The programme of the CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) conference covered aspects such as responsible tourism management and a close focus on further elaborating and strengthening the path to more sustainable cruising. (photos: Mirjam Lems)
750 participants from the global cruise industry were present, including ambassadors, Ministers, local & regional administrators, members of the European Board, and EU Commissioners.
The conference looked at regulation and cooperation within the cruise industry, the economic impact, and environmental improvements and innovations. Port of Rotterdam CEO Boudewijn Siemons opened the conference at the World Trade Centre. Cruise Port Rotterdam hosted the Cruise Party Europe in the terminal. Derek Otte, poet and writer, recited the specially crafted poem “Cruising together, building tomorrow” (see poem). The cruise industry is important for Europe, particularly considering the impact of building new cruise ships and maintaining them on this continent.
That extends to the Netherlands, where there is considerable expertise in these areas. Leading figures from the cruise line industry attended CLIA Cruise Week, such as Jason Liberty, Chairman of CLIA International & CEO of Royal Caribbean and CEOs Harry Sommer (NCLH), Pierfrancesco Vago (MSC & Chairman CLIA Europe), Josh Weinstein (Carnival Corporation) and Charles 'Bud' Darr, the new CEO of CLIA International.
(Gedicht Derek Otte)
Cruising together, building tomorrow
across the oceans far and wide
big ships journey; tides their guide
broadening horizons, holding place
uniting people, time and space
different cultures, side by side
serving passengers with pride
waves of kindness have to flow
for hospitality to grow
if history was a course to sail
it would let the winds of change prevail
from a heritage preserved with care
to a futuristic glare
at an industry, sustainable
goals proven to be attainable
traveling port to port with hope
across our big blue globe
with rules upheld, near or far
health and safety, the highest bar
governance fair, employment true
economies rise, connections bloom
“all aboard!” through night and day
the cruise world charts a brighter way
evolving, improving, changing pace
uniting people, time and space.