More than 90 international industry leaders will share their expertise on the most pressing issues facing the cruise industry during Seatrade Cruise Med 2026, to be held on September 16 and 17 at the Las Palmas Cruise Port.
With the unveiling of its 2026 theme, Seatrade Cruise Med once again brings the future of the cruise industry’s growth to the forefront of the discussion, with a program centered on a wide range of topics driven by industry professionals themselves.
At a time when the Mediterranean cruise industry is entering a new era full of opportunities, but also challenges and greater demands, Seatrade Cruise Med 2026 has designed its content program around the concept “Raising Expectations.”
As the region adapts to new ship deployment patterns, rising demand for premium and year-round travel, infrastructure transformation, and tourism management in ports and cities, Seatrade Cruise Med will examine how the Mediterranean and the cruise industry can jointly raise the bar by balancing growth, authenticity, and long-term impact.
Among the main topics that will be the focus of the discussions are the growth of the luxury segment, the boom in luxury and expedition cruises, and the transformation of port infrastructure. Strategies for effectively managing tourism and strengthening the relationship between ports and cities will also be addressed.
The program will also include specific sessions dedicated to the Mediterranean and its adjacent seas, the growing strategic role of the Atlantic islands, and emerging opportunities in the Red Sea. Infrastructure development, strategic route planning, and technology—including artificial intelligence—will also be part of the expert-led discussions during the two-day event.
The program will bring together cruise lines, ports, destinations, tourism promotion agencies, and infrastructure officials, reflecting the industry’s increasingly interconnected nature. Among the speakers already confirmed is Charles “Bud” Darr, president and CEO of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), who will deliver the keynote address. Also participating will be Jaco Gouws, Vice President of Shore Excursions for EMEA, APAC, and the Luxury Group at Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.; Justin Poulsen, Head of Itinerary Planning, Destination Experiences, and Ground Handling at Explora Journeys; Sacha Rougier, Vice President of Itinerary Planning and Destination Experience at Orient Express; and Susana Gutiérrez, General Manager of Canary Islands Cruise Ports—including the ports of Las Palmas, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura—and the Port of Málaga Cruise Terminal, managed by Global Ports Holding.
The Port of Las Palmas, operated by Global Ports Canary Islands, a subsidiary of Global Ports Holding, will host the Mediterranean edition of Seatrade Cruise Med for the first time. The event will bring together 180 exhibitors, who will showcase the latest developments in ports, destinations, technologies, solutions, and services, and is expected to welcome more than 2,000 attendees. Registration is now open, with various accreditation options available.
Follow the news about cruise ships atCruisesnews.es
