• 3 min de lectura
• 3 min de lectura
Seatrade Cruise Med 2026 will examine the luxury cruise sector's transformation as premium vessels triple in number since 2010, demanding new approaches from ports and destinations.
Clockwise from top left: Philippe Hetland-Brault, Crystal Morgan, Justin Poulsen, Andreia Santos, Charlotte Stacey and Ben Trodd. PHOTO: SEATRADE CRUISE
The luxury cruise sector's remarkable growth will be explored at Seatrade Cruise Med, running September 16-17 at Santa Catalina Terminal in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain.
The number of luxury vessels increased from 28 ships in 2010 to 97 in 2024 worldwide. As luxury and ultra-premium cruising continues expanding across the Mediterranean and Atlantic regions, the conference will address how destinations can deliver experiences matching the elevated promises of premium itineraries.
'Beneath the Luxury Itinerary: What the Med & Atlantic Demand of Ports & Destinations Now' will address the evolving expectations of luxury cruise passengers. The panel, sponsored by Forbes Travel Guide, takes place Wednesday September 16 from 2:30 PM to 3:15 PM in Lanzarote Hall.
The session features Crystal Morgan, senior director deployment & itinerary planning at Seabourn; Justin Poulsen, head of itinerary planning, destination experiences & ground handling at Explora Journeys; Andreia Santos, director at Atlantys Superyacht Services; and Charlotte Stacey, travel content creator and global product development manager at Intercruises Shoreside & Port Services.
Moderating the discussion is Figen Ayan, founder of Ayan Consulting and Seatrade Cruise Ambassador for Port Innovation & Community Engagement.
Ayan emphasised the fundamental shift occurring within the sector: "A new generation of ship is coming to our ports and destinations. More importantly, a new kind of traveller. They don't want more, they want different. That's not an infrastructure question, it's a state of mind. What we're being asked for isn't logistics anymore, it's concierge, and there's no department for that yet."
She highlighted the significance of upcoming deliveries: "Over 40% of the ships being delivered by 2028 are luxury or expedition. That wave isn't asking us for unique experiences only. It is asking to be understood."
The convergence between hospitality and cruising will be explored in 'When Hotel Brands Set Sail.' Scheduled for Thursday September 17 from 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM in Lanzarote Hall, the fireside conversation features Philippe Hetland-Brault, CEO at Orient Express Silenseas and Ben Trodd, CEO at Four Seasons Yachts.
Jason Gelineau, Seatrade Cruise Guest Experience Ambassador and principal of JAG Hospitality, will moderate the discussion examining what this hospitality-cruise convergence means for passengers, destinations and the broader industry.
The full conference programme and registration details are available at Seatrade Cruise Events.
Fuente: sea-trade cruise
