[Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 31 July 2026] Over 90 global industry leaders will share their expertise on the most pressing topics facing the cruise industry at Seatrade Cruise Med 2026, taking place at Las Palmas Cruise Port on 16 and 17 September.
Announcing its theme for 2026, Seatrade Cruise Med is once again elevating the conversation around the cruise industry’s direction of growth by focusing on a comprehensive scope of industry-led topics.
Time to Raise Expectations
As the Mediterranean cruise industry enters a new era of opportunity alongside challenges and higher expectations, Seatrade Cruise Med 2026 has curated its content around the central theme “Raising Expectations”.
With the region adapting to shifting deployment patterns, growing demand for premium and year-round travel, infrastructure transformation and managing tourism in cruise ports and cities, Seatrade Cruise Med will explore how the region and cruise industry can collectively raise the bar while balancing growth, authenticity and lasting impact.
Some of the specific topics guiding the conversations include the growth of luxury travel, covering the rise of luxury and expedition cruising to infrastructure transformation. Further topics will explore how to effectively manage tourism while fostering strong port-city relationships. The programme will also have dedicated sessions exploring the Mediterranean and its adjoining seas and the growing strategic importance of the Atlantic Islands alongside emerging opportunities in the Red Sea. Infrastructure development, strategic deployment and technology, including AI, are also part of the expert-led conversations taking place at the two-day event.
Meet the experts
Bringing together cruise lines, ports, destinations, tourism organisations and infrastructure leaders, the programme reflects the increasingly interconnected nature of the cruise industry.
The current lineup includes Charles “Bud” Darr, President & CEO, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), acting as opening keynote speaker. Other confirmed experts speaking at the event include Jaco Gouws – VP, Shore Excursions – EMEA, APAC & the Luxury Group, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., Justin Poulsen – Head of Itinerary Planning, Destination Experiences & Ground Handling, Explora Journeys, Sacha Rougier – VP, Itinerary Planning & Destination Experience, Orient Express and Susana Gutierrez – General Manager, Canary Islands Cruise Ports, including Las Palmas, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura & Malaga Cruise Port, Global Ports Holding.
The Port of Las Palmas, operated by Global Ports Canary Islands, part of Global Ports Holding, will welcome the Med event for the first time, bringing together 180 exhibitors showcasing the latest ports, destinations, technologies, solutions and services, with over 2,000 attendees expected. Registration is now open, offering a range of visitor passes and an early bird discount available until Friday, 31 July.
Explore the latest confirmed speakers here.
Register to attend Seatrade Cruise Med by Friday 31, July and enjoy the early bird discount here.
-ENDS-
Notes to editors:
To learn more about Seatrade Cruise Events visit seatradecruiseevents.com. Follow Seatrade Cruise on social media: LinkedIn @SeatradeCruise on Twitter and Instagram, and @SeatradeCruiseEvents on Facebook.
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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/med.
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.
Seatrade Cruise Events are organised by Informa Markets; the largest B2B Events organiser in the world. To learn more and for the latest news and information, visit informamarkets.com.