CLIA Unveils Details of the 2026 Expedition Summit
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) UK & Ireland has confirmed the details of the upcoming Expedition Summit 2026, scheduled for 8 May 2026.
The annual gathering, aimed at travel agents, will offer a unique experience with an onboard visit to HX Expeditions’ MS Fram in Dover, one of the company’s most renowned expedition ships. Recently refurbished in March 2025, the vessel accommodates up to 250 guests and features a new Science Centre, renovated suites and cabins, redesigned public areas, and upgraded crew facilities.
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The Summit program includes business-focused sessions, networking opportunities, and a pre-event dinner in Canterbury on 7 May. Over 100 agent places are available, with registration opening soon.
Andy Harmer, Managing Director of CLIA UK & Ireland, highlighted the unprecedented growth in expedition cruising, emphasizing that the 2026 Summit represents a strategic opportunity to support agents in seizing the sector’s opportunities. He explained that the event will provide an engaging and thought-provoking environment designed to deliver practical tools and valuable insights for trade professionals.
Nathaniel Sherborne, SVP and MD for EMEA/ANZ and Global Sales Enablement at HX Expeditions, also emphasized the value of the onboard experience aboard the MS Fram, describing it as a unique opportunity to showcase HX Expeditions’ distinctive journey experience. He noted that expedition cruising is defined by curiosity, connection, and exceeding expectations, and that the MS Fram embodies these principles on every voyage. Ahead of the company’s 130th anniversary, Sherborne highlighted the importance of sharing HX’s history and tradition with agents, strengthening their knowledge and confidence in the expedition sector.
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The 2026 Summit will be the third event of its kind organized by CLIA, following previous editions in partnership with Seabourn and Swan Hellenic. In July 2025, the CLIA Expedition Showcase in Svalbard marked the first time a trade event was held in a polar destination, reflecting the growing interest in expedition cruising and immersive experiences.
With the 2026 Summit, CLIA UK & Ireland reaffirms its commitment to supporting the growth and specialisation of travel agents in one of the most dynamic segments of the cruise market. The experience on board MS Fram, combined with training sessions and networking opportunities, will provide participants with a clear and in-depth understanding of the potential of expedition cruising, strengthening dialogue between cruise lines and the trade and equipping the sector to address future challenges and opportunities with confidence.
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