Seatrade Cruise Global 2025 celebrates landmark 40th anniversary in Miami

MIAMI BEACH, FL  – Seatrade Cruise Global 2025 is celebrating the conclusion of its 40th-anniversary edition at the Miami Beach Convention Center, marking a significant milestone for the global cruise community. From 07 to 10 April Seatrade Cruise Global welcomed over 11,500 attendees from 128 countries, including 75+ Cruise Line Brands, to this year’s event celebrating four decades of innovation, collaboration and growth within the cruise industry.

Outstanding Visitor Numbers

The event attracted more than 11,500 attendees from over 128 countries around the world converging in Miami, the home of the global cruise sector. Industry-leading professionals, Cruise Line Executives, and over 600 innovative exhibitors came together to explore the future of cruising, making this year’s Seatrade Cruise Global one of the most well-attended editions to date.

Chiara Giorgi, Global Brand Director, comments on the event’s success: “This year’s Seatrade Cruise Global has been a remarkable celebration of our industry’s journey over the past 40 years and was our most inspiring edition yet. The enthusiasm and engagement of our attendees have been truly inspiring. We have seen incredible participation from industry leaders and innovators who are passionate about shaping the future of cruise travel. The inspiring discussions and innovative exhibitors at this year’s event have highlighted the innovation, resilience and creativity that define our industry.”

Conference Highlights

Seatrade Cruise Global 2025 offered a rich array of highlights, including a highly anticipated conference programme. This year’s theme, “Milestones,” encouraged the cruise community to reflect on the evolution of the industry while looking ahead to future advancements. The event featured 87 conference sessions, where 290 expert speakers explored new trends, and delved into key opportunities and challenges shaping the next era of cruise travel. Attendees had the chance to engage in dynamic discussions on topics ranging from evolving guest expectations to groundbreaking innovations and sustainability efforts.

“The State of the Global Cruise Industry” keynote session, sponsored by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, held on Tuesday, April 08, brought together over 2,500 delegates. Industry leaders shared their insights and expertise on the current landscape and future projections for cruise travel, chaired by Anne Kalosh, Editor at Seatrade Cruise News. The session featured a panel of esteemed industry leaders, including Bud Darr, President & CEO, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), Jason Liberty, President & CEO, Royal Caribbean Group, Harry Sommer, President & CEO, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd, Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman, Cruise Division of MSC Group and Josh Weinstein, President, CEO & Chief Climate Officer, Carnival Corporation & plc.

The panel discussed the cruise industry’s biggest opportunities and challenges in 2025 and beyond; from supply and demand shifts to unlocking new markets. They touched on the record-breaking orderbook, innovation driven by AI, and the push toward future fuels. The conversation also covered destination management, infrastructure investment, Europe’s influence on policy, and Asia’s growth potential.

Outstanding Exhibitors

The vibrant Exhibition Hall buzzed with innovation as over 600 exhibitors from across the cruise industry showcased cutting-edge products, transformative services, and next-gen technologies. Demonstrating the show’s value and impact, a diverse mix of global brands have already committed to return in 2026 – including Cachet, De Wave, DNV, DOF Robotics, Fincantieri, Port of Dover, Global Ports Holding, LG Electronics, Ports of Spain, and The Bahamas.

Entertainment Showcase

New for this year’s event, attendees were treated to a feast for the senses with the Entertainment Showcase. This hugely successful showcase provided a platform for performers to demonstrate their talent to key Cruise Line Executives. In partnership with talent agencies Don Casino, 2FunnyEntertainment and DCA Productions, an outstanding range of acts performed back-to-back, offering a spectacular glimpse of the very best in on-board entertainment.

The Retail Days – In partnership with The Moodie Davitt Report

Back for its second year, the Retail Days, held on April 08-09 in partnership with The Moodie Davitt Report, successfully underscored the vital role of onboard retail in enhancing guest experiences. The programme featured insightful sessions on topics such as appealing to the next generation, adopting a consumer-centric approach in cruise retail, embracing technology, and exploring key retail categories. This initiative highlighted the growing importance of retail in driving revenue for cruise lines and its integral role in the industry’s evolution.

Networking with the Cruise Community

Seatrade Cruise Global offers an extensive programme of opportunities to network; from meetings in the matchmaking lounge, booked via the event app, to serendipitous encounters at the Cruisin’ Like it’s 1985 welcome party; the event provided attendees with the opportunity to connect, collaborate, and forge new partnerships.

Seatrade Cruise Global 2025 has once again proven to be the premier platform for driving innovation, fostering collaboration, and celebrating the remarkable journey of the cruise industry. Planning for the next edition is already underway, promising further advancements and continued growth within the industry.

Seatrade Cruise Global will return to the Miami Beach Convention Center from 13-16 April 2026.