American Express Travel shared trends in cruising– most notably, its increasing popularity – and insights on the state of the industry during Cruise3Sixty, the cruise industry’s conference and trade show. The event took place in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on March 7-9 and was attended by 1,500 travel agents from across North America.

American Express Travel shared cruise trend information from its Cruise Specialists, including indications that interest in cruising, and luxury cruising in particular, is on an upswing, aided in part by the increasing breadth and depth of cruise offerings — from new exotic ports-of-call to lavish on-board amenities to the endless opportunities for private and customized experiences and excursions.

Lynne Biggar, senior vice president and general manager of American Express Travel, joined a panel of esteemed executives from various segments of the travel industry in a discussion titled “Profiting from Affluence.” The panel focused on how travel professionals can better capitalize on the growing luxury travel market and attract affluent travelers.

Also during Cruise3Sixty, Donna Flora, vice president, Travel Industry Relations for American Express Travel, received one of the industry’s most distinguished honors by being inducted into the Cruise Lines International Association’s (CLIA) Cruise Industry Hall of Fame. Ms. Flora was recognized for her continued commitment to the travel industry including the instrumental role she played in launching a multi-million dollar consumer awareness campaign that helped educate travelers and promoted the benefits of using a travel agent.