Cruise Europe
Cruise Europe
02/25/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 02/25/2026 11:24
The first CE at Sea is widely applauded
The first Cruise Europe at Sea has taken place and, by all accounts, it was a resounding success.
Jens Skrede, managing director, said: "We are delighted to have been able to host this special event for our members and truly grateful to MSC Cruises for taking such good care of us."
The 110 members enjoyed a four-day passage on MSC Splendida where they participated in workshops and meetings with MSC Cruises and the management of Costa Crociere but also heard about the EU regulatory framework for protecting the cruise ecosystem from Nikos Mertzanidis, executive director Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Europe.
Visiting Barcelona, Marseilles, Genoa and Naples also gave members insight into cruise operations as well as tourist attractions.
Valerie Conan, cruise director, Greater Le Havre Tourist Office, said on LinkedIn: "This immersion has consolidated our partnerships and confirmed the importance of collective work and constant dialogue to support the evolution of the sector."
While Melanie Henderson, cruise & marketing manger, Lerwick Harbour, said: "Good quality time spent with Cruise Europe colleagues elevated the programme, strengthening connections and all-important knowledge sharing so crucial across this industry."
And David Castro, head of commercial division, Port Authority of Vigo, said: "All of us who had the opportunity to be part of this journey witnessed first-hand the cruise industry's firm commitment to sustainable, economic, social and environmental development."
For Niamh McCarthy, owner and managing director at Excursions Ireland, the big takeaway: "Collaboration, creativity and shared responsibility are the engines that will drive the cruise industry's sustainable growth."
Jens Skrede, managing director, said: "We are delighted to have been able to host this special event for our members and truly grateful to MSC Cruises for taking such good care of us."
The 110 members enjoyed a four-day passage on MSC Splendida where they participated in workshops and meetings with MSC Cruises and the management of Costa Crociere but also heard about the EU regulatory framework for protecting the cruise ecosystem from Nikos Mertzanidis, executive director Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Europe.
Visiting Barcelona, Marseilles, Genoa and Naples also gave members insight into cruise operations as well as tourist attractions.
Valerie Conan, cruise director, Greater Le Havre Tourist Office, said on LinkedIn: "This immersion has consolidated our partnerships and confirmed the importance of collective work and constant dialogue to support the evolution of the sector."
While Melanie Henderson, cruise & marketing manger, Lerwick Harbour, said: "Good quality time spent with Cruise Europe colleagues elevated the programme, strengthening connections and all-important knowledge sharing so crucial across this industry."
And David Castro, head of commercial division, Port Authority of Vigo, said: "All of us who had the opportunity to be part of this journey witnessed first-hand the cruise industry's firm commitment to sustainable, economic, social and environmental development."
For Niamh McCarthy, owner and managing director at Excursions Ireland, the big takeaway: "Collaboration, creativity and shared responsibility are the engines that will drive the cruise industry's sustainable growth."
Cruise Europe published this content on February 25, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on February 25, 2026 at 17:24 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]