More than 90 international industry leaders will share their expertise on the most relevant issues facing the cruise sector during Seatrade Cruise Med 2026, which will be held on September 16 and 17 at the Las Palmas Cruise Port.
With the unveiling of its motto for 2026, Seatrade Cruise Med once again puts the future of growth in the cruise industry at the center of the debate, with a program focused on a wide selection of topics driven by industry professionals themselves.
In a context where the Mediterranean cruise industry faces a new stage full of opportunities, but also challenges and greater demands, Seatrade Cruise Med 2026 has designed its content program around the concept of "Raising Expectations".
With the region adapting to new ship deployment patterns, increased demand for premium and year-round travel, and the transformation of infrastructure and tourism management in ports and cities, Seatrade Cruise Med will analyze how the Mediterranean and the cruise industry can jointly raise the bar, balancing growth, authenticity and long-term impact.
Key topics for discussion include the growth of the luxury segment, the rise of 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 managers, reflecting the increasingly interconnected nature of the industry. Confirmed speakers include Charles “Bud” Darr, president and CEO of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), who will deliver the opening address. Other participants include 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 Experiences at Orient Express; and Susana Gutiérrez, managing director of Canary Islands Cruise Ports—including the ports of Las Palmas, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura—and the Port of Málaga Cruises, both 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 present the latest developments in ports, destinations, technologies, solutions, and services, and expects to welcome more than 2,000 attendees. Registration is now open, with different accreditation options available.
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