Seatrade Cruise Global, the cruise industry’s preeminent annual business-to-business event, announces its highly anticipated 2024 State of the Global Cruise Industry Keynote lineup, presented in partnership with Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and sponsored by the Hong Kong Tourism Board.
The conference’s opening session, taking place from 9:30 – 11:30 AM on Tuesday, 9 April, will unite industry top executives from the world’s largest cruise companies for a round-table discussion inspired by this year’s conference theme – The Evolution of Cruise. Led by moderator Anne Kalosh, Seatrade Cruise News’ Editor, the insightful dialogue will cover key topics surrounding the future of the industry, such as environmental sustainability, market demand trends for 2024 and beyond, digitalisation, the use of AI, and more.
Featured panellists include:
– Josh Weinstein, President, CEO & Chief Climate Officer, Carnival Corporation & plc
– Kelly Craighead, President & CEO, Cruise Lines International Association
– Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman, Cruise Division, MSC Group
– Harry J. Sommer, President & CEO, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.
– Jason Liberty, President & CEO, Royal Caribbean Group
"The conference will kick off with a lineup of dynamic leaders digging into the most timely and critical issues of the global cruise business," Kalosh said. "I'm looking forward to what comes out of this powerhouse panel. With the industry back in full force I expect a lively discussion that hones in on opportunities as much as challenges."
The discourse will explore the industry’s commitment to pursuing net zero emissions by 2050, new environmental technologies, low to zero-GHG fuels and energy sources being actively tested on new ships and the need for governments and fuel suppliers to help make the availability of competitively priced sustainable fuels at scale a reality. In addition, cruise line leaders will share their perspectives on the impact of world events on cruising, product innovation, and the major companies' return to newbuild orders.
“With major innovations on the horizon and consumer demand for cruising on the rise, this year is an exciting time for the cruise industry,” said Kelly Craighead, President & CEO, Cruise Lines International Association. “We look forward to joining our colleagues from around the world at Seatrade Cruise Global this April, and the opportunity to collaborate and demonstrate how cruise is advancing an ambitious sustainability agenda and pursuing innovations – both at sea and on shore – as it sails to an even better future.”
Attendees can enjoy a line-up of thought-provoking forums and workshops throughout the four-day conference, explore new developments across sustainability, technology, and entertainment with new sessions focused on AI and cruising, navigating unchartered waters and an entire one-day programme dedicated to developments in cruise retail, curated in partnership with the Moodie Davitt Report. The 2024 conference will also see the return of the Tomorrow’s Talent Today programme along with popular panels such as the European Cruising CEO Panel, Luxury Cruising CEO Panel, and Expedition Cruising CEO Panel.
Seatrade Cruise Global is returning to the Miami Beach Convention Center on 8-11 April 2024, alongside F&B@Sea, taking place at Mana Wynwood Convention Center on 10-11 April 2024. F&B@Sea is a one-of-a-kind cruise food & beverage experience aimed at those responsible for food, beverage, guest customer experience and hotel ops. Attendees can seamlessly explore both events with the convenience of shuttle buses running every 30 minutes between the two events on 10-11 April 2024.
