2025 Day 1
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
All times are listed in Eastern Standard Time. Program is tentative and subject to change.
8:00am Registration opens
9:00am – 10:00am Sponsored Workshops
VAX VacationAccess: The Must Visit Leisure Travel Marketplace
Join us to experience the power of the VAX. VAX VacationAccess is the premier Leisure Travel Marketplace, home to a wealth of tools, resources, content and suppliers that advisors rely on all-in-one spot. Let us show you how VAX can help you grow your business with bookable product, educational opportunities, offers & promotions and tons of exciting editorial content on The Compass. In this session you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the latest news from VAX VacationAccess.
Presented by Melissa Haskin, Buisness Development Manager, VAX VacationAccess
How to use AI to Positively Impact your Travel Business
Join us for an engaging 60-minute session at CruiseWorld as we explore the transformative power of AI and how travel advisors can harness its potential to enhance their business. Discover practical tips and innovative strategies to save time, personalize client experiences, and stay ahead in a competitive market. Don't miss this opportunity to learn how AI can be a game-changer for your travel career!
Presented by Jesse Morris, Brand Ambassador, Homebasedtravelagent.com/Travel Professional NEWS/FindaHostTravelAgency.com
Travel Like a Local: 10 Ways to Experience Anchorage
Discover Anchorage through the eyes of a local! This session shares ten authentic ways to experience South-central Alaska year-round, from outdoor adventures to vibrant culture and cuisine. Gain insider tips on the Alaska Railroad, wildlife boat tours, flightseeing, northern lights, and more to create unforgettable itineraries that help your clients truly travel like a local.
Presented by Kara Troglin, Tourism Sales Manager, Alaska - Visit Anchorage
10:15am – 11:45pm Sponsored Workshop
Carnival Corporation
12:00pm – 1:45pm General Session, sponsored by Carnival Corporation & Lunch, sponsored by Carnival Cruise Line
Welcome from Visit Lauderdale
Presented by Stacy Ritter, CDME, President & CEO, Visit Lauderdale
A Conversation with Carnival Corporation
A Word from AmaWaterways
Presented by Alex Pinelo, Senior Vice President, Sales, AmaWaterways
TW Talks, hosted by AmaWaterways
From Transactional to Transformational: Elevating Your Client Experience
Presented by Michelle Fee, Chief Executive Officer & Founder, Cruise Planners
Lunch, sponsored by Carnival Cruise Line
2:00pm – 3:00pm Sponsored Workshops
Exclusive FAM Opportunity! Japan: Endless Discovery Seminar by JNTO and Princess Cruises
Join this workshop by JNTO and Princess Cruises and learn about Japan as a cruise destination! We will introduce you to Japan's unmatched diversity of breathtaking natural beauty, intriguing culture, and world-renowned cuisine, helping you create an unforgettable itinerary for your clients. Representatives from Yokohama City Visitors Bureau and Sakai Port Authority will participate as our special guests from Japan to talk about their stunning ports and attractions, while our partners at Seibu Prince Hotels & Resorts will highlight their wonderful accommodations on the ground. Fill out a brief survey at the end to receive a Starbucks gift card and also learn about an exclusive opportunity to apply for a JNTO-Princess Cruises FAM trip in February 2026. We look forward to seeing you there!
Presented by:
Joyce Mikamoto, Representative, Yokohama City Visitors Bureau
Yohko Scott, Regional Promotion Director, JNTO
Yuki Endo, Sales Manager, Prince Hotels USA, Inc.
Yukiyasu Tanaka, Associate Director, Sakai Port Authority
Cruise Planners Presents: The Modern Travel Advisor: Tech-Enabled, AI Assisted, Relationship Focused
Today’s travelers expect more, and so should today’s advisors. So, what does it really mean to be a modern travel advisor? This interactive session will explore how technology and human expertise come together to meet today’s traveler expectations. From AI-driven efficiencies to real-time client engagement, you’ll see how advisors can leverage innovation without losing the personal connection that defines great service. Attendees will leave with a clearer picture of what it takes to thrive as a modern travel advisor—tech-enabled, yet always human-led.
Presented by:
Brian Shultz, Chief Information Officer, Cruise Planners
Phil Guerra, Senior Vice President of Technology, Cruise Planners
Explore Celebrity River Cruises & Galapagos
Join us for an exciting session as we unveil the exceptional experiences offered by Celebrity River Cruises and Galápagos portfolios. Discover the elegance and immersive journeys of Celebrity River Cruises, exploring Europe’s most iconic destinations along the Danube and Rhine, with luxurious amenities and authentic cultural encounters. Then, venture into the extraordinary Galápagos Islands, where our curated voyages provide close-up encounters with unique wildlife and pristine landscapes, all onboard our eco-conscious ship, Celebrity Flora. This session will highlight the diverse itineraries, exclusive amenities, and expert-led excursions that set Celebrity apart in these premier travel segments. Whether your clients seek scenic river adventures or wildlife-rich Galápagos explorations, this presentation offers valuable insights to elevate your offerings and inspire unforgettable journeys.
Presented by Rae Ward, Manager, River & Galapagos, Celebrity Cruises
Sandals
3:15pm – 5:00pm General Session
TW Talks, Hosted by AmaWaterways
It Starts with One Yes: The Ripple Effect of Belief in Yourself
Presented by Jenn Lee, President & CMO, Travel Planners International and Vacation Planners
Sit Down with the Sales & Marketing Masterminds of our Industry
A Spotlight with Virgin Voyages
Creating Instagrammable Moments That Sell
Instagrammable moments aren’t just pretty pictures—they’re powerful sales tools. Hear from leading suppliers on how they craft experiences that capture attention online and inspire travelers to book. You’ll walk away with fresh ideas to highlight, market, and monetize these shareable moments for your clients.
TW Talks, hosted by AmaWaterways
Don’t Just Survive—Scale: The Mindset Shifts That Drive Growth
Presented by Deb Fiorino, Chief Operating Officer, Dream Vacations
5:15pm – 6:30pm Think Tank (Advisors only), sponsored by Scenic & Emerald Cruises
Join fellow travel advisors in the collaborative Think Tank, sponsored by Scenic & Emerald Cruises, designed to spark conversation and share best practices. Walk away with fresh ideas and actionable strategies to grow your business and better serve your clients.
Moderated by Catherine Brask, Senior Director of Marketing, Northstar Travel Group and Emma Weissmann, Editor-in-Chief, AGENTatHOME; Executive Editor, TravelAge West
5:15pm – 6:45pm STAR Program Roundtables*
*Pre-scheduled suppliers and advisor attendees only