The third edition of the Seatrade All Asia Cruise Convention will focus on the growing importance and massive potential of China and the wider Asian markets for the cruise industry going forward.

Heightened confidence in Asia’s potential is resulting in many of the world’s cruise lines making deeper commitments to the region, an action reflected in numerous high-level speaker confirmations for this year’s event, organised by Seatrade in association with Shanghai International Port (Group) Co. Ltd. and taking place at the Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal from 26-28 September.

Participants will also have the opportunity to attend an add-on programme at the Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal in the city’s Baoshan district, including a conference session focusing on cruise terminals and passenger handling, from 29-30 September.

Recent additions to an impressive speaker line-up for the convention’s high-level conference include Sebastian Ahrens-Managing Director, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises; Michael Bayley-EVP, International & Managing Director, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd/RCL Cruises Ltd; Sarina Bratton-Founder & Managing Director, Orion Expedition Cruises; William Ng-COO, Star Cruises; Steve Odell-SVP, UK, Europe & Asia Pacific, Silversea; Rama Rebbapragada- Chairman, Asia Cruise Association and Associate VP, International Charters, Consumer Outreach & Business Development, Royal Caribbean Cruises Limited; Ann Sherry, AO-CEO, Carnival Australia; Christina Siaw-CEO, Singapore Cruise Centre and Andrea Zito-CEO, V.Ships Leisure SAM.

A major event for the whole of Asia

Widespread investment in new cruise terminals across Asia is attracting more and bigger ships to the region, bringing more passengers. Asia’s shipbuilding sector and suppliers are also looking to increase their engagement with the cruise industry and estimates of five million Asians cruising by 2020 are thought to be conservative in many quarters.

Against this backdrop of continued expansion, the event’s conference sessions will examine the outlook for cruise development across the whole of Asia, with newly released session titles including New Asian Itineraries & Destinations, Unlocking the Potential of China & the Other Asian Source Markets, Shipbuilding & Refurbishment in Asia & the Role of Asian Yards, Operational Challenges for the Industry in Asia and Asia’s River Cruise & River Boat Tourism, as well as the keynote plenary session, The State of the Cruise Industry in Asia.

Attendees are promised an integrated conference and networking experience, with a packed social programme complementing industry-critical session content as well as an international exhibitor element and onsite cruise agent training, plus the opportunity to attend the add-on programme at Baoshan’s cruise terminal.

The Seatrade All Asia Cruise Convention is organised by Seatrade, in association with Shanghai Municipal Tourism Administration, Shanghai Municipal Hongkou District People’s Government and Shanghai International Port (Group) Co. Ltd. (SIPG), and is supported by the Asia Cruise Association, Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal and the Shanghai International Conference Management Organisation.