Seatrade Cruise, the premier organiser of events for the cruise industry, is celebrating 40 years of its flagship trade show, Seatrade Cruise Global, which is taking place in Miami, US, from 7 to 10 April.
The anniversary edition will explore the theme Milestones, gathering the international cruise community to reflect on the last 40 years of innovation while looking to the sector’s future.
For more information and to register to attend, please click here. A 10% discount on conference and expo passes is available for blooloop readers with the code BL10.
Insights from industry leaders
Seatrade Cruise Global has been the leading platform for innovation, collaboration, and expansion in the cruise sector since its launch in 1985.
This year’s edition will celebrate the sector’s incredible journey, while addressing the opportunities and challenges defining the next era of cruise travel. Over four days, it will offer 80 conference sessions with 225 expert speakers.
Chiara Giorgi, global brand director, says: “As we celebrate 40 years of Seatrade Cruise Global, this year’s conference will be our most dynamic yet, bringing together industry leaders to explore the key milestones shaping the future of cruising.
“From evolving guest expectations to groundbreaking innovations and sustainability efforts, we’re curating discussions that will inspire, challenge, and drive the industry forward. We can’t wait to welcome the global cruise community to Miami for this landmark edition.”
A much-awaited keynote, The State of the Global Cruise Industry, is set to take place on Tuesday 8 April from 9.30 am to 11.30 am. This session is sponsored by Hong Kong Tourism Board, and will be moderated by Anne Kalosh, editor at Seatrade Cruise News.
The panel will include Charles “Bud” Darr, president and CEO, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA); Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group; Harry Sommer, president and CEO, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.; Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman, Cruise Division of MSC Group; and Josh Weinstein, president, CEO and chief climate officer, Carnival Corporation & plc.
Darr will deliver a keynote presentation to open the session.
“The State of the Global Cruise Industry keynote is a defining moment each year, bringing together the industry’s top leaders to discuss the opportunities and challenges shaping our future,” says Darr.
“As we celebrate 40 years of Seatrade Cruise Global, this session will provide insights into key issues such as market expansion, sustainability, and innovation. It’s an exciting time for cruising and I look forward to an engaging conversation, along with revealing highlights from CLIA’s 2025 State of the Cruise Industry report.”
Following this address, the panel will explore the key topics shaping cruising now and into the future. Topics will include the orderbook, product innovation and the role of AI, infrastructure investments and how private destinations are reshaping Caribbean deployment, the Sustainable Maritime Fuels Coalition, and more. In addition, the industry leaders will share their forecasts for the cruise industry four decades from now.
Extensive programme
The 2025 programme encompasses the complete cruise experience, and shares expert opinions on the most recent innovations and the future of the sector.
Key sessions include:
- Using Consumer Insight to Deliver a Cruise Experience Travelers Want – And Keep Them Coming Back For More Powered by Cruise Critic. This session will discuss how passenger feedback and market research can drive improvements to service and product development.
- Luxury Cruising: The Anticipation of New Hotel Brands at Sea is Building; What Can We Expect as We Get Closer and Closer to Debut and Delivery? A session considering upcoming luxury cruise offerings from acclaimed hotel brands, including their USPs and market impact.
- New Presidents Panel. A discussion on the challenges and opportunities facing cruise lines, with Beth Bodensteiner, president, Holland America Line; Bert Hernandez, president, Silversea; Anna Nash, president, Explora Journeys; and Dondra Ritzenthaler, chief executive officer, Azamara Cruises.
Seatrade Cruise Global 2025 will also offer specialised programmes for specific sectors within the industry, with deep dives and networking opportunities.
Tomorrow’s Talent Today will take place on 7 April, and aims to foster the next generation of cruise industry talent. This session is designed for educators and students from cruise-related academic institutions, and cruise HR, training, and recruitment professionals.
The Retail Days on 8 and 9 April are organised in collaboration with The Moodie Davitt Report. These sessions will examine subjects including elevating the onboard retail experience, adapting to evolving consumer expectations, sustainability, digital transformation, and destination-themed merchandising.
Tech Day will be held on 9 April, and will take a close look at the latest technological innovations in the sector. This programme will discuss AI, the effect of technology on recruitment and retention, digital standardisation, connectivity, and more.
Shaping the future of cruising
On the show floor, attendees can connect with more than 600 exhibitors and discover innovative products and services across diverse sectors. Brands will include ports and destinations, entertainment, hotel operations and concessions, environmental and health, expedition cruising, information technology, design and ship interiors, safety and security, and ship equipment and shipbuilding.
As the event marks four decades of excellence in the cruising industry, it invites the community to reflect on past successes and collectively envision the future of cruising.
Seatrade Cruise Global 2025 offers an unmatched opportunity to engage with industry leaders, gain valuable insights, and contribute to the evolution of the sector.
Other upcoming events include F&B@Sea, which is taking place on 9 and 10 April and runs concurrently with Seatrade Cruise Global 2025, and Seatrade Europe from 10 to 12 September.
