The cruise industry’s key annual forum Cruise360 Australasia will embrace the worldwide revolution underway in shore excursions, with Holland America Group operations chief Robert Morgenstern confirmed to join international speakers at the August event.
Mr Morgenstern is the Senior Vice-President of Port Operations and Shore Excursions for the HA Group of cruise brands, which includes Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Seabourn and P&O Australia. His responsibilities cover more than 10,000 unique shore excursions offered on 45 cruise ships worldwide, as well as operations at more than 600 ports in 135 countries.
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia Managing Director Joel Katz said Mr Morgenstern would participate in a panel discussion on the topic of “Reimagining Shorex – the increasing demand for authentic and engaging experiences”.
“Cruise passengers are increasingly looking for experience-led options and are demanding more immersive and authentic shore excursions,” Mr Katz said. “Robert will be able to provide insight into how cruise lines are evolving their excursion offering in response to this, and what it means for travel agents as they cater to their clients’ tastes and passions.”
Mr Morgenstern is a 25-year veteran of the global cruise industry, having held various positions across operations, marketing and guest services. He joins other international industry leaders at this year’s Cruise360 Australasia, including CLIA Global Chair Adam Goldstein, Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection President & CEO Ellen Bettridge and Virgin Voyages President & CEO Tom McAlpin.
To be held on Friday August 30 at Hyatt Regency Sydney, CLIA’s 2019 Cruise360 Australasia conference will offer a full-day line-up of expert speakers and panel sessions, as well as a trade show for cruise industry exhibitors. It will be preceded by a dedicated Executive Partner Product and Destination Showcase as well as a ship inspection aboard Princess Cruises’ Sea Princess on August 29.
Tickets for this year’s Cruise360 Australasia conference are now on sale with early booking rates available exclusively for CLIA members for a limited time. For details and bookings, click here.
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