The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) unveiled a number of updates regarding its 2027 River Cruise Expo in Vienna, including the news that Captain Sandy Yawn of the television show “Below Deck” will serve as the keynote speaker for the event.
Additionally, Celebrity Cruises will reprise its role for a second year as the event’s title sponsor, while Century Cruises and Trafalgar River Cruises will take part in the expo for the first time.
“Best known as the first female superyacht captain on Bravo’s hit reality television series Below Deck Mediterranean, Captain Sandy brings more than 30 years of international maritime experience and a powerful story of resilience, leadership and perseverance,” ASTA said, adding that her keynote address “will draw on her remarkable career at sea and the leadership principles that have guided her through stormy waters.”
For its part, Celebrity will put the spotlight on its immersive experiences, design innovation and elevated guest experiences when it inaugurates service on European waterways in August 2027.
“The ASTA River Cruise Expo has quickly become one of the most important gatherings in river cruising because it puts advisors directly where they need to be: onboard ships, in conversation with supplier leaders and immersed in the product their clients are asking about,” said ASTA President and CEO Zane Kerby.
“The growth of this event reflects the momentum we are seeing across the river cruise market and ASTA’s commitment to giving advisors the access, education and relationships they need to turn that momentum into business,” he added.
Breaking records as the largest ASTA River Cruise Expo to date, the 2027 event will showcase more than 18 river cruise ships.
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