Seatrade Cruise Global Celebrates 40th Anniversary in Miami
Seatrade Cruise Global, the premier organiser of events for the cruise industry, is marking its 40th anniversary with its flagship trade show taking place in Miami, US, from 7 to 10 April.
This special edition will delve into the theme Milestones, uniting the global cruise community to reflect on four decades of innovation while also looking ahead to the future of the sector.
Insights from Industry Leaders
Seatrade Cruise Global has served as the leading platform for innovation, collaboration, and growth in the cruise sector since its inception in 1985.
This year’s edition will celebrate the remarkable journey of the industry while addressing the opportunities and challenges that will define the next era of cruise travel. Over the course of four days, attendees can look forward to 80 conference sessions featuring 225 expert speakers.
Chiara Giorgi, global brand director, states: “As we celebrate 40 years of Seatrade Cruise Global, this year’s conference promises to 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 highly anticipated keynote, The State of the Global Cruise Industry, is scheduled for Tuesday 8 April from 9.30 am to 11.30 am. This session is sponsored by the Hong Kong Tourism Board and will be moderated by Anne Kalosh, editor at Seatrade Cruise News.
The panel will feature Charles “Bud” Darr, president and CEO of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA); Jason Liberty, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group; Harry Sommer, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.; Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of the Cruise Division of MSC Group; and Josh Weinstein, president, CEO, and chief climate officer of Carnival Corporation & plc.
Darr will deliver a keynote presentation to kick off 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. Discussions will cover the order book, product innovation and the role of AI, infrastructure investments, and how private destinations are reshaping Caribbean deployment, as well as the Sustainable Maritime Fuels Coalition, among others. Additionally, industry leaders will share their forecasts for the cruise industry four decades from now.
Extensive Programme
The 2025 programme encompasses the complete cruise experience, sharing expert opinions on the latest 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, featuring Beth Bodensteiner, president of Holland America Line; Bert Hernandez, president of Silversea; Anna Nash, president of Explora Journeys; and Dondra Ritzenthaler, chief executive officer of Azamara Cruises.
Seatrade Cruise Global 2025 will also offer specialised programmes for specific sectors within the industry, providing deep dives and networking opportunities.
Tomorrow’s Talent Today will take place on 7 April, aiming to nurture the next generation of cruise industry talent. This session is designed for educators and students from cruise-related academic institutions, as well as 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 topics such as enhancing the onboard retail experience, adapting to evolving consumer expectations, sustainability, digital transformation, and destination-themed merchandising.
Tech Day will be held on 9 April, focusing on the latest technological innovations in the sector. This programme will discuss AI, the impact of technology on recruitment and retention, digital standardisation, connectivity, and more.
Shaping the Future of Cruising
On the show floor, attendees can connect with over 600 exhibitors and discover innovative products and services across various 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 commemorates 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 presents an unparalleled opportunity to engage with industry leaders, gain valuable insights, and contribute to the evolution of the sector.
Other upcoming events include F&B@Sea, taking place on 9 and 10 April concurrently with Seatrade Cruise Global 2025, and Seatrade Europe from 10 to 12 September.
