Prominent Pavilion and expertise presence across the show’s conference programme highlight strength of three decades of partnership.
[Las Palmas De Gran Canaria, 10 September 2026] 2026 marks a significant milestone anniversary for Seatrade Cruise Med and its long-standing partner MedCruise with both celebrating their 30th Anniversary. The solid partnership has steered the Mediterranean industry in its growth and evolution.
To mark the occasion at the Seatrade Cruise Med 2026 opening at Las Palmas De Gran Canaria on 16 September, MedCruise will be an important presence at the show, both in physical space and expertise, hosting the second biggest Pavilion onsite, after the host Las Palmas Cruise Port.
The Association, which currently represents 22 countries, will bring together no less than 18 members exhibiting at the event and more than 20 speakers, sharing invaluable experience and insight at over 15 conference sessions.
The MedCruise Pavilion
The Association has coordinated a strong showcase at Seatrade Cruise Med by mobilising a range of industry powerhouses including 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 present at its Pavilion.
Located in the Main Event Area & Exhibits, at stands 1E31 and 1E40, the MedCruise Pavilion is designed to be a lively meeting point for B2B meetings, networking and exchanges throughout the event.
MedCruise in the Conference Programme
MedCruise will hold its 69th General Assembly in Las Palmas, on Tuesday, 15 September. The General Assembly is exclusive for members of the Association.
The President of MedCruise Theodora Riga will deliver a welcome address and participate in the opening session of The State of the Mediterranean Cruise Industry, moderated by Mary Bond, Group Director at Seatrade Cruise. The keynote will take place on 16 September at 10:45 in the Lanzarote Hall.
Members of the Board of MedCruise, Joško Šupe, Lorenzo Vera Franco, Luz Marina Espiau Moreno, Dario Barbarić, Valeria Mangiarotti and Anne-Marie Spinosi will contribute to discussions on community engagement, expedition cruising, the Atlantic region, artificial intelligence, shoreside infrastructure, and the future of Mediterranean cruising.
Other members of MedCruise participating in the conference programme 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 destination storytelling, technology, responsible shore experiences, brand differentiation, cruise readiness and the long-term value generated by cruise calls.
Further Events Honouring the 30th Anniversary Milestone
A meeting of the Association’s Economic Impact Assessments Working Group will take place on 17 September, led by Lorenzo Vera Franco of the Board of Directors of MedCruise.
As part of the anniversary celebrations, a special edition of Seatrade Cruise Talks podcast featuring former MedCruise Presidents is planned for later in the year.
Theodora Riga, President of MedCruise, said: “Ports give cruise itineraries their character, and for 30 years, MedCruise and Seatrade Cruise have worked together to give those ports a stronger voice. In Las Palmas, that partnership comes home to a MedCruise member port, with our members gathering in force to celebrate three decades of collaboration and help shape what comes next. Our ambition is clear: a cruise industry whose success is shared by the destinations and communities that welcome it.”
Meet MedCruise at Seatrade Cruise Med 2026: https://www.medcruise.com/
Future events
- Seatrade Cruise Med, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain, 16-17 September 2026
- Seatrade Cruise Asia, Kuala Lumpur & Penang, Malaysia, 16-20 November 2026
- Seatrade Cruise Global, Miami Beach, FL, USA 05-08 April 2027
- F&B@Sea, Miami, FL, USA 07-08 April 2027
About Seatrade Cruise Med
Seatrade Cruise Med is the Mediterranean’s premier B2B cruise industry event, combining a trade show and conference that brings together cruise decision-makers, suppliers, and industry professionals from across the region. Taking place on 16-17 September 2026 at the Santa Catalina Terminal, Las Palmas Cruise Port in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain, the event serves as a gateway to the second-largest cruise market in the world. Attendees gain access to cutting-edge content on global and regional industry trends, networking opportunities with key stakeholders, and insights into the evolving Mediterranean cruise landscape. The event also features the prestigious Seatrade Cruise Awards on 16 September, recognising individuals and companies making significant contributions to the cruise industry. For more information, visit www.seatradecruiseevents.com/
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 programmes, 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.