by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 8:35 AM ET, Thu October 29, 2026
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) will open applications on November 5, 2026, for its 2027 Expedition Showcase, bringing travel advisors to Norway’s Svalbard archipelago for ship visits, product training and business sessions.
The event, now in its third year, will take place July 2-6 in Longyearbyen, a key departure point for Arctic expedition cruises. Seven expedition ships will be available for hosted visits, including vessels from two operators new to the event: 66 Expeditions and HX Expeditions.
The participating cruise lines are 66 Expeditions, AE Expeditions, HX Expeditions, Polar Latitudes Expeditions, Ponant, Quark Expeditions and Swan Hellenic.
The program will give travel advisors the opportunity to learn about Arctic expedition cruising, explore ships and gain firsthand experience of the destination. Activities will include business sessions, product training and select dinners.
Because of Svalbard’s remote location, CLIA has arranged a package that includes round-trip flights between Oslo and Longyearbyen with SAS Scandinavian Airlines, airport transfers and four nights of accommodation with breakfast. Delegates will be responsible for arranging their own transportation to and from Oslo, allowing them to travel from their preferred home airports.
“Our Expedition Showcase gives travel agents the chance to develop their knowledge of this specialist sector, meet expedition cruise operators and experience the ships and destination first-hand,” says Andy Harmer, managing director of CLIA UK & Ireland.
“Returning to Svalbard means agents can gain practical insight into Arctic expedition cruising, from life onboard to the destinations and excursions available. We want delegates to leave with greater confidence in discussing expedition cruises with their customers and a clearer understanding of the sales opportunities they present.”
The announcement coincides with CLIA’s “A Week of Expedition” webinar series, which features daily destination-focused sessions developed with cruise line members. The series has covered the Arctic, with Australia and the South Pacific and the Galapagos rounding out the program over the following two days.
CLIA also confirmed that applications remain open for its annual conference in Southampton, England, scheduled for May 13-15, 2027. The conference will feature a refreshed format, including business sessions, an expanded trade fair, themed workshops and ship visits.
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