CEOs from three largest cruise companies to speak at CruiseWorld

Arnold Donald, Richard Fain and Kevin Sheehan — CEOs of three companies that represent 80% of global cruise inventory — have been confirmed as speakers at Travel Weekly’s CruiseWorld 2013, Nov. 6-10 at the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention Center.

Each executive will open a general session with a keynote speech, followed by an on-stage conversation with Travel Weekly’s editor-in-chief, Arnie Weissmann.

It will be the industry debut for Donald, who became CEO of Carnival Corp. on July 3. He has executive responsibility for 10 brands — including Carnival, Princess, Holland America, Costa, Cunard and Seabourn — thath represent more than 48% of the global market. He will be the speaker on Nov. 6.

On Nov. 7, delegates will hear from Fain, who has been at the helm of Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines as CEO and chairman for 25 years. He oversees Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity, Azamara and two lines targeting European markets. RCCL accounts for over 23% of the marketplace worldwide.

Sheehan, CEO of Norwegian Cruise Lines, will speak on Nov. 8. Sheehan has increased Norwegian’s global market share to close to 8% in the five years that he has been in charge.

The three executives have been asked to share insights about major issues, challenges and opportunities facing the cruise industry. After their speeches, they will sit down with Weissmann for a deeper dive into where the industry, and their companies, are heading.

In addition to the general sessions, CruiseWorld 2013 offers seminars, workshops and networking events designed to help travel agents grow their businesses and increase profitability.

Legal issues, new products and business tools, niche markets, social media strategies and case studies from successful agents will also be featured.

An exhibitor showcase presents attendees with the opportunity to meet face-to-face with suppliers from cruise lines, tour operators, hotels and resorts, destinations, airlines, car rental companies and those offering professional services and tools to help agents help their clients.

Confirmed delegates can sign up for ship inspections on more than 10 ships, including the new Norwegian Breakaway, as well as participate in contests and drawings for prizes.

For more information and to register, go to CruiseWorldShow.com.