By
Kasturi Datta |
Seatrade Cruise Global will feature an expanded event programme, with panels focused on the increasing value of cruise destinations, scaling innovation across onboard experiences and emerging technologies through investment in experiential, immersive sessions and leadership forums, when it takes place in Miami, Florida from 13-16 April 2026.
New additions to the programme include the President’s Panel, which will feature new leaders from across cruise sectors including luxury, expedition and contemporary, coming together to discuss the changes taking place at the forefront of the industry. President’s Panel speakers include Tracy Wilson, senior vice president and general manager of Disney Cruise Line, Wesley D’Silva, president of Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Marc Kazlauskas, president of Norwegian Cruise Line, Benoît-Etienne Domenget, CEO of Ponant Explorations Group, and Jonathan Wilson, president and CEO of Aman at Sea.
The panel discussions will complement the State of the Global Cruise Industry keynote, which will include Jason Liberty, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group and Bud Darr, president and CEO of Cruise Line International Association (CLIA).
“The future of cruising isn’t just about what’s new – it’s about how those ideas come together to create something more meaningful,” said Chiara Giorgi, global brand and event director of Seatrade Cruise Global. “What we’re building this year reflects that shift – bringing together innovation, experience and, most importantly, the human connections that continue to define this industry.”
The conference will also look closer at collaboration between cruise lines and destinations than it has in previous years. Jason Montague, chief luxury officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, will deliver a keynote session on the shift from ports being places to visit to becoming long-term cruise line partners.
Other new additions include the Wellness Oasis as part of the conference’s focus on experiential sessions. It will provide attendees with insight into the development of the wellness sector of the cruise industry, followed by The Sip Bar and Future of Beauty and Culture Corner, which will provide a further look into how cruise lines are adopting wellness across onboard experiences.
Seatrade Cruise Global will work with The Moodie Davitt Report to co-organise Retail Days for the conference. This year will mark the first time the organisation has collaborated with a research company to lead discussions around onboard retail and passenger spending.
The conference will feature over 24 performers and leading entertainment agencies to showcase examples of how the cruise entertainment sector is expanding and appealing to more diverse audiences.
Advancing technology will return as a pivotal part of the Seatrade Cruise Global agenda, with sessions on artificial intelligence, operational technology and the future of cruise operations. Alongside these, there will be ‘Industry Legends’ sessions delivered by individuals who have helped shape the modern cruise industry, including Mark Conroy, owner of Mark S. Conroy & Associates, David Giersdorf, founder of Global Voyages Group, and Richard Sasso, chairman of MSC Cruises USA.
For more information, visit the Seatrade Cruise Global event preview.