Seatrade Cruise Global 2026 Expands Programming to Reflect the Future of Cruising
LONDON (April 7, 2026) – Seatrade Cruise Global will return to the Miami Beach Convention Center on April 13–16, 2026 with expanded programming that reflects how the cruise industry is evolving — and how the conversations shaping its future are changing.
Held as the industry’s largest annual gathering, Seatrade Cruise Global brings together cruise lines, destinations, suppliers and innovators from across the global cruise ecosystem. This year’s conference, themed “Beyond the Horizon: Leveraging Cruising’s Strength and Scale to Drive Innovation,” signals a shift toward a more connected, experience-driven event, one that blends meaningful conversation with new opportunities to engage, interact and explore ideas in real time.
Across the 2026 program, that evolution comes into focus through new leadership forums, a stronger emphasis on destinations and a growing investment in experiential programming that complements the conference agenda.
“The future of cruising isn’t just about what’s new — it’s about how those ideas come together to create something more meaningful,” said Chiara Giorgi, Global Brand & Event Director, Seatrade Cruise Global. “What we’re building this year reflects that shift — bringing together innovation, experience and, most importantly, the human connections that continue to define this industry.”
New Leadership Voices Take Centre Stage
Among the most anticipated additions to this year’s program is the new Presidents Panel, bringing together newly appointed leaders from across the cruise sector — spanning ultra-luxury, expedition, contemporary and emerging hospitality brands entering the market.
The session featuring Tracy Wilson, Senior Vice President, General Manager, Disney Cruise Line; Wesley D’Silva, President, Regent Seven Seas Cruises; Marc Kazlauskas, President, Norwegian Cruise Line; Benoît-Etienne Domenget, Chief Executive Officer, Ponant Explorations Group; and Jonathan Wilson, President and Chief Executive Officer, Aman at Sea, will explore how cruise lines are attracting new customers, evolving onboard experiences, responding to a changing competitive landscape and approaching emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.
The program will also feature the State of the Global Cruise Industry keynote, a cornerstone session that brings together leaders from across the sector. This year, John Chidsey, CEO and newly appointed Chairman of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, is confirmed to join Josh Weinstein, CEO of Carnival Corporation & plc; Jason Liberty, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group; Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman, Cruise Division of MSC Group; and Bud Darr, President and CEO of Cruise Lines International Association.
Destination Takes a Leading Role
New for 2026, Seatrade Cruise Global places a stronger emphasis on destinations as a driver of the cruise experience, with expanded programming focused on how ports, communities and cruise lines are working together to create more meaningful guest journeys.
Monday’s destination-focused programming opens the week with remarks from Seatrade Cruise Global Ambassadors, followed by a keynote session, “The Value of Destination: Reimagining Where Travel Is Headed,” featuring Jason Montague, Chief Luxury Officer, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.
The session reflects a broader shift across the cruise industry, where destinations are no longer simply places ships visit, but central to demand, differentiation and partners in long-term growth.
Expanding Experiential Programming
In addition to its conference agenda, Seatrade Cruise Global is expanding its focus on experiential programming, creating new opportunities for attendees to connect, interact and engage beyond traditional panel formats.
New for 2026, the Wellness Oasis introduces an immersive, multi-sensory space designed for attendees to experience the growing role of wellness in cruising firsthand — from recovery experiences to curated activations such as The Reset Pod, focused on the impact of sleep on mind and body, and The Lab, featuring innovative fitness and movement concepts tailored to the cruise environment. Additional spaces including The Sip Bar, Future of Beauty and Culture Corner further reflect how cruise lines are expanding wellness into every aspect of the guest experience.
This expanded approach also includes a deeper focus on onboard revenue and guest engagement, with dedicated Retail Days, co-organised with The Moodie Davitt Report, exploring how cruise lines are evolving retail strategies to engage the next generation of shoppers, rethink key product categories and integrate new technologies. This year, the program will also debut the inaugural “Trends Report: Spotlight on Cruise Retail,” marking the first time Seatrade Cruise Global has introduced dedicated research to inform discussions around onboard retail and passenger spend.
Entertainment — one of the fastest-evolving aspects of the cruise experience — is also in focus, with programming that reflects the scale and diversity shaping onboard entertainment today. Across the event, more than two dozen performers and leading entertainment agencies will showcase a range of talent, from vocalists and musicians to magicians, comedians and specialty acts. Participating performers brought to Seatrade Cruise Global courtesy of sponsors Don Casino, Zoe Tyler, TAD, DCA, Starbook, Oakdale and 2Funny include artists such as Omar Cardona, Rachel Potter and Landau Eugene Murphy Jr., offering a snapshot of how cruise lines are investing in immersive productions, creative partnerships and next-generation entertainment designed to appeal to increasingly diverse audiences.
Technology, Perspective, and the Human Element
Conversations around technology and innovation will continue to play a central role, including sessions exploring artificial intelligence, operational technologies and the future of cruise operations.
At the same time, the conference introduces moments of reflection including an Industry Legends session featuring luminaries such as Mark Conroy, Owner, Mark S. Conroy & Associates; David Giersdorf, Founder, Global Voyages Group; and Richard Sasso, Chairman, MSC Cruises USA, leaders who have helped shape the modern cruise industry.
“Across the industry, there’s a real balance between rapid innovation and perspective,” said Giorgi. “As we look ahead — beyond the horizon — we’re also staying grounded in the relationships and shared experiences that continue to define and drive this business.”
Seatrade Cruise Global will take place April 13–16, 2026 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
For more information or to register for a ticket to Seatrade Cruise Global, please visit here.
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About Seatrade Cruise Global
Seatrade Cruise Global is the largest and longest-running event of its kind, bringing together every sector of the cruise industry, including cruise lines, suppliers, travel agents, and partners. The event features a comprehensive conference program, a showcase of innovative products and services, and plenty of networking opportunities.
Find full details about Seatrade Cruise Global at www.seatradecruiseevents.com/global
About F&B@Sea
F&B@Sea is a one-of-a-kind cruise F&B experience. Launched in 2023, it provides a platform for professionals to explore innovations, discover new products, and connect with peers shaping the future of onboard hospitality and guest experience.
Find full details about F&B@Sea at www.seatradecruiseevents.com/fnbsea
For press accreditation, registration & event logos: www.seatradecruiseevents.com/fnbsea/en/useful-info/useful-info/press-centre.html
About Seatrade Cruise
Serving the international cruise community since 1970, Seatrade Cruise is the industry’s leading platform for collaborating, innovating and connecting. Comprised of the largest cruise events and trades shows, news channels and coveted awards programs, the Seatrade Cruise portfolio reaches more than 20,000 professionals, 4,000+ suppliers, 120+ cruise line brands and 140+ countries.
For more information on Seatrade Cruise Events, visit www.seatradecruiseevents.com
For access to the latest news and industry updates, visit seatrade-cruise.com.
Seatrade Cruise Events are organized by Informa Markets, the largest B2B Events organizer in the world. To learn more and for the latest news and information, visit informamarkets.com.