Luxury Cruise Sector Transformation at Seatrade Cruise Med
The luxury cruise sector is undergoing a significant transformation with the number of luxury vessels tripling since 2010.
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.
Luxury Cruise Passengers Demand More
Premium passengers demand concierge-level service and unique experiences that go beyond logistics.
A new generation of ship is coming to our ports and destinations, and a new kind of traveller is emerging, according to Figen Ayan, founder of Ayan Consulting and Seatrade Cruise Ambassador for Port Innovation & Community Engagement.
They don't want more, they want different, and this requires a new mindset and approach from ports and destinations.
Hotel Brands Enter the Cruise Market
The convergence between hospitality and cruising will be explored in a fireside conversation at Seatrade Cruise Med.
Philippe Hetland-Brault, CEO at Orient Express Silenseas, and Ben Trodd, CEO at Four Seasons Yachts, will discuss what this hospitality-cruise convergence means for passengers, destinations, and the broader industry.
Jason Gelineau, Seatrade Cruise Guest Experience Ambassador and principal of JAG Hospitality, will moderate the discussion.
Seatrade Cruise Med Conference Programme
The full conference programme and registration details are available at Seatrade Cruise Events.
Seatrade Cruise Med will take place on September 16-17 at Santa Catalina Terminal in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain.
The conference will examine the luxury cruise sector's transformation and address the evolving expectations of luxury cruise passengers.
The panel, sponsored by Forbes Travel Guide, will feature 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.
The conference will also address the significance of upcoming deliveries, with over 40% of the ships being delivered by 2028 being luxury or expedition.
This wave isn't asking for unique experiences only, it is asking to be understood.
The conference will take place at Las Palmas Cruise Port in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain.
