Seatrade Cruise Global 2026: Notes from the Floor (and a Very Full Schedule) : Shannon DalPozzal

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A few days of cruise news, industry connections, and a reminder of why I love this life.

There’s a very specific kind of exhaustion that comes from attending a major industry conference… the kind where your feet hurt, your voice is a little worn out, and your notebook (and phone) are overflowing with ideas.

That’s exactly where I find myself after attending Seatrade Cruise Global 2026.

And honestly? I’m overwhelmed… but in the very best way.

This year felt especially full. Full of conversations, reconnections, new introductions, and a steady stream of announcements that reminded me just how quickly the cruise industry continues to evolve.

A Pulse on the Industry

One of the biggest takeaways this year is clear:
the luxury cruise market is not just growing. It’s accelerating.

Across multiple press conferences and conversations, there was a noticeable shift toward elevated experiences, more inclusive offerings, and ships designed with intention rather than scale alone.

I attended announcements and meetings with brands including:

Explora Journeys
Holland America Line
Atlas Ocean Voyages
Century Cruises
Scenic Group

Explora Journeys Press Announcement Seatrade Cruise Global

Atlas Ocean Voyages Press Announcement Seatrade Cruise Global

And spent time connecting with the team from Scenic Group as well.

Each one brought a slightly different perspective, but the common thread?
Refinement. Personalization. Experience-driven travel.

Destinations, Ports & Global Conversations

Beyond the cruise lines themselves, I had the opportunity to meet with a wide range of destinations and port representatives, always one of my favorite parts of this event.

From early morning conversations over coffee (thank you to the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism for getting my day started right) to meetings throughout the show floor, it was a reminder that cruising is just as much about where you go as how you get there.

Some of the destinations and ports I connected with included:

Piraeus, Greece
Gloucester and Salem
St. Lucia
Port Canaveral

Each conversation added another layer to how destinations are positioning themselves. Not just as ports of call, but as meaningful parts of the overall travel experience.

North of Boston Ports Seatrade Cruise Global

The People Make It

If I’m being honest, one of the most meaningful parts of attending Seatrade isn’t just the announcements, it’s the people.

There’s something special about reconnecting with industry friends….some who have moved into new roles, others who feel like familiar constants. It really does feel a bit like coming home to a shared space where everyone understands this unique little world of travel writing, cruising, and storytelling.

And yes… I suppose this is also the moment where I share something I haven’t really said out loud here before:

I’m one of the administrators for both the Holland America Line Fans Facebook page and the Azamara community.

It’s a role I genuinely enjoy, staying connected with travelers, hearing firsthand what people love (and what they don’t), and being part of those ongoing conversations that shape how we all experience travel.

Ending on a High Note (Literally)

As if the days weren’t full enough, the conference wraps (for me) with the Food & Beverage at Sea portion. Which, if you can imagine, is exactly what it sounds like.

Tastings. Conversations. More tastings.
Wine, cocktails, culinary concepts… and a deeper dive into just how much food and beverage plays into the cruise experience today.

It’s indulgent. It’s insightful. And yes, it’s a lot.