17 -19 May Edinburgh
2022
CRUISE EUROPE CONFERENCE
Conference Brochure
LOCATION
Edinburgh, Great Britain
Scotland as a whole is a major draw for the cruise market, with Edinburgh in particular a 'must-see' marquee destination. An inspirational conference destination, Edinburgh is one of the great capital cities of the world.
A world-leading centre for business, finance and education, energy and excitement emanates from every corner of the city.
Edinburgh was named Western Europe's Top Cruise Destination 2018 by Cruise Critic, the world's largest online cruise resource.
This is a great opportunity to showcase what not only Edinburgh, but the whole of Scotland has to offer cruise vessels and their guests.
Jens Skrede, Managing Director of Cruise Europe
Capital Cruising’s Rob Mason and Steve Lyons look forward to welcoming you to the 2022 Cruise Europe Conference in Edinburgh 17-19 May
Accessibility
Programme
Tuesday 17th May
Council Meeting
10:00 - 11:30
Internal Cruise Europe meetings Kimpton Charlotte Square.
(Council Members only)
Buffet Lunch
12:00 - 13:30
Kimpton Charlotte Square.
Regional Meetings
12:30 - 14:00
Kimpton Charlotte Square.
AGM
14:30 - 16:00
16:00 – 17:00 Registration Desk Open
The Kimpton Charlotte Square
Informal Reception (drinks and canapes)
19:30 - 23:00
(Dress Code: Smart/Casual)
Royal Yacht Britannia. Leith *
* Shuttle buses will transfer guests to and from Kimpton and Royal Yacht Britannia
Wednesday 18th May
Conference Registration and Opening
09:00 - 16:00
08:00 – 09:00 Registration Desk Open
Kimpton Charlotte Square.
Buffet Lunch
12:45 - 14:00
Kimpton Charlotte Square.
Gala Dinner
18:45 - 24:00
(Dress Code: Formal / Black Tie))
National Museum of Scotland *
* Shuttle buses will transfer guests to and from Kimpton and National Museum of Scotland
Thursday 19th May Excursions
Diageo Sponsor - Johnnie Walker Princes Street
1200 – 1330 hours
Journey of Flavour
Tour commences 1200 hours lasting 90 minutes. Guests should arrive 15 minutes beforehand (1145) to register and complete Tasting Questionnaire prior to starting the tour. The Johnnie Walker Experience is a 2 minute walk from the Kimpton across Charlotte Square.
Max Capacity – 22 PAX
Your experience includes: an immersive 90 minute tour led by an expert guide. Plus 3 whisky drinks tailored to your flavour preferences (non-alcoholic options are available too). Join us on a journey through John Walker’s epic search for flavours that bring people together for enjoyment. Discover how, rather than settling for the status quo, Johnnie Walker’s pioneering spirit, resiliency, and bold, aspirational creativity continue to set us apart as drivers of innovation, social connection, and downright delicious drinks. Your full-sensory adventure culminates in a flavour-filled celebration of the legendary Johnnie Walker taste and the special moments we create and share together.
Your experience includes:
- Full-sensory, 90 minute tour led by an expert guide
- 3 whisky drinks, tailored to your flavour preferences (non-alcoholic options are available too)
- You can also enjoy 10% off products purchased in our retail area at Johnnie Walker Princes Street on the day of your experience only (up to the value of £500 per item) and 10% off drinks in the 1820 or Explorers' Bothy Bar on the day of your experience (please show your tour confirmation ticket to a member of staff to redeem. Advance booking is recommended.)
Edinburgh Food Safari – 1000 – 1130 hours
+++ fully booked +++
We do the hunting, you do the eating
Why are there painted windows in The New Town?
Find out why over an Edinburgh gin cocktail, smoked salmon and a donut Scottish style on a unique fun way to walk and eat Edinburgh. Nell Nelson, enchanting host of the Edinburgh Food Safari* is inviting delegates of Cruise Europe on a 'Taster' walking Food Safari through the streets of Edinburgh's New Town.
Limited spaces (max 10 PAX) are available to join Nell on Thursday 19 May at 10am for a 90 minute insight into the history of Edinburgh and its amazing hospitality.
Tour will depart and end at the Kimpton Charlotte Square.
*More information about Edinburgh Food Safari for Cruise Visitors https://www.edinburghfoodsafari.com
Edinburgh Food Safari offers visitors the chance to walk through the UNESCO world heritage of the Georgian New Town and see the stunning architecture at close hand which makes for a vivid contrast to the medieval closes of The Old Town. The full tour provides at least five eating and drinking stops over a three-hour period. The tours are heavy on the eating, light on the walking: guests can enjoy traditional haggis in a Victorian pub, a selection of farmhouse Scottish cheeses and oatcakes with a single malt, meet the team who smoke the finest Scottish salmon over oak chips, enjoy afternoon tea with feather light scones, warm from the oven served with jam and cream in a 19th century house hotel and a Edinburgh gin liqueur cocktail and a donut Scottish style! All cruise safaris are exclusive. Minimum number of guests 2 Maximum number is 60 – Nell can arrange more guides, so still an intimate tour of 10 guests per guide, but larger numbers can be accommodated. PRICING £70 pp – can be adapted to suit budgets I can offer 24 hour notice on booking a tour. INVOICING – invoicing post-event is acceptable. Edinburgh Food Safari – we do the hunting, you do the eating https://www.edinburghfoodsafari.com [1] Nell Nelson owner: tel: 07796 298163
Departing Kimpton at 1030 hours, returning 1230 hours.
Max Capacity = 70 PAX
Edinburgh’s beauty is both staggering and unique. But, the city is far more than just a pretty face. Take a closer look and there’s much to discover and, there’s no better way of seeing Scotland’s capital than from the top of a double decker bus.
Why not let Lothian Motorcoaches show you round the two halves of Edinburgh city centre.
This tour will show off the architectural juxtaposition of the medieval Old Town and the Georgian New Town, we’ll take you down cobbled streets that were once the hunting grounds of Edinburgh’s notorious serial killers Burke and Hare, as well as providing visitors with exceptional photo opportunities of some of Britain’s best-preserved Regency era buildings.
Your live Guide will be able to tell you stories and secrets about the city. Whether you are a movie buff wanting to visit locations used in recent Hollywood blockbusters or a foodie looking for the best recommendations for a haggis supper your Guide will be able to point out all the points of interest that you would want to know.
EZ Bike Tours – Edinburgh’s Landmarks
0930 – 1200 hours, departing and returning from the Kimpton
Max Capacity = 6 PAX
Before you go home . . . do you have time for a free guided e-bike tour round Edinburgh?
On the morning of Thursday 19th May, after the conference ends, we are offering six of our award-winning RadPower electric bikes on a first-come first-served basis for an exclusive tour around the city of Edinburgh, free of charge.
The tour will take between 2 1/2 hrs from 9.30 - 12.00 on 19th May, starting and finishing at the Kimpton Hotel.
These bikes are safe, comfortable and easy to use while being impeccably maintained and above all, really great fun!
The tour will pass many of Edinburgh’s famous landmarks, mainly in the Old Town. We will be cycling on main roads, bike lanes and cycle paths. The fat tyres on the bikes are wonderfully suited to Edinburgh’s cobbles, tramlines, hills and wynds.
We will make our way up to the top of the famous Royal Mile via Johnstone Terrace and meander down the whole length of this famous street to Holyrood Palace and the Scottish Parliament. These e-bikes have plenty of power to get us easily up the Radical Road round Arthur’s Seat (an extinct volcano), which gives a panoramic view of Edinburgh and its skyline. We then pass through the Meadows to the Grassmarket, where many gruesome hangings took place. Many iconic films have Edinburgh settings (eg Outlander, Da Vinci Code, The Avengers, Harry Potter, Trainspotting), and we point out some of these as well as hidden sights of the original city walls and secret gardens, churches, and historic buildings.
We will stop for a refreshment in the Grassmarket with its dramatic views of the Castle before returning over Princes Street Gardens into the New Town (1767 -1850) to the hotel via George Street.
Downloads & Links
Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel 4*
The hotel is located in a busy area, 500 meters from Edinburgh Castle. The property is a 10-minute drive from Edinburgh Zoo.
Area attractions include New Town, Usher Hall and a zoo, bars and restaurants.
The 198 guest rooms are spread over 5 floors. The rooms have a stunning view of the street. Each room is equipped with an en suite bathroom.
Breakfast here is served from 07:00 till 10:00. Guests can also enjoy local meals at the large restaurant. Cocktails, afternoon tea and coffee are offered at the snack bar. The coffee store Affogato is 250 meters away from the venue.
The hotel offers an ideal location 10 km away from Edinburgh Airport.
Guests can relax with steam baths and various massages.
Accommodation is available to book at a cost of £210.00 for single occupancy and £225.00 for double occupancy, subject to availability. Rates include breakfast.
Rates are advanced purchase - payment will be taken at time of booking and will be non-refundable thereafter.
Accommodation is available on a first come first served basis and the rates above are restricted to a smaller number of rooms over the months before the conference - please book early to avoid disappointment.
Hotel reservation payments from previous conference dates are being held by the hotel to be used against new hotel bookings for the May 2022 dates. All delegates must contact the hotel to make or re-confirm a booking for May 2022. Previous amounts paid can be carried as a deposit against new bookings and the remaining balance must be paid at the time of securing your new reservation. Name changes on existing bookings will be accepted.
To make a booking, please email Bartosz.Pres@ihg.com
Room reservation
Speakers
Michelle Lupino
Head of Destination Management
Ambassador cruise Line
Michelle Lupino is proud to be a direct descendant of one of the most celebrated theatrical families, the Lupino’s. However, despite her roots, travel has been her passion and she has spent more than 35 years in the industry, the majority in the cruising sector. Having worked previously for SAGA, Carnival UK and Cruise & Maritime Voyages, Michelle joined Ambassador Cruise Line as Head of Destination Management. She works closely with the Directors developing and co-ordinating vessel itineraries, is responsible for a dedicated team planning and operating a range of Destination Experiences and acts as key liaison with the appointed partner BSM Cruise Services, for all port operations.
LINDEN COPPELL
DIRECTOR OF SUSTAINABILITY, MSC CRUISES
As Director of Sustainability, Linden aims to ensure that MSC Cruises grows in a sustainable way. In this role, Linden works in collaboration with numerous internal and external partners. She established the Executive Chairman-led Sustainable Advisory Board, responsible for approving actions to meet the sustainability goals of the business and ensuring sustainability is embedded across the entire organisation.
Linden has a solid background in environmental protection and sustainability, with experience both as a consultant and in the corporate environment. As a consultant this included working on many diverse projects in Hong Kong and the South East Asia region, including the implementation of environmental management systems and developing environmental and sustainability reporting regimes for government and non-government clients.
She joined Cathay Pacific as the Manager Environmental Affairs in 2003 and in 2009 took up a position at Etihad Airways, initially as Head of Environment and then as Head of Sustainability for the Etihad Aviation Group.
Linden led several successful projects including instigating the voluntary carbon offset program ‘Fly Greener’ at Cathay Pacific and leading the drive towards sustainable alternative fuels at Etihad. The latter including facilitating the longest flight using alternative fuels into the Middle East in 2014 and then enabling a flight powered using sustainable biomass grown and refined into jet fuel in the UAE, a first for the region.
SACHA ROUGIER
HEAD OF ITINERARY PLANNING AND DESTINATION EXPERIENCES, EXPLORA JOURNEYS
As Head of Itinerary Planning and Destination Experiences, Sacha Rougier is responsible for defining worldwide routing and itineraries, creating enriching and respectful destination experiences in each port for Explora Journeys - MSC Group`s newly created luxury cruise brand, that launched in June this year.
In her role, which she assumed in July 2020, Sacha`s remit includes working alongside onboard revenue management, fleet management and port operations.
Prior to joining Explora Journeys, Sacha was Managing Director, Cruise Gate Hamburg GmbH (CGH), a subsidiary of the Hamburg Port Authority. As operator of the three cruise terminals CGH she oversaw terminal operation, berthing allocation, international cruise development and EU Lobbying as well as terminal planning. Before her employment at CGH, Sacha worked for the Port of Marseille, where she held various positions in marketing and cruise development.
Sacha Rougier has played an active role in Hamburg´s cruise development as former member of the Board of trustees of the “Hamburg Cruise Net.” She furthermore held various positions in Board at Cruise Europe, Chair of the Cruise Committee IAPH and co-lecturer on Port Economics & Business Programme at the University for Maritime & Air Transport Antwerp (C-MAT). Passionate by classical music, Sacha is member of the advisory board of the Elbphilharmonie and Laeiszhalle (ELBG) and supervisory board of Hamburg Musik GmbH.
Sacha holds a Master in Change Management and a Bachelor's degree in European Studies (Economics, German and Spanish).
Explora Journeys (the newly created luxury division of the MSC Group) is redefining ocean travel for a new generation of discerning travellers. With the first of four luxury ships scheduled to set sail in May 2023, remarkable itineraries will blend renowned destinations with lesser travelled ports for a journey that celebrates discovery. Equipped with the latest in environmental-supporting and marine technologies, Explora Journeys will introduce a unique all-inclusive luxury travel experience for those who want to explore differently.
EXPLORA I, the first of four brand new ships will set sail in May 2023 as part of eight inaugural journeys.
Chris Coates
Director/Ambassador at Large
Chris has 39 years’ experience in the passenger shipping industry. He started his career in 1983 in sales and marketing
positions for CTC Lines and luxury brand Astor Cruises and was later promoted to CTC’s Sales & Marketing Director, Executive
Board Member as well as heading up the commercial team.
In May 1996, Chris was part of the team that set up Cruise & Maritime Services to provide bespoke ship brokerage, general sales agency, destination management and entertainment services to the expanding cruise industry. Cruise & Maritime Services was acquired and merged into the Cruise & Maritime Voyages Group in 2011 following the launch of its brand. Chris became Group Commercial Director and led the international sales and marketing operation with a fleet of six ships and responsibility for vessel deployment, cruise programming and itinerary planning until July 2020.
In February 2020, Chris become Chief Commercial officer of Ambassador Cruise Line involved in the setting up and launch of Britain’s newest cruise line since 2010. In late May 2022, Chris will be going into semi retirement assuming a part time, ‘Ambassador at Large’ consultancy role with involvement in itinerary planning, route management, market analysis and maintaining shipping industry relations.
Christal Morgan
Senior Director, Deployment Planning
Princess Cruises
Crystal Morgan is the Director Deployment Planning for Princess Cruises. Crystal has been involved in deployment and itinerary planning since transitioning from the Shore Excursions group in 2002. In this role, Crystal has expanded the deployment team into a dedicated and passionate group responsible for the planning of the entire Princess Cruises fleet of 16 vessels. Under Crystal’s tenure, Princess Cruises has won numerous itinerary awards, including Best Itineraries from Recommend Magazine for a record-setting 13 times.
Crystal travelled the world as an Onboard Shore Excursion Manager with Princess Cruises before moving the corporate offices in Los Angeles. Crystal started her career with Princess Cruises as an onboard scuba-instructor, and credits the desire to learn scuba to her career path.
Crystal lives in Los Angeles with her Sheltie-mix dog, Murphy Brown.
Sander Groothuis
Vice President Port & Shore Operations
Carnival UK | P&O Cruises and Cunard
Sander joined Carnival UK in 2019 as Director of Port Operations and later became Vice President of Port & Shore Operations in 2020. Sander is responsible for Port Operations, Shore Operations, Itinerary Planning and Fuel Management. He started his career as a Cadet at Holland America Line over 25 years ago. Sander moved through the ranks including Captain, while sailing all five oceans and visiting all seven continents. In 2009 he transitioned shoreside and oversaw Marine and Port Operations at Windstar Cruises.
Sander currently resides on the Isle of Wight with his family and their dogs. They like to go for long walks in the countryside and along the scenic coastal paths.
Michael Schulze
Director of Cruising Phoenix Reisen
Michael Schulze german/norwegian, born in Cuxhaven, growed up in Germany and Norway. After high school, two years militaryservice german navy. After completing his studies as a graduate in business administration, he started in tourism mid of the 90's for Neckermann at Club Aldiana, learned to work with guests from scratch, before he was drawn into the cruise industry. His maritime touristic career started at Seetours and Deutsche Seereederei, the predecessor of Aida Cruises. At the turn of the millenium Michael went to Phoenix Reisen followed by some intermediate stations with other german cruise companies Delphin Seereisen and Hansa Kreuzfahrten. In 2006 he returned to Phoenix Reisen, but at the Bonn headquarter. Since then, Michael has accompanied and controlled the fortunes of the medium-sized and family-owned company in close cooperation with the owner, COO and CFO. In addition to the four seagoing ships Amadea, Amera, Artania and Deutschland (the fifth ship Albatros was sold during the pandemic), Phoenix is Germanys market leader in river cruises with close to 40 chartered ships worldwide. The development of the fleet, of the travel programs, the marketing and the onboard-experience are some of his tasks, as well the guest service and pre-/post-communication. Michael's favorite task is the worldwide voyage and itinerary planning of the seagoing vessels. The Special: Phoenix Reisen is family and lives its slogan "welcome on board - welcome home".
Sandra Diana Bratland
Director Destination Affairs
Carnival Norway
Sandra has worked with the cruise industry all her life where she has experienced the industry from different sides of the operation.
She has almost 20 years of experience from shore excursion operation, including five years as Head of Shore Excursions with Norway’s largest incoming operator. In the beginning of her career, she also worked as ships agent. Sandra held a brief assignment as a consultant with the Norwegian Centre of Expertise Tourism at Fjord Norway before taking on the role as Managing Director of Cruise Norway where she stayed for 4 years. After this she spent one year in Port of Bergen focusing on the port’s cruise strategy before joining Carnival autumn 2018.
Sandra currently holds the position of Director Destination Affairs representing all Carnival brands operating in Norway. As Carnival’s presence in Norway, Sandra engages with ports, destinations, agents, politicians, authorities, media and other relevant stakeholders on behalf of the brands and also function as a link between Carnival and various Norwegian stakeholders.
Nick Hughes
Nick Hughes | Chief Operating Officer
Ambassador Cruise Line
Nick has over 30 years' experience in the marine industry. He is a chartered marine engineer and joins the Ambassador family from a multifaceted career that spans technical engineering, consultancy, and senior commercial roles.
His early roots in The Royal Navy provided a springboard for a career that would include many different sectors including defence, shipping and cruise ship operation affording him a broad focus on customer & technical strategy, compliance, risk, shipping law and other aspects of shore-based management.
He has successfully led a number of complex business reorganisations juggling a demand for technical modernisation and aligned to significant expansion criteria.
Until 2020 he spent 7 years as Head of Technical Operations with Marella Cruises (TUI UK Ltd) where he was responsible for fleet management, budget control and compliance, and contributed strategically to asset management and business growth.
LUISA GÓMEZ-ALBO SANCHÍS
Manager- Itinerary Planning and Port Operations,
Mystic Cruises
As Head of Itinerary Planning for Mystic Cruises and Mystic Ocean, Luisa leads the definition of the company itinerary strategy, working closely with top management and key departments to build the best possible experience for our guests.
On the Port Operations side, she is responsible for identifying opportunities to constantly innovate the company’s internal processes as well as establishing strong and long-lasting relationships with our stakeholders.
Luisa holds a Double Bachelor’s Degree in Law and Business Administration by Comillas Pontifical University (ICADE E3).
She began her professional career in corporate strategy at a multinational consumer goods company. It was in 2016 when the Cruise Industry knocked at her door and became part of Pullmantur Cruises.
Her career at Pullmantur initiated in Commercial Strategy, a newly created department within the company. She defined and implemented the commercial budget for each market, carried out a comprehensive project to gain Commercial costs efficiency and gave support to the commercial team by implementing a strategic approach to campaigns and changing contractual relations with OTAs and local Travel Agencies.
In 2018, she became part of the itinerary Planning team, planning the worldwide deployment, coordinating the implementation of new itineraries until opening for sale with all the areas involved and monitoring product-level profitability.
Her path in the industry came at a halt during the pandemic. She explored the banking-real estate sector at a consultant firm and participated in one of the biggest merger operations in the European banking industry.
In 2022 Luisa embarks again to sail hand in hand with Mystic Cruises and hopes the best for our beautiful cruise industry’s future.
Peter Wright
Commercial Director
Saga Cruises
Peter’s responsibilities include itinerary development and destination experience for Saga’s ocean cruising vessels, and also for their growing river cruise fleet. With a varied programme of ex-UK itineraries typically visiting over 150 different ports per year, Peter challenges his team to offer genuine differentiation in both their itineraries and shore excursion programmes. In addition, Peter is responsible for Saga Cruises ESG strategy and fleet development, having been part of the small project team that delivered Saga's two newbuild cruise vessels. Peter is also responsible for technology, and general Commercial support for Saga's cruise business.
Agnes Brochet
Director, Itinerary Planning & Strategic Pricing
Silversea Cruises
Agnes started her career in organizational consultancy after graduating from EDHEC Business School. She discovered the cruise industry in 2014 after joining Ponant’s Revenue Management Team in its Marseille headquarters. Her first cruise ever was a 14-night expedition cruise in Alaska that very same year which got her hooked on cruising for good!
In 2017, she joined Silversea Cruises in Monaco, where she evolved from Revenue Manager to Director of Itinerary Planning & Strategic Pricing. Through her strategic planning role, Agnes is in charge with her team of managing and absorbing future growth, optimizing Silversea’s product portfolio through consolidation and innovation and capturing the product’s value, attractiveness & positioning by defining the right price points. On top of strategic planning, Agnes ensures cross-department alignment on product knowledge for the cruises on sales and those to be launched.
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contact
Tinggata 3
6783 STRYN
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+47 91781441
jens@cruiseeurope.com