Shore to Ship – Cruise Symposium and Workshop
About the event
Shore to Ship: Elevating the Local Cruise Experience is a two-day symposium and workshop dedicated to Curaçao’s cruise tourism community. The event brings together industry leaders, frontline professionals, and key stakeholders to explore how we can deliver authentic, seamless, and high-impact guest experiences.
Highlights of the program include:
Keynote Address by Ms. Antoinette Wright, Chief Supply Chain Officer, North America, Carnival Corporation
Panel Discussion on strategies to enhance the passenger journey, strengthen partnerships, and maximize local benefits
Hands-on Training Workshops led by the internationally recognized Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence
Note: Registration for this event is now closed. This page is intended for participants and stakeholders seeking event information and updates.
Keynote address
Keynote speaker
Ms Antoinette Wright, Chief Supply Chain Officer, North America – Carnival Corporation
Topic
“Shaping the Future of Cruise Tourism: Trends, Expectations & Opportunities for Local Stakeholders”
Discussion panel
Topic
“From Shore to Ship — Delivering a Seamless, Authentic & Impactful Cruise Experience”
The panel will explore
- The Full Passenger Journey – from arrival to departure
- Strengthening Local Partnerships
- Delivering Authentic & Memorable Experiences
- The Economic Ripple Effect of Cruise Tourism
Panelists
Antoinette Wright
Chief Supply Chain Officer,
North America – Carnival Corporation
Andre Rojer
Product Development Manager,
Curaçao Tourist Board
Mark Verburg
Managing Director,
FBTT Travel
Albert Elens
Managing Director,
Maduro Shipping
Beth Hatt
Chief Executive Officer,
Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence
Raul R. Manotas
Chief Commercial Officer,
Curaçao Ports Authority
Official Program & Agenda
Date: September 29–30, 2025
Location: The Rif at Mangrove Beach Corendon Curaçao All-Inclusive, Curio by Hilton
DAY 1 | MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2025
| 09 : 30 – 09 : 35 | Welcome Remarks (Ballroom) |
| 09 : 35 – 09 : 40 | Opening & Housekeeping (Ballroom) |
| 09 : 50 – 10 : 20 | Keynote — “Shaping the Future of Cruise Tourism: Trends, Expectations & Opportunities for Local Stakeholders” Speaker: Ms. Antoinette Wright, Chief Supply Chain Officer, North America, Carnival Corporation |
| 10 : 20 – 10 : 30 | Q & A |
| 10 : 35 – 12 : 10 | Panel Discussion — “From Shore to Ship — Delivering a Seamless, Authentic & Impactful Cruise Experience” |
| 12 : 10 – 13 : 00 | Networking Lunch |
| 13 : 00 – 15 : 00 | Training I: Driver Excellence |
| 15 : 15 – 17 : 15 | Training II: Service Excellence |
| 17 : 15 | Closing Day 1 |
DAY 2 | TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2025
| 08:00 – 08 : 30 | Check-in & Coffee (Foyer) |
| 08:30 – 12 : 00 | Training III: Tours & Guest Experiences |
| 12 : 30 – 15 : 30 | Continued: Tours & Guest Experiences |
| 15 : 30 – 15 : 45 | Closing Day 2 |
Workshop – Product Development: Tours & Guest Experiences
Date: September 29 15:00-17:00 and September 30 08:00-12:00 (half day)
This workshop will teach you how to reimagine and create new tour products and guest experiences that respond to today’s needs, and it will also include other key factors that are necessary for success. Through a variety of activities and exercises, you will leave this interactive workshop ready with packages and experiences in place, as well as the tools to successfully promote and deliver them to cruise lines and their guests.
Discover how to design fresh, guest-ready experiences and tour packages—complete with tools to promote and deliver them to cruise lines.
Best for: Tour Operators, Attractions, Experience Providers, Cruise Destinations, Small Tour Operators.
We’ve reached maximum capacity for Shore to Ship and registration is no longer possible.
Thank you for your enthusiasm!
Workshop – Service Excellence for Frontlines
Date: September 29 10:00-12:00
Participants will learn how to deliver standout experiences that leave guests saying “WOW!” Topics include going above and beyond guest expectations, clear and effective communication, managing challenging situations, handling complaints, and more.
Best for: Frontlines, Greeters, Tour Guides, Transportation Drivers, Vendors & retail, Food & Beverage, Attractions, Anyone who interacts with guests.
We’ve reached maximum capacity for Shore to Ship and registration is no longer possible.
Thank you for your enthusiasm!
Workshop – Driver Excellence
Date: September 29 13:00-15:00
Drivers of guest transportation are responsible for the safety of guests, but the expectations of your guests go beyond that, to include excellent service, professional behaviors, managing difficult situations, and more. This training gives drivers the knowledge, skills, and tools to meet the many expectations of their guests.
Learn the skills and service standards today’s guests expect—from safety and professionalism to handling tough situations with confidence.
Best for: Drivers of guest transportation, such as motorcoach, taxi, van, private vehicle, sightseeing boat, buggy, tuk-tuk.
We’ve reached maximum capacity for Shore to Ship and registration is no longer possible.
Thank you for your enthusiasm!