2026 marks a very special anniversary for Seatrade Cruise Med and its long-standing partner MedCruise, as both entities celebrate their 30th anniversary. This strong partnership has contributed to the growth and evolution of the cruise industry in the Mediterranean.
To mark this celebration, and coinciding with the opening of Seatrade Cruise Med 2026 in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria on September 16, MedCruise will have a prominent presence at the event, both through its exhibition space and the participation of its experts. The association will occupy the second largest pavilion at the venue, second only to the host port, Las Palmas Cruise Port.
The association, which currently represents 22 countries, will bring together 18 exhibiting members at the event and will feature more than 20 speakers, who will share their experience and knowledge in more than 15 sessions of the conference program.
The association has prepared a prominent representation at Seatrade Cruise Med, bringing together important players in the industry such as Marseille, Corsica Ports, Bay Ports of Toulon La Seyne–Var Provence, Volos, Gibraltar, Barcelona, Wilhelmsen, GSTS, Gulliver Destination Management Company, Tura Turizm, Amalfi Cruise Terminal, PortArgentario, Heraklion, Koper, Global Cruises, Catalan Ports, Croatian Cruise Ports and Cruise Portugal, all of them present in its pavilion.
MedCruise will hold its 69th General Assembly in Las Palmas on Tuesday, September 15. The General Assembly is an exclusive event for members of the association. MedCruise President Theodora Riga will deliver welcoming remarks and participate in the opening session of The State of the Mediterranean Cruise Industry, moderated by Mary Bond, Group Director of Seatrade Cruise. The opening session will take place on September 16 at 10:45 a.m. in the Lanzarote Room.
MedCruise Board members Joško Šupe, Lorenzo Vera Franco, Luz Marina Espiau Moreno, Dario Barbarić, Valeria Mangiarotti and Anne-Marie Spinosi will participate in different debates on the relationship with local communities, expedition cruises, the Atlantic region, artificial intelligence, land infrastructure and the future of cruises in the Mediterranean.
Other MedCruise members participating in the conference program will represent the Port Authority of Valencia, Five Senses Consulting and Development, CEO Boats Advisor Hub & Events, Tura Turizm, Cruise Terminals International (CTI), Global Cruises, Dubrovnik Port Authority, Portos dos Açores, Intercruises Shoreside & Port Services and Valletta Cruise Port.
Their sessions will address issues such as creating narratives around destinations, technology, responsible onshore experiences, brand differentiation, preparing destinations to receive cruise ships, and the long-term value generated by cruise ship calls.
30th anniversary
As part of the anniversary celebrations, a special edition of the Seatrade Cruise Talks podcast is planned for later this year, featuring former MedCruise presidents.
MedCruise President Theodora Riga stated: “Ports are what give character to cruise itineraries, and for 30 years, MedCruise and Seatrade Cruise have worked together to give these ports a stronger voice. In Las Palmas, this collaboration returns to one of MedCruise’s member ports, with our members gathered to celebrate three decades of partnership and help shape the future. Our ambition is clear: a cruise industry whose success is shared by the destinations and communities that host it.”.
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