Seatrade Cruise Med 2026 to Bring Together 90+ Industry Leaders in Las Palmas Under the Theme ‘Raising Expectations’

More than 90 global cruise industry experts will gather at Seatrade Cruise Med 2026, taking place at Las Palmas Cruise Port on 16–17 September 2026, to discuss the key opportunities and challenges shaping the future of cruising across the Mediterranean and beyond.

This year’s event will be held under the theme “Raising Expectations,” reflecting the industry’s focus on sustainable growth, evolving traveller demands, infrastructure investment and stronger collaboration between cruise lines, ports and destinations.

Raising the Bar for the Mediterranean Cruise Industry

As the Mediterranean enters a new phase of growth, Seatrade Cruise Med 2026 will explore how the region can balance increasing passenger demand with authenticity, sustainability and long-term economic impact.

The conference programme will address a broad range of industry priorities, including:

• The continued growth of luxury and expedition cruising.
• Infrastructure transformation and port development.
• Managing tourism while strengthening port-city relationships.
• The strategic importance of the Mediterranean, adjoining seas and the Atlantic Islands.
• Emerging opportunities in the Red Sea.
• Cruise deployment strategies.
• Technology and digital innovation, including the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI).

Industry Leaders Confirmed

The conference will feature speakers representing cruise lines, ports, destinations, tourism organisations and infrastructure companies, highlighting the industry’s collaborative approach to future growth.

Confirmed speakers include:

• Charles “Bud” Darr, President & CEO, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), who will deliver the opening keynote.
• Jaco Gouws, Vice President, 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, Vice President, Itinerary Planning & Destination Experience, Orient Express.
• Susana Gutierrez, General Manager, Canary Islands Cruise Ports (Las Palmas, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura) and Malaga Cruise Port, Global Ports Holding.

First-Time Host Venue

For the first time, Las Palmas Cruise Port, operated by Global Ports Canary Islands, part of Global Ports Holding, will host Seatrade Cruise Med.

The event is expected to welcome more than 2,000 attendees and feature 180 exhibitors, showcasing the latest developments in ports, destinations, technologies, products and services supporting the global cruise industry.

Registration for Seatrade Cruise Med 2026 is now open, with a range of visitor pass options available. An early-bird discount is being offered for registrations completed by 31 July.

Attendees can also explore the latest confirmed speaker lineup and event programme through the official Seatrade Cruise Med website.