Cruise Britain Concludes 2024 with Annual Winter Event – Cruise Industry News

Cruise Britain’s annual winter event in London has closed the association’s year on a high note and was the perfect springboard to 2025, the company said in a press release.

Charting the course for 2025 will be a new Steering Group with incumbent Chair, Ian McQuade, confirmed for a second tenure.

“2024 has been another successful year for Cruise Britain and its members,” said McQuade.

“Our thanks must go to all the cruise lines that we’ve worked with and who are increasing their presence in Britain and British Isles waters and also to all our generous sponsors for events across the year,” added McQuade.

“Our membership is immensely supportive, and this is reflected in the presence that the association is able to maintain. Our springboard to 2025 is looking on a firm footing, and I look forward to next year.”

According to the press release, the nationwide port community is joined by a range of vital service providers, including ground handlers, shore excursion specialists, port agents, stevedores, car parking operators and key industry stakeholders.

The event’s port and destination membership saw over 40 ports and destinations represented.

The Steering Group comprises Mary Bond (Seatrade), Perry Dack (Solent Stevedores), Ian Diaper (Portsmouth Int. Port), Gary Hall (Belfast Harbour), Isla Haddow (Denholm Port Services), Rebekah Keeler (ABP Southampton), Kate O’Hara (Fowey Harbour) and James Stangroom (Bristol Port).

The group begins a three-year term at the beginning of 2025. They will be joined by new cruise line representative, Kai Algar, Marine and Port Planning Manager, Fred Olsen Cruise Line.

Continuing at the helm as Chair with the support of the incoming Steering Group, including Kay Greenway, Cruise Britain’s Director, will be Ian McQuade (Portland Port).

November’s sixth London event saw 120 attendees, including 34 cruise executives from 20 cruise operators.

Cruise Britain gathers members together thrice yearly, with spring sessions focusing on regulation, legislation and imminent challenges.

The 2024 event saw members travel to Belfast and onto TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff 3. In addition, virtual sessions were offered.