Call for entries! So you want to start a cruise line?

In a Shark Tank-like session on March 28, entrepreneurs will pitch their idea for a new cruise line for on-the-spot analysis and judging. Those chosen to present will be selected in a just-opened call for entries.

The panel, consisting of experts from finance/private equity, cruise line leadership, operations and sales/distribution, will share their perspectives on the current climate for start-ups. And who knows? There may be sharks in the room!

Apply by March 14

First step: Outline your concept in no more than 500 words via this form. Submissions close at 11:59 p.m. EST March 14. The finalists chosen to present at Seatrade Cruise Global will be notified by March 17 and will receive a free full conference pass.

On March 28, the finalists will make a five-minute public pitch of their concept and answer questions. At the end, each expert panelist will choose his favorite concept and provide analysis.

Expert panel

The expert panel consists of Hugo Moddermann, managing director, Dolfinance, specialized in financing small to medium size cruise ships and megayachts; Peter Shaerf, managing director, AMA Capital Partners, a merchant banking firm exclusively focused on the maritime industry; Alex Sharpe, president/CEO, Signature Travel Network, one of the leading retail distribution groups; Ted Sykes, Certares Homecoming, who's served in senior operating and financial capacities including CEO, managing director and CFO at four cruise lines; and Terry Thornton, consultant and former longtime Carnival Cruise Line senior executive who earlier was on the founding teams for two start-ups, Sea Goddess Cruises and Windstar Cruises. The session's moderator is Anne Kalosh, editor, Seatrade Cruise News.

'So you want to start a cruise line?' is scheduled for 2:15 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. March 28 at Seatrade Cruise Global. The full conference program is here.

Call for entries: Make your pitch to present now by filing out this simple form. Deadline: March 14 at 11:59 p.m. EST. Finalists will be notified by March 17.

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