MIAMI, April 15, 2026.- Seatrade Cruise Global 2026 opened yesterday with the World Cruise Tourism Summit, setting the tone for the week ahead with a full day dedicated to the evolving role of destinations in shaping the future of cruise and global travel.
Anchored by the conference theme, “Beyond the Horizon: Leveraging Cruising’s Strength and Scale to Drive Innovation,” the summit brought together cruise leaders, port authorities and tourism stakeholders to explore how destinations have been playing an increasingly important role in shaping the cruise experience.
“Destinations are central to how value is created across the entire cruise ecosystem,” said Chiara Giorgi, Global Brand & Event Director, Seatrade Cruise Global. “The decision to dedicate the opening day of Seatrade Cruise Global to this topic reflects a broader industry shift toward deeper collaboration with communities, more intentional experience design and a recognition that what happens ashore is as important as what happens onboard.”
A NEW ERA FOR DESTINATION STRATEGY
The day’s keynote conversation, moderated by Anne Kalosh, Editor at Seatrade Cruise News, featured Jason Montague, Chief Luxury Officer at Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, who emphasised the growing importance of destination strategy as a core driver of demand and differentiation.
The session underscored a broader industry shift: as traveler expectations evolve, destinations are increasingly being reimagined through experience design, strategic partnerships and community engagement, with long-term growth tied as much to what happens ashore as onboard.
TIME ASHORE AS A MEASURE OF VALUE
Throughout the morning, panels explored how the time guests spend in destination directly influences economic impact, guest satisfaction and long-term demand.
In a discussion moderated by Roger Blum (Cruise & Port Advisors), leaders including Russell Benford (Royal Caribbean Group), Karin Plettner (Carnival Corporation), Marie-Andrée Blanchet (Port of Quebec), Juan Trescastro (Virgin Voyages), and Dona Regis-Prosper (Caribbean Tourism Organization) highlighted how deeper collaboration with local communities is unlocking new value.
During a session moderated by Shannon McKee (Access Cruise, Inc.), speakers including Justin Poulsen (Explora Journeys), Leyla Oner (Tura Turizm), Maria Tauschke (TUI Cruises), Laura Vlad (Aman at Sea), and Virginia Quintairos (Intercruises) explored how personalization, technology and sustainability are reshaping the guest experience beyond the ship. Across discussions, a consistent message emerged: the future of cruise will be shaped not only by what happens onboard, but by how seamlessly and meaningfully guests engage with destinations.
AUTHENTICITY, COMMUNITY AND CULTURAL CONNECTION
Afternoon sessions focused on the growing importance of authenticity in destination development. In a panel moderated by David Selby (Travelyields Ltd.), speakers from Azamara, MedCruise, Port of Taranto, and Hurtigruten shared how destinations are moving beyond scale to create experiences rooted in local culture, heritage and identity. The Welcome Ashore session further reinforced this perspective, bringing voices from Alaska, Greece and The Bahamas to the stage to share firsthand how cruise tourism supports small businesses, jobs and community development.
BUILDING THE FOUNDATIONS FOR FUTURE GROWTH
The day concluded with a forward-looking discussion on infrastructure and long-term destination development. Moderated by Tom Spina, leaders from Carnival Corporation, Port Everglades, DOF Robotics, Royal Caribbean Group, and Alaska Railroad Corporation examined how investment in ports, terminals and landside infrastructure is enabling destinations to balance capacity, experience and sustainability.
Seatrade Cruise Global 2026 continues through to April 16th at the Miami Beach Convention Center, bringing together more than 13,000 registrants and 650 exhibitors from across the global cruise community.
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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 offers a comprehensive conference programme, a showcase of innovative products and services, and unparalleled networking opportunities.
Find full details about Seatrade Cruise Global at www.seatradecruiseevents.com/global
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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
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About Seatrade Cruise
Serving the international cruise community since 1970, Seatrade Cruise is the industry’s leading platform for collaborating, innovating and connecting. Comprising the largest cruise events and trades shows, news channels and coveted awards programme, the Seatrade Cruise portfolio reaches more than 20,000 professionals, 4,000+ suppliers, 120+ cruise line brands and 140+ countries.
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