UBM International Media, organizers of the annual Cruise Shipping
Miami, announced today the launch of Cruise Shipping Asia. The inaugural
event will take place November 16-18, 2011 at the Marina Bay Sands in
Singapore.

Organizers expect the new event to unlock the region's potential as
Asia emerges as the industry's next major growth market. In 2010, Asian
cruise passenger numbers are predicted to rise by 40 percent, to more
than 1.5 million.

"Globalization of the cruise passenger is one of the key areas of
growth for the cruise market," said Michael Kazakoff, vice president,
UBM International Media. "As the industry expands from a North American
base to passengers worldwide, we see Asia's growing number of passengers
as a strong indication that this region will continue to expand."

The event will include a tradeshow and conference program focusing on
the Asian cruise market.

"The arrival of this major cruise event in Asia underscores the
growing recognition of this market's strong potential and will greatly
complement our ongoing efforts in promoting Asia's cruise industry
development," said Jennifer Yap, spokeswoman for Asia Cruise Association
and managing director of Royal Caribbean Cruises (Asia) Pte Ltd. "We
look forward to giving our support to and working with the organizers,
as well as cruise companies and travel agents across Asia to make its
debut a success."

Michael Duck, senior vice president of UBM Asia, said: "We are
delighted to bring Cruise Shipping Asia back to Singapore. It has been
10 years since we last organized a cruise event here, and today, the
Asian market is primed for tremendous growth. Singapore has rejuvenated
itself in the past few years as an exciting cruise destination and now
plays an important role as a platform for the global and regional
industry to showcase itself."

Cruise Shipping Asia's exhibition will feature product sectors
including destinations, itinerary planning, shore excursion services,
and port and terminal development, as well as ship operations, ship
services, and hotel operations.

Conference sessions will be led by panels of industry experts
discussing pertinent industry issues.

Source: ETN