CruiseWorld Asia has unveiled its programme and speaker lineup for 2026, bringing together some of the cruise industry's most influential leaders to explore what's next for cruising in Asia.
Returning to Pan Pacific Singapore on 16 September, the annual event will gather travel agents, cruise lines, tourism boards, ports, destinations and industry partners under the theme “Cruise Forward”, as the sector continues to evolve amid changing traveller expectations and growing demand across the region.
This year's programme will feature keynote presentations, executive interviews and panel discussions examining the trends shaping the future of cruising, from new ships and destination development to luxury travel, guest engagement and cruise retailing.
Among the headline speakers include:
Benjamin Bouldin, president of Greater China and managing director of Asia at Royal Caribbean
Michael Goh, president of StarDream Cruises
Sarah Fox, vice president and regional general manager of Southeast Asia, Disney Cruise Line
YB Wong Hon Hai, Penang State executive councillor for tourism and creative economy
Gregory Tan, CEO of SATS-Creuers Cruise Services
They will be joined by a diverse group of industry leaders, including Hirohito Ito, director of the Cruise Research Laboratory at Central Consultant Inc.; Steven Ler, executive director and head of travel at UOB Travel Planners; Ong Hanjie, director of EU Holidays; Chen Jingkai, general manager of Chan Brothers Travel; Pauline Suharno, president of ASTINDO; and Loh Lik Peng, CEO of Unlisted Collection.
Key sessions will tackle some of the most pressing questions facing the industry today, including The Big Picture: What's Next for Cruise in Asia?, which will explore the market outlook and emerging opportunities across the region.
Other discussions include The Experience Economy: Engaging Cruise Travellers Beyond the Sailing, The Future of Cruise Tourism in Asia: What's the Growth Story?, and The New Cruise Marketplace: Selling in an Era of Choice, where travel sellers and cruise executives will examine how consumer behaviour and distribution channels are evolving.
The programme will also broaden the conversation beyond the ship itself with Beyond the Buffet: Selling Taste, Luxury and Lifestyle at Sea, a session exploring how food, premium experiences and lifestyle aspirations are increasingly influencing travel choices.
Beyond the conference sessions, attendees will have opportunities to connect directly with cruise executives, tourism leaders and supplier partners through networking sessions and product showcases.
For travel agents, CruiseWorld Asia offers a platform to gain practical insights into market trends, strengthen industry relationships and identify new opportunities as cruising continues to gain momentum throughout the region.
Registration is now open. Complimentary passes are available on a limited basis for eligible travel agents, who will also stand a chance to win an exclusive cruise holiday.
Find out more about CruiseWorld Asia and secure your place here.