MedCruise at Seatrade Cruise Global 2026
In 2026, MedCruise once again confirmed its leading role in the international cruise industry by successfully participating in the Seatrade Cruise Global 2026 in Miami. Held from April 13 to 16, the event brought together thousands of industry professionals, including cruise lines, port authorities, destinations, and service providers, further strengthening its position as a key global benchmark.
MedCruise delivered a dynamic and engaging programme, transforming its stand into a true hub for networking, dialogue, and collaboration. The numerous presentations offered valuable insights into the Association’s strategic priorities and the key trends shaping the future of the cruise sector.
MedCruise Seatrade Cruise Global press release_photo
Among the most significant moments, on Tuesday, April 14, the Cruises & Port Cities Working Group presentation took place. It was led by Laura Cimaglia, Vice President of MedCruise and responsible for Cruise Community Engagement, alongside Noemi Frascella, together with José Sánchez and Jon Olav Stedje. The meeting provided an important opportunity to share the results of the Working Group’s activities and its future outlook, also in light of the first in-person meeting held in Taranto. This was followed by the “Trends in the MED” session, led by Theodora Riga, which offered an in-depth analysis of cruise traffic trends in the Mediterranean, presenting data, insights, and a clear vision of the region’s outlook.
Wednesday, April 15, placed international collaboration at the forefront. The joint Associations Presentation, involving MedCruise, Cruise Europe, Cruise Norway, Cruise Baltic, and Cruise Britain, highlighted the findings of the survey launched in March 2025 on the impact of cruise tourism on destinations, emphasizing the importance of a shared approach to addressing common challenges and seizing new opportunities. On the same day, the Magna Graecia Coast to Coast project showcased a joint initiative promoted by the ports of Agropoli, Reggio Calabria, and Taranto, while the Blue Community Programme, presented by Luz Marina Espiau Moreno, outlined the progress of an initiative aimed at fostering digitalization and knowledge sharing among members, developed in collaboration with SEIDOR.
Alongside the activities at the stand, MedCruise members also actively contributed to the broader exhibition programme. At the Ports of Spain stand, presentations featured the Seville cruise terminal project and a focus on the Province of Valencia, while Puertos del Estado explored the evolution of cruise tourism in Almería. MedCruise’s presence was also strongly reflected within Seatrade’s extensive conference programme. During the event, Virginia Quintairos participated in a session dedicated to reimagining shore excursions, while Laura Cimaglia contributed to the discussion on the connection between local culture and destination identity. Mark Robinson highlighted the role of local communities within the cruise sector. Meanwhile, Joško Šupe and Ioannis Bras took part in a session dedicated to fam trips, while Valeria Mangiarotti addressed the topic of sustainability, an increasingly central focus in industry strategies.
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Additional sessions featured Virginia Quintairos addressing the role of women in the industry, Luz Marina Espiau Moreno focusing on supply chain technologies, and Dario Barbaric, Ramon Hurtado, and Cristina De Gregori together with Ioannis Bras covering topics ranging from security to accessibility. The Association’s participation concluded with Theodora Riga, who took part in the panel dedicated to collaboration between European port and destination associations.
The Seatrade Cruise Global 2026 once again confirms its role as a true benchmark for understanding the evolution of the sector, where innovation, sustainability, and collaboration emerge as essential drivers for the future. In this context, MedCruise reaffirmed its ability to foster synergies, actively support its members, and strengthen the Mediterranean’s position as one of the most dynamic and strategic regions in the global cruise industry.
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