Cruise industry groups from around the world announced Monday that they will merge to become one large organization.

The new body will take on the name of Cruise Lines International Association, which already has global reach, and use geographic designations for various regions. The change is effective right away.

Participating associations are: Cruise Lines International Association; European Cruise Council; Asia Cruise Association; Passenger Shipping Association; AFCC in France; ABREMAR in Brazil; Northwest and Canada Cruise Association; Alaska Cruise Association and International Cruise Council Australasia.

A global executive committee will oversee the expanded association. Howard Frank, vice chairman and chief operating officer of Carnival Corp. (and chairman of CLIA’s existing board), will chair the committee and current association president and CEO Christine Duffy will continue in that role.

The larger association, which now has 38 cruise line members as opposed to the previous 26, will represent the industry at organizations worldwide, including the International Maritime Organization and the International Labour Organization. The expanded group will have a global focus, while regional associations will handle more local issues.