference registration

To register for the Seatrade Europe conference click here.

The event takes place from September 11-13 at Hamburg Messe and is co-located with the MARINE INTERIORS Cruise & Ferry Global Expo, powered by SMM.