Seatrade Cruise Med 2026 to Gather 90+ Cruise Leaders in Las Palmas Around ‘Raising Expectations’

Seatrade Cruise Med 2026 to Bring Together 90+ Global Cruise Leaders in Las Palmas

More than 90 leading voices from the global cruise industry will gather at Seatrade Cruise Med 2026 in Las Palmas Cruise Port, Gran Canaria, on September 16–17, 2026, to discuss the trends, challenges and opportunities shaping the future of cruising across the Mediterranean and beyond.

Held under the theme “Raising Expectations,” this year’s conference will focus on sustainable growth, evolving passenger expectations, infrastructure investment, technological innovation and stronger collaboration between cruise lines, ports and destinations.

Focus on the Mediterranean’s Next Growth Phase

As the Mediterranean cruise market continues to expand, industry leaders will examine how destinations can accommodate rising visitor numbers while preserving local communities, enhancing sustainability and delivering long-term economic benefits.

Key topics on the agenda include:

• Growth of luxury and expedition cruising
• Port infrastructure upgrades and destination development
• Strengthening relationships between ports, cities and local communities
• The Mediterranean’s strategic role alongside the Atlantic Islands and adjoining seas
• Emerging cruise opportunities in the Red Sea
• Cruise deployment strategies
• Digital transformation, including the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI)

Top Industry Executives to Take the Stage

The conference will feature executives from major cruise companies, port operators, tourism organisations and infrastructure firms.

Among the confirmed speakers are:

• Charles “Bud” Darr, President and CEO of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), who will deliver the opening keynote.
• Jaco Gouws, Vice President, Shore Excursions – EMEA, APAC & Luxury Group, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.
• 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 of Canary Islands Cruise Ports and Malaga Cruise Port, Global Ports Holding.

Las Palmas Hosts the Event for the First Time

The 2026 edition marks the first time Las Palmas Cruise Port, operated by Global Ports Canary Islands, will host Seatrade Cruise Med.

Organisers expect more than 2,000 delegates and around 180 exhibitors, with companies showcasing the latest innovations in cruise destinations, port services, technology and maritime infrastructure.

Registration for the event is now open, with early-bird pricing available for a limited period. Delegates can also access the latest conference agenda and confirmed speaker lineup through the official event website.