Adele Fitzpatrick-Foster of CLIA along with cruise line partners Aaron Fletcher, Business Development Manager of NCL, Suzanne Rowe, Head of Sales Ireland for MSC and Explora Journeys, Amanda Middler, Regional Sales Manager for Silversea, Katrina Latimer, Business Development Manager of AMA Waterways, Phil Shipman, Sales Director of Avalon River Cruises, Brian Hynes, Head of Sales for Uniworld Boutique River Cruises and Michelle Ryan of APT Travel Marvel were the incredible hosts of the CLIA winter dinner in Dublin’s Green Hen restaurant last night.
Trade and Media Partners were treated to cocktails, prosecco and wine along with a delicious three course menu in one of Dublin’s most authentic French restaurants.
Adele opened the evening with a warm welcome which followed a poignant speech from ITAA CEO Clare Dunne where she highlighted the continued growing cruise interest and demand from Irish holidaymakers.
First to update us, was the always elegant Suzanne Rowe of MSC and Explora Journeys who spoke about MSC’s policy of ‘more ships to come’ and outlined the differences that we can expect in the newer ships including a focus on families with an entire family dedicated deck on deck 20. She then continued to update on Explora Journeys and had the entire group eating out of her hand for want to experience this product. A product that creators would be proud of. The key takeaways for me was the description of her as a boutique luxury bespoke hotel on the ocean which is comparable to a 5-star deluxe hotel but floating on water. The entire emphasises is on luxury and bespoke experiences. The key features of me are the that they are contemporary, cool, and have a breezy atmosphere. There are no inside cabins to ensure openness and space. Paul Hackett, CEO Click and Go described them as simply stunning, perfect, and performing well in the market here.
Next up, we hit the rivers with Phil of Avalon River Cruises, who are brand new to the Irish market having just appointed Alan Sparling’s ASM to represent them in the industry here.
Phil discussed Avalon’s USP’s including that 80% of all Avalon ships are equipped with Panorama Suites, which unique feature is that the beds in the suites face the river, enhancing the viewing experience for passengers. They also have a size advantage where cabins are generally 30% larger than the industry standard.
Leading into the market with excellent price point at €2,399, which includes flights we can expect to see a lot more of these in the market. Phil and Alan both put an emphasis on building partnerships with agencies and they expressed their appreciation for anticipated support and collaboration with agencies.
Next up we switched back to the Oceans where the ever-popular Amanda brought us through the paces of what’s happening in Silversea.
Most everyone in the market here knows Amanda and her dedication to the Irish market. She spends significant time in Ireland, highlighting its importance as a market. She expressed her genuine gratitude towards agents for voting Silversea as the best luxury cruise line at the recent ITTN awards. Amanda also outlined that Silver sea is also experiencing rapid growth in the UK and Ireland market segment. Growth is attributed not just to large agents, but also smaller agents making a few bookings. Amanda concluded by outlining Silversea’s Expansion and Fleet
Which has expanded from 6 ships to 12 ships, a 90% growth since COVID. Their coverage includes all 7 continents with attractive itineraries and continues to have high customer retention.
Amanada also discussed the new Ships: Silver Nova and Silver Ray which are new entries into the ultra-luxury market with just over 700 guest capacity, she highlighted that each ship will feature 10 different dining options and have a unique design with a pool on deck 10 offering unobstructed views due to side placement and glass panels. Silver Nova is to be in Alaska next summer, promising breathtaking views. ITTN says ‘Have Passport – will travel’!
Next we headed back to the rivers where Katrina brought us to AMA Waterways which is a 22-year-old business with 29 ships who are expecting 5 more ships in the coming years. AMA is a family owned business and some of us in the u=industry will remember Mr Jimmy Murphy OF Brendan Tours as one of the founding members of this river cruise business. The current family owners put a serious focus on customer care and experiences which is evident in their inclusions.
They are also part of the La Cien de Roto Sur gastronomic society which means the offer serious gourmet and a la carte dining options.
Their flagship the AMA Magna is a double width ship on the Danube that holds 20% more guests despite being double the width and features 4 restaurants, 5 bars, a cinema, a Pickleball court, Gym, Spa treatment rooms and hairdressers and is described as ocean-like in experience. But, Katriona really highlighted the Exotic Cruises programme of long haul river cruises on the Mekong, Nile, Chobe in Africa, River Magdalena in Colombia (exclusive to AmaWaterways) which all focus on local culture: music, dance, colonial architecture and all excursions are included.
She asked agents to join her Irish Facebook page for updates and Euro offers. ITTN says: ‘Can’t wait to see you at the CLIA River Cruise conference in Budapest in March’.
Multi award winning Mr River Cruise himself Brian Hynes of luxury, all inclusive Uniworld Boutique River Cruises took us away from the Danube and Rhine and brought us to France where Uniworld operates three ships and itineraries, he described their ship in France as stylish, unique, and one-of-a-kind and likened it to a floating hotel in the coolest of French locations. Brian also touched on Uniworld’s exotic itineries outlining an emphasis on long-haul destinations such as the Mekong, Egypt and Peru but he highlighted India as a standout, popular destination among the Irish market which is currently exclusive to Uniworld.
Brian highlighted business Insights and Market Trends including a shift from predominantly European river cruises to a variety of global destinations with a current distribution of 80% European cruises and 20% long-haul. Uniworld clients are increasingly seeking smaller, more tailored travel experiences. ITTN says ‘oh la la, its definitely time for another luxury trip’
Back to the Oceans and we have Mr popular himself Aaron bringing us into all that’s new and happening in NCL. Aaron told us that NCL’s market share increased from 5.9% in 2021 to 10.9% in 2023 showing the increased popularity of this freestyle brand. Achievements were attributed to travel partners’ support. New Additions and Innovations include Norwegian Aqua the new ship joining the fleet in March.
With the introduction of the first Aqua Coaster at sea: A roller coaster and waterslide combo.
It will have an interactive theater: Seats on the lower tier will be retractable, allowing for a versatile space. It will also have a new show called “Revolution”, featuring the music of Prince. They will also have the first vegan-only restaurant at sea, named “The Pantry”addressing the dietary needs of vegan passengers. Aaron put a serious emphasis on strong community in the cruise industry in Ireland with a close collaboration between brands, who all have shared goals in promoting the industry. NCL’s aims to attract customers from traditional land vacations on to cruises. Aaron finished by wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy new Year.
ITTN says ‘What a ‘Havenly’ product they have and we are fans of this brand’.
Last but not least was Michelle Ryan of APT Travelmarvel, the newly appointed Country Manager for the Irish market. Michelle spoke about her transition from ocean to river cruising and her personal journey and experiences with river cruise which she just embarked on, she gave an emotional speech on her connection to rivers from childhood having grown up near the Bandon River. Michelle spoke about her opinion on River Cruising and the difference from ocean cruising, telling the story of how emphasis on the rivers is on small, picturesque towns and how it is a slower-paced, more intimate experience. Her main observations being River Cruising vs. Ocean cruising is that River cruising is a unique and rewarding experience that will appeal to a wide range of travellers from the traditional demographic to younger, adventurous travelers Michelle encouraged agents to explore the diversity of river cruise offerings and destinations like Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, and Portugal. Michelle spoke about the Duoro being an incredible seller from Ireland and the best value in the market with Travel Marvel and also that in 2025 there is a UK / Ireland specific inclusions are tailored to our markets. Michelle finished on how easy it was to fall in love with river cruising. ITTN says ‘I’m sure its time for another FAM Trip’!
The night closed with Clare Dunne (CEO ITAA) and Adele Fitzpatrick-Foster (CLIA) thanking everyone for attending with a toast for success in 2025.
