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 Carey Driscoll, 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
What’s New at Six of the Carnival Corporation Brands?
Learn the latest news from six of the Carnival Corporation brands all in one workshop! Did you know that Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America, Princess, Seabourn, Cunard and the Italian brand Costa are all part of the Carnival Corporation family? Together with German-based AIDA and British-based P&O UK it is the largest cruise corporation in the world with more than 350 years of combined cruising experience, cruising to all seven continents and more than 800 destinations around the world. From family to luxury to expedition there is a Carnival Corporation brand that will suit your client expectations with comfort, safety and reliability. Whether it’s just driving distance from home or on the other side of the world, our ships offer the best seats in the house for the best views at sea.
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
How We Can Help You be Successful, a Conversation with 6 Carnival Corporation Brands
Lunch, sponsored by Carnival Cruise Line
A Word from AmaWaterways
Presented by Kristin Karst, Chief Brand Officer, AmaWaterways
TW Talks, hosted by AmaWaterways
From Transactional to Transformational: Elevating Your Client Experience
Presented by Michelle Fee, Chief Executive Officer & Founder, Cruise Planners
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 immersive and informative session showcasing the exceptional travel experiences offered by Celebrity Cruises. Explore the elegance and cultural richness of Celebrity River Cruises, journeying through Europe’s iconic Danube and Rhine rivers with luxurious amenities and authentic encounters. Then, venture into the extraordinary Galápagos Islands, where curated voyages aboard the eco-conscious Celebrity Flora bring you face-to-face with unique wildlife and pristine landscapes. In addition, join Alaska Cruisetour expert Brendan Halcomb for a lively workshop on incorporating Celebrity’s Land & Sea Cruisetours into your Alaska vacation offerings. Learn about diverse itineraries, selling strategies, and what makes Alaska’s wilderness, wildlife, glaciers, and mountains a truly unforgettable experience. This session will highlight exclusive amenities, expert-led excursions, and insider tips to elevate your client offerings; whether they seek scenic river adventures, wildlife-rich Galápagos explorations, or the majestic landscapes of Alaska.
Presented by:
Rae Ward, Manager, River & Galapagos, Celebrity Cruises
Brendan Halcomb, Cruisetours Sales & Marketing Manager, Celebrity Cruises
Taking Your Sandals & Beaches Partnership To New Heights
When you book your clients at a Sandals or Beaches Resort, they get closer to the Caribbean.The Caribbean is more than a destination—it’s a state of mind. As a family-owned company born and raised here, we’ve lived that state of mind for generations. Over 40 years ago, we pioneered the all-inclusive concept in the region so guests everywhere could experience the simple joys of this extraordinary place. From land to sea to everything beneath the waves, we offer endless ways to indulge your clients’ desires and immerse them in the Caribbean’s natural beauty and vibrant culture. And with our exclusive Sandals Elite Advisor Program, Travel Advisors gain the tools to succeed, the rewards they deserve, and the support of an expert sales team dedicated to growing their business.
Presented by Anita Couto, Senior Regional Sales Manager, Sandals & Beaches
3:15pm – 5:00pm General Session
Sit Down with the Sales & Marketing Masterminds of our Industry
Moderated by Mary Pat Sullivan, Executive Vice President of Partnerships & Marketing
With:
Katina Athanasiou-Soy, Senior Vice President, Sales & Services, Celebrity Cruises
Rob Coleman, Senior Vice President, Sales, Seabourn
Erin Douglas, Senior Vice President of Trade Sales, MSC Cruises
Vicki Freed, Senior Vice President, Sales & Trade Relations, Royal Caribbean International
Katie Kania, Sr. Director – Agency Sales, North America, Norwegian Cruise Line
Carmen Roig, Senior Vice President of Sales, Princess Cruises
Janet Wygert, Senior Vice President, Sales and Trade Marketing, Carnival Cruise Line
A Spotlight with Allianz Partners
Presented by Paul M Corrigan, District Director Southeast Region, Allianz
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.
Moderated by Susie Flores, Franchise Owner, Cruise Planners; and Danny Genung, CEO, Harr Travel
With:
Cathy Bennis, Vice President of Trade Sales & Partnerships, North America, Audley Travel
Kelly Hogan, Director of Sales, The Travel Corporation
Kendall O’Malley, Account Manager, Backroads
Steve Smotrys, Managing Director & SVP Commercial, the Americas, HX
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
With:
Ken Muskat, President, Scenic Group
Anthony Viciana, Vice President of Sales, Scenic & Emerald Cruises
5:15pm – 6:45pm STAR Program Roundtables*
*Pre-scheduled suppliers and advisor attendees only