Gary Hall is the Port Commercial Executive at Belfast Harbour, where he plays a key role in driving growth across the port’s cruise and wider commercial activities. Since joining the Harbour in 2020, Gary has been instrumental in strengthening relationships with cruise line partners, supporting business development, and contributing to the continued growth of Belfast as a cruise destination.

Chris Martin joined Holland America Line in January 2004 as Manager, Port Operations, administering all port-related matters worldwide for the fleet. Over the years, his responsibilities have included new and existing port development, strategic planning for vessel deployment, and implementing new initiatives with regulatory agencies.

Nikos Mertzanidis is Executive Director for Europe at Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) where he leads the association’s European office in Brussels. In this role, he oversees advocacy efforts on behalf of CLIA’s member cruise lines operating across Europe and champions policies and practices that support the cruise sector’s energy transition towards net-zero emissions by 2050.

Steven has more than 40 years’ experience in the maritime industry. 

Initially at sea traveling worldwide as a Master Mariner with P&O/Princess Cruises, he then spent twenty years in senior roles in the ports sector managing a number of ports, including Harbour Master/Deputy Director at the Port of Southampton and Executive General Manager and Harbour Master Sydney & Botany Bay, Australia. 

Marcus Puttich is Director Destinations at TUI Cruises, where he is responsible for the strategic sourcing, planning, operational management and development of Port Operations for both brands, Mein Schiff and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, as well as Ground Operations and Tour Operations for Mein Schiff.

Emma Kjartansdóttir has spent her career shaping Iceland into one of the world's most compelling cruise destinations. After studying Tourism Management in New Zealand, she returned home and joined Iceland Travel, where she has led the Cruise division since 2015.

Debbie Holbrook serves as the Director of Deployment & Itinerary Planning at Princess Cruises and has just rung in 20 years at the company. She is responsible for the worldwide strategic deployment and itinerary planning of the Princess fleet of 17 ships, including their newest Sphere LNG class. This includes launching over 650 voyages carrying over 1.8 million passengers annually.