Here's the Full Programme

Scenic tour of Kuala Lumpur on a Hop on, Hop off bus.

Enjoy lunch at the Waldorf Astoria and take the opportunity to connect with suppliers

Opening Ceremony.

On Monday 16 November 01:30–01:40 PM, before we dive into the keynote session, Charles “Bud” Darr, President & CEO of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) will set the tone for this year's conference theme: A New Era of Opportunity.

Cruising across Asia is entering a new phase, with opportunities emerging across source markets, deployment, destinations and the guest experience. Yet growth remains uneven, and realising the region’s potential will depend on where cruise lines choose to invest, how products and itineraries evolve, and whether the wider ecosystem can support greater scale. Bringing together the programme’s most senior cruise line leaders, this opening conversation will set the scene for the conference, sharing strategic priorities, company outlooks and perspectives on where the industry goes next.  

What will define Asia’s next era of cruise growth, and where do industry leaders see the greatest opportunities ahead? 

Presented by Tourism Economics, An Oxford Economics Company.

Asia’s source markets are developing at very different speeds. Japan is seeing strong momentum, China continues to rebuild, Southeast Asia is attracting younger and first-time cruisers, while India represents significant longer-term potential. This session will compare where demand is emerging, what is driving it and what different markets need to convert interest into sustained cruise participation.  

Where will Asia’s next wave of cruise guests come from, and what will it take to win them? 

The boundaries between luxury hospitality, yachting and cruising are continuing to evolve. Ahead of Aman at Sea’s debut in 2027, President & CEO Jonathan Wilson joins us to discuss the opportunity he sees in bringing one of hospitality’s most distinctive luxury brands to sea. Drawing on more than two decades across cruise and hospitality, he will explore how Aman’s philosophy is being translated into a new maritime experience, what today’s luxury traveller expects, and the role Asia could play as new luxury propositions and destinations emerge across the region. 

What does the next era of luxury at sea look like, and where does Asia fit within it?

Asia is playing a growing role not only as a cruise market and destination, but as part of the industry's industrial base. Shipyards across the region are building new vessels, servicing ships operating in Asia and developing capabilities in repair, retrofit and fleet upgrades as operators respond to changing guest expectations and net-zero requirements. This session will examine where Asian yards can compete, how their capabilities are evolving and what operators will need from them next.  

How large a role can Asia play in building and supporting the next generation of the global cruise fleet? 

Experience an evening of meaningful connections and cultural entertainment alongside colleagues from cruise lines, ports and destinations, ship equipment, and ship services.

A chance for exhibitors and cruise lines to network over a coffee ahead of show open.

Inconsistent visa requirements, arrival declarations and interpretations of transit calls continue to create significant operational friction across Asia, adding administrative burden for ships and delays for guests. As more destinations introduce digital processes, technology alone will not solve the problem without better coordination between border agencies, cruise lines, ports and ground handlers. This session will examine opportunities for greater consistency, advanced passenger information, biometrics and more passenger-friendly border processes.  

How can Asia make border formalities simpler without compromising security or national requirements? 

As Swan Hellenic completes its first-ever Asia-Pacific season in 2026, CEO Andrea Zito joins us to reflect on the opportunity he sees across the region and what cultural expedition cruising can bring to Asia’s cruise landscape. Drawing on SH Minerva’s deployment across destinations including the Philippines, Indonesia and Japan, he will explore what drives itinerary and destination choices, what today’s luxury expedition guest is looking for, and what ports, destinations and local partners need to deliver to attract small-ship operators and create meaningful experiences ashore. 

What opportunities does Asia offer for cultural expedition cruising, and what will it take for destinations to capture them? 

Asia’s opportunity extends beyond its regional source markets. International deployment and fly-cruise demand can bring new capacity and higher-value visitors, but Asia competes with established cruise regions for ships and guests, while air connectivity, geopolitical developments, operating costs, infrastructure and destination appeal all shape those decisions. This session will explore what makes Asia compelling to international cruise lines and long-haul travellers, and where the region must become more competitive. What will persuade more cruise lines — and more international guests — to choose Asia? 

A successful itinerary must balance what guests want with what ships can realistically deliver. Sailing distances, port appeal, berth availability, operating costs, source-market preferences and destination reliability all influence route design, while geopolitical developments and unexpected disruption can force plans to change quickly. This session goes behind the scenes of cruise-line itinerary planning to explore how destinations are selected, replaced and combined into compelling routes.  

What determines whether a destination makes the itinerary — and keeps its place when circumstances change? 

Further opportunity to network with peers and suppliers over lunch. 

Asia’s cruise guests have increasingly diverse expectations, from onboard entertainment and dining to the experiences they want ashore. This session will explore how cruise lines, destinations and local partners can create more distinctive, market-relevant experiences through stronger storytelling, shore excursions and better alignment between what is promised and what is delivered. How can Asia create cruise experiences that resonate with both regional and international guests? 

Presented by Singapore Tourism Board.

Bringing together perspectives from across Asia, the session will explore how destinations are approaching cruise tourism development and investment, from new infrastructure and homeport ambitions to destination development, regional itinerary growth and stronger connections with local tourism economies.

Following a presentation of the latest findings from the Southeast Asia Cruise Economic Impact Assessment, this discussion will move from measuring that impact to exploring how destinations can grow and retain more of the value cruise creates. It will examine what makes cruise development commercially viable, how destinations can make the right long-term investment decisions, and what is needed to build a stronger, more sustainable cruise tourism ecosystem.

How can Asia turn cruise tourism development into greater and more lasting local value?

Malaysia has the potential to play a larger role in Asia’s cruise landscape as a source market, destination and part of the region’s wider cruise infrastructure. Yet turning those advantages into sustained cruise-line commitment requires clarity around market demand, connectivity, infrastructure, destination development and government support. Bringing together Malaysian stakeholders, this session will examine where the strongest opportunities really lie and what needs to happen next.  

What role should Malaysia aim to play in Asia’s new cruise era, and how can it turn potential into long-term commitment? 

A dynamic evening of networking, celebration and authentic cultural entertainment.