Reinforcing its role as a key voice for Mediterranean cruise ports, MedCruise successfully concluded its participation at Seatrade Cruise Global 2026 in Miami, delivering a dynamic programme of presentations, high-level participation, and impactful networking opportunities.
MedCruise, the Association of Mediterranean Cruise Ports, was present at Seatrade Cruise Global 2026, held in Miami from 13th to 16th April. The event once again brought together thousands of industry professionals, including cruise lines, port authorities, destinations and service providers from across the globe, reaffirming its position as a cornerstone of the international cruise calendar.
Located at Stand #801, MedCruise served as a central hub for engagement and collaboration throughout the week, the stand hosted a series of well-attended presentations showcasing key initiatives and strategic priorities.
On Tuesday, 14 April, the Cruises & Port Cities Working Group Presentation was delivered by Laura Cimaglia, Vice President of MedCruise and responsible for Cruise Community Engagement, also Director of General and International Affairs at the Port of Taranto and Noemi Frascella, representative of the Port of Taranto, alongside José Sánchez, Director of the Agenda 2030 of AIVP and Jon Olav Stedje, Manager of Sustainability and Community Engagement at MSC Cruises, who shared insights from the Working Group’s activities and its first in-person meeting in Taranto. This was followed by the Trends in the MED session, led by Theodora Riga, President of MedCruise and President of the Corfu Port Authority, offering a comprehensive overview of cruise activity, regional developments and the outlook for the Mediterranean.
On Wednesday, 15 April, the Associations Presentation brought together representatives of MedCruise, Cruise Europe, Cruise Norway, Cruise Baltic and Cruise Britain, focusing on the findings of the joint survey launched on 26 March 2025 on the Impact of Cruise Tourism on Destinations, while highlighting ongoing cross-regional collaboration to address common challenges and opportunities. The Magna Graecia Coast to Coast Presentation highlighted a joint initiative promoted by the ports of Agropoli, Reggio Calabria and Taranto. The day concluded with the Blue Community Programme Presentation delivered by Luz Marina Espiau Moreno, Head of Commercial Division and Business Development at the Port Authority of Tenerife and MedCruise Board of Directors for Digitalisation and Innovation, who presented the progress of the Blue Community Programme developed in collaboration with SEIDOR, aimed at fostering digitalisation and knowledge sharing among members.
Beyond its own stand, MedCruise members actively contributed to the wider exhibition programme through presentations hosted at other stands. At the Ports of Spain Stand, representatives presented the Port of Seville Cruise Terminal project and a presentation on the Province of Valencia, while Puertos del Estado hosted a presentation on the evolution of cruise tourism in Almeria.
MedCruise and its members also played a prominent role across Seatrade’s conference programme. On Monday, 13 April, Virginia Quintairos participated in Reimagining Shore Excursions: Innovation, Scale & the Next Guest Experience. Laura Cimaglia contributed to Connecting Local Culture with Cruise: What Makes a Destination Distinct, while Mark Robinson joined Welcome Ashore: Supporting the Local Voices at the Heart of the Cruise Industry.
On Tuesday, 14 April, Joško Šupe and Ioannis Bras participated in Fam Trips that Convert: From Site Visit to Deployment. Valeria Mangiarotti contributed to The Future of Sustainable Cruising: Priorities, Pressures, Progress.
The programme continued on Wednesday, 15 April with Virginia Quintairos participating in Women Leading Businesses in the Cruise Sector. Luz Marina Espiau Moreno contributed to Supply Chain Tech in Cruising. Dario Barbaric participated inFaster and Better! – Immense Improvements in Security and Passenger Experience Through Advanced Technology and Design. Ramon Hurtado joined How Cruise IT Really Started: A Look Back to the 1990s. Cristina De Gregori and Ioannis Bras contributed to Accessible by Design: Aligning the Cruise Journey from Terminal to Shore. Theodora Riga concluded the Association’s participation by joining European Port & Destination Associations: Collaboration.
Seatrade Cruise Global 2026 once again demonstrated the importance of collaboration, innovation and sustainability in shaping the future of the cruise industry. Through its active participation, MedCruise reaffirmed its commitment to supporting its members, fostering strategic partnerships and enhancing the Mediterranean’s position as a leading and forward-looking cruise destination.
