The New Economics of Caribbean Cruise Infrastructure
Across the Caribbean, cruise infrastructure is increasingly being positioned as more than a maritime necessity. The latest Travel & Cruise Magazine published by the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) suggests ports, terminals and destination developments are becoming strategic assets shaping competitiveness, deployment decisions and passenger experience across the region. From integrated terminal projects to cruise line-controlled […]
Seatrade Cruise Global 2026. How cruise destinations are trying to reclaim the narrative through local voices
As debates around overtourism continue to intensify across several global destinations, the cruise industry is increasingly facing questions about its social impact, its visibility within local economies and the way its presence is perceived by residents. At Seatrade Cruise Global, the session “Welcome Ashore: Supporting Local Voices at the Heart of Cruise Tourism,” held on […]
The Caribbean tourism industry is beginning to talk about limits
For decades, tourism growth in the Caribbean followed a familiar formula: increase arrivals, expand room capacity, attract more investment and strengthen air connectivity. But during the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Sustainable Tourism Conference 2026 in Belize, a noticeably different conversation began to emerge. Across ministerial discussions, tourism leaders repeatedly returned to subjects that were once far […]
Is The Caribbean’s Lunch Being Eaten By The Cruise Industry?
Opinion piece by Robert MacLellan : I read with interest a recent article by Alexander Gumbs, decrying potential increases in cruise ship taxes in the Caribbean. As CEO of the Port St Maarten Group, Mr Gumbs has a vested interest in Caribbean cruise tourism. To be fair, I have a different vested interest through many years […]
Caribbean Cruise Destinations Are Increasingly Competing as Brands
For decades, Caribbean cruise competition was largely shaped by geography, climate and itinerary logistics. Ports competed for ship calls, destinations promoted beaches and weather, and cruise itineraries often relied on the broader appeal of the region itself. But the latest Travel & Cruise Magazine published by the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) suggests the competitive landscape […]
Seatrade Cruise Global 2026. Redefining luxury at sea: how Aman is shaping the ultra-luxury yachting segment
At Seatrade Cruise Global, much of the discussion around cruise development continues to focus on scale, demand and destination strategy. Yet during the 1:1 session “Spotlight – Aman at Sea,” held on April 13 at the Sunset Vista Salon, the conversation turned to a different question: how is luxury itself being redefined at sea? Through […]
Orient Express Corinthian christened in Saint-Nazaire as world’s largest sailing yacht
At Saint-Nazaire on April 29, 2026, Orient Express and Chantiers de l’Atlantique officially christened Orient Express Corinthian, presented as the world’s largest sailing yacht. The 220-metre vessel, flying the French flag, marks the entry of the iconic brand into maritime hospitality, combining wind propulsion technologies with a high-end cruise positioning. The ceremony took place in […]
Seatrade Cruise Global 2026. What makes a cruise destination distinct: connecting local culture, community and experience
At Seatrade Cruise Global, conversations around growth and infrastructure often dominate discussions about cruise development. Yet during the session “Connecting Local Culture with Cruise: What Makes a Destination Distinct,” held on April 13 at the Sunset Vista Salon, the focus shifted toward a more fundamental question: what truly differentiates one destination from another in an […]
Slower growth and rising costs are reshaping transport dynamics in Latin America and the Caribbean
A more constrained economic cycle is taking shape across Latin America and the Caribbean. In its latest outlook released on April 27, the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) now expects regional GDP to grow by 2.2% in 2026, slightly below its previous estimate. Beyond the revision itself, the signal is clear: […]
Seatrade Cruise Global 2026. Shore excursions at a turning point: personalization, partnerships and value creation
At Seatrade Cruise Global, the evolution of cruise experiences is increasingly extending beyond the ship itself. During the session “Reimagining Shore Excursions: Innovation, Scale & the Next Guest Experience,” held on April 13 at the Sunset Vista Salon, industry leaders explored how excursions ashore are undergoing a structural transformation. Bringing together cruise operators, tour providers […]
Seatrade Cruise Global 2026. How travel is reshaping traveler behavior and brand engagement
At Seatrade Cruise Global, discussions around growth, infrastructure and destination strategy often dominate the agenda. Yet during the session “Travel Changes Our DNA — and the Lessons for Brands,” held on April 13 at the Sunset Vista Salon, the focus shifted toward a different dimension of the industry: the traveler. Presenting proprietary research from R&R […]
Seatrade Cruise Global 2026: Private destinations as strategic tools for cruise growth and control
At Seatrade Cruise Global, discussions around cruise expansion increasingly point to a structural shift in how itineraries are designed and managed. During the session “Strategic Destination Development: Integrating Private Islands into the Cruise Ecosystem,” held on April 13 at the Sunset Vista Salon, industry leaders explored how private destinations are evolving from simple beach stops […]