Seatrade Cruise Global celebrates 40 years of cruise industry excellence

With over 1,500 Cruise Line Executives already registered to attend from 70 brands, Seatrade Cruise Global has cemented itself across four decades as the must-attend event for anyone in the cruise industry. Bringing together key decision-makers, suppliers, and innovators, the event remains the central hub for networking, learning, and advancing the future of the cruise industry.
A Historic Connection to Miami

Seatrade Cruise Global has a long and storied history in Miami, the cruise capital of the world. The first Seatrade Cruise Conference, however, took place in New York in 1985, running at the Vista International Hotel for two years before moving to its established home in Miami in 1987. For the next four years, the conference was held at either the InterContinental Hotel or the Fontainebleau Hotel.

By 1991, the event – then known as the Seatrade Cruise Shipping Conference & Exhibition, and later as Seatrade Miami – had outgrown the Fontainebleau Hotel due to the rapid expansion of the global cruise industry. Increased demand for exhibition space led to the event moving to the Miami Beach Convention Center, welcoming 350 exhibitors.

Since then, Seatrade Cruise Global has been hosted at the Miami Beach Convention Center, with a few exceptions. Three editions (2016, 2017, and 2018) were held in Fort Lauderdale while the MBCC underwent renovations, and in 2023, the event temporarily moved to accommodate scheduling around the F1 Grand Prix.

Reflecting on the significant history of the event, Chiara Giorgi, Global Brand & Event Director of Seatrade Cruise, expressed her enthusiasm: “Celebrating 40 years of Seatrade Cruise Global is a testament to the resilience and innovation of our industry. Miami has played an instrumental role in the evolution of this event, having hosted Seatrade Cruise Global for more than three decades. From its early days in New York to its expansion into the Miami Beach Convention Center, this event has grown alongside the industry it serves. We are thrilled to bring the cruise community together once again to honour our rich history, reflect on our shared achievements, and look ahead to a bright future.”

Cruise industry leaders participate in panel at Seatrade Cruise Global, formerly known as “Cruise Shipping Miami.”

Event Highlights

• NEW FOR 2025 – Entertainment Showcase (08 April): Prepare to be entertained! New for 2025, the Entertainment Showcase will provide a platform for performers to demonstrate their talent to key Cruise Line Executives. With agencies such as Don Casino, 2FunnyEntertainment and DCA Productions on board, a huge range of acts will perform back-to-back, offering a spectacular glimpse of the crème de la crème of cruise entertainment.
• Tomorrow’s Talent Today (07 April): A dedicated programme for Cruise HR, training, and recruitment professionals, as well as educators and students from institutions specialising in cruise-related courses. This initiative aims to foster the next generation of cruise industry talent.
  The Retail Days (08–09 April): In partnership with The Moodie Davitt Report, this programme will cover topics such as elevating the retail experience, meeting new consumer expectations, sustainability, digitalisation, and destination theming. The ever-evolving landscape of cruise retail is at the forefront of The Retail Days.
• 20 Under 40 Programme: In celebration of Seatrade Cruise’s 40th anniversary, the revitalised ’20 Under 40′ honours programme will showcase exceptional young talent within the global cruise industry. This initiative recognises individuals under the age of 40 who have demonstrated significant impact, leadership, and dedication in their respective sectors, as nominated by themselves or peers. Browse the shortlist to discover the next wave of cruise talent.
• Wellness at Seatrade Cruise Global: Introducing the Detox Dock. Designed to provide a moment of respite from the dynamic show floor, the Detox Dock offers attendees the opportunity to unwind, recharge, and refresh. As part of the experience, visitors can also discover their Wellness Age with Technogym’s Checkup – an innovative health assessment tool.
• Extensive Exhibition: Attendees will have the opportunity to discover breakthrough products from over 600 exhibitors, representing core cruise markets including ports and destinations, entertainment, hotel operations and concessions, environmental and health, expedition cruising, information technology, design and ship interiors, safety and security, and ship equipment and shipbuilding, including:

• Brazil
• British Virgin Islands (BVI)
• Costa Rica
• Cruise Greenland
• DNV
• DOF Robotics
• Dominican Republic
• Duracell Professional
• Fincantieri
• Galataport Istanbul
• Ghana Tourism Authority
• Global Ports Holdin
• Greenspan
• Hong Kong Tourism Board
• Immersive Excursion with Technifex
• Insight (Dell)
• ITM Group
• Loipart
• Puerto Rico
• Samsung
• Toner Cable Equipment
• Zinus (shore power)

State of the Industry Keynote Panel brings together cruise line leaders at an early edition of Seatrade Cruise Global, formerly known as “Cruise Shipping Miami.”

An Unmissable Conference

The 2025 conference programme will span the entire cruise experience, covering topics such as Appealing to the Next Generation, Design Thinking and Practice, and Expedition Cruising Redefined. An entire day will be dedicated to the ports and destinations sector, where industry leaders will offer practical solutions and tools to navigate challenges and discover emerging opportunities in this dynamic sector.

Seatrade Cruise Global is proud to have the support of industry associations such as the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), which play pivotal roles in advancing the cruise industry’s interests and fostering collaboration among stakeholders.

Industry professionals are invited to join the global cruise community in Miami to explore key trends and discover cutting-edge strategies from cruise industry leaders. Secure your pass today and be part of this historic moment that blends tradition with forward-looking visions for the future of cruising.