The cruise industry held its annual meeting last Monday, April 8, in the midst of a period of expansion and “evolution”, in which not only passenger numbers are increasing but also new niches and customers looking for new experiences.
“Cruises have evolved, but so have the expectations and standards of their guests,” said Roger Blum, head of Cruise & Port Advisors, on the first day of the Seatrade Cruise Global congress, which is being held at the Miami Beach Convention Center in South Florida.
The participants in the first day of this event, which brings together industry leaders and experts, emphasized that the cruise industry is a “multi-billion dollar industry” that, after leaving well behind the “black period” that the Covid-19 pandemic brought about, is experiencing a moment of growth and evolution, the latter being the central theme of this year’s conference.
President of MSC USA mentions:
In that sense, MSC USA President Rick Sasso indicated that, “we will need, in the coming weeks and months, new players in the industry.”
“Why are cruises so successful? Cruises offer unlimited choices and experiences. Cruises have the highest health and safety standards in the world. It’s an inherently flexible product,” defended Bruce Nierenberg, former Norwegian Cruise Line executive and now president of consulting firm Bruce Nierenberg & Associates.
With more than 10,000 attendees expected from up to 120 countries, according to the organization, the forum, as well as the exhibition that will open its doors from 
Tuesday, offer an overview of the latest trends and innovations in this industry, including retail and onboard hospitality, according to EFE.
It will feature top executives from the four major cruise firms (Carnival Corporation, MSC Group, Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean Group), as well as the president of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), Kelly Craighead, who will address topics such as new market trends, environmental sustainability and even the role of Artificial Intelligence.
Source: Arecoa.com
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