Shore to Ship – Cruise Symposium and Workshop
About the event
Shore to Ship 2026: Where Experience Creates Impact is the second edition of Curaçao’s cruise symposium and workshop, bringing together the people who help create the cruise visitor experience—from industry leaders and tourism partners to tour guides, drivers, attractions, retailers, and other frontline professionals.
This year, we focus on how every interaction with a cruise guest matters. From the moment visitors arrive on our island until they return to their ship, we all play a part in creating a positive and memorable Curaçao experience.
Highlights of the program include:
Keynote Presentation
The Future Cruise Guest: Expectations, Experiences & Destination Value
The Captain’s Table
A relaxed conversation with Caribbean tourism and port leaders, sharing their perspectives on guest expectations, memorable experiences, and creating greater destination value.
Training Workshops by the Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence
- Diversity & Inclusion in Guest Experience
- Mastering Challenges in Guest Experiences
- The Art of Storytelling
Shore to Ship 2026 will take place on September 21–22, 2026, at the Renaissance Wind Creek Curaçao Resort.
Come learn, share ideas, connect with others in the industry, and discover how together we can make every cruise guest experience count.
Keynote address
Keynote Speaker
Mrs. Dona Regis-Prosper, Secretary-General & CEO – Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO)
Topic: “The Future Cruise Guest: Expectations, Experiences & Destination Value”
The Captain’s Table
A Conversation: From Expectations to Destination Value
The conversation will explore
- Expectations – What today’s cruise guests are looking for and how their needs are changing
- Experiences – How Caribbean destinations can create memorable and authentic experiences for cruise guests
- Destination Value – How great experiences and stronger collaboration can create more value for our destinations
Featuring tourism and port leaders from Curaçao and across the Caribbean. Full lineup to be announced soon.
Workshop – Diversity & Inclusion in Guest Experience
Date: September 21
Time: 13:00 – 15:00
Learn practical strategies to create more inclusive guest experiences and ensure every visitor feels welcome, valued, and engaged.
Best for: Cruise Destinations, Tour Operators and Tourism Providers, and Frontlines.
Workshop – Mastering Challenges in Guest Experiences
Date: September 21
Time: 15:15 – 17:15
Learn practical ways to handle difficult situations, communicate with guests, solve problems, and prevent things from going wrong. The workshop will help participants turn challenging situations into positive guest experiences.
Best for: Tour Operators and Tourism Providers, and Frontlines
Workshop – The Art of Storytelling
Date: September 22
Time: 09:00 – 12:00
Participants will learn the key elements of storytelling, including how to determine which stories to tell on a tour, and ways to engage guests and create connections through storytelling.
Best for: Tour Operators, Attractions, Experience Providers, and Cruise Destinations.
Official Program & Agenda
Date: September 21–22, 2026
Venue: Renaissance Wind Creek Curaçao Resort
DAY 1 | MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2026
| 08:30 – 09:00 | Registration & Coffee |
| 09:00 – 09:30 | Opening Session |
| 09:30 – 10:00 | Keynote Address — “The Future Cruise Guest: Expectations, Experiences & Destination Value” Presented by: Mrs. Dona Regis-Prosper, Secretary-General & CEO – Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) |
| 10:00 – 10:10 | Q & A |
| 10:10 – 10:30 | Coffee Break |
| 10:30 – 11:30 | The Captain’s Table — “A Conversation: From Expectations to Destination Value” |
| 11:30 – 11:55 | Audience Q&A & Closing |
| 12:00 – 13:00 | Grab & Go Lunch |
| 13:00 – 15:00 | Workshop I: Diversity & Inclusion in Guest Experience |
| 15:15 – 17:15 | Workshop II: Mastering Challenges in Guest Experiences |
| 17:15 | Closing Day 1 |
DAY 2 | TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2026
| 08:00 – 08:30 | Check-in & Coffee (Foyer) |
| 09:00 – 12:00 | Workshop III: The Art of Storytelling |
| 12:30 | Closing Day 2 |