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Last call! Apply by March 14 to pitch for 'So you want to start a cruise line?'

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If you've ever dreamed of starting a cruise line, here's your chance to have your concept vetted by a panel of experts at Seatrade Cruise Global
Entries received to date for the 'So you want to start a cruise line?' Shark Tank-like session at Seatrade Cruise Global show incredible creativity, with no two alike so far.

If you've ever dreamed of starting a cruise line, here's your chance to have your concept vetted by a panel of experts. On March 28, entrepreneurs will pitch their idea for on-the-spot analysis and judging at Seatrade Cruise Global.

Those chosen to present will be selected in a call for entries, with applications due March 14. For consideration, submit your pitch of no more than 500 words here

Test your idea for valuable feedback

'Test your idea before a panel of experienced industry personalities who have been involved in successful start-ups and seen some that never got off the ground,' said Peter Shaerf, managing director, AMA Capital Partners, a member of the expert panel.

'Your concept may be a new theme, a special itinerary, a unique concept,' Shaerf continued. 'You may have preliminary investors and want to know how to broaden your outreach, or you may just want to test your idea. In all cases, this is a great chance to see what can be achieved and get that venture off and running.'

The sharks

The five-person panel consists of experts in cruise-ship finance, cruise line management, start-ups and sales/distribution. And who knows? There may be other sharks in the room.

'How will you differentiate your product and get my 15,000 advisors excited about offering cruises to a different subset of their clientele?' said Alex Sharpe, president/CEO, Signature Travel Network, another of the expert panelists. 'How will you scale to make it worthwhile for our advisors to focus on your brand and segment? We will sell $2b in cruises this year – how do you get our attention?'

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Last call!

Briefly outline your concept in no more than 500 words on this form. Submissions close at 11:59 p.m. EDT 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, those selected will give their best elevator pitch in public, field questions and get feedback/analysis from a panel that will also talk about the current climate for start-ups.

'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.