The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association has opened registration for its 32nd Annual Cruise Conference & Trade Show, scheduled to take place from October 12 to 16, 2026, at the Puerto Rico Convention Center in San Juan.
The event is expected to bring together ports, destinations, tourism authorities, tour operators, suppliers and other businesses seeking direct access to cruise line decision-makers. According to the FCCA, approximately 100 executives from its member lines are expected to participate.
Direct access to cruise line decision-makers
One-on-one meetings will remain a central feature of the conference. Delegates will be able to request 15-minute sessions with cruise executives involved in decisions covering itinerary planning, shore excursions, onboard products and services, as well as destination and infrastructure investment.
The FCCA said last year’s event offered a record 1,030 meeting slots, continuing the growth of a format that has placed direct business exchanges at the centre of the conference over the past five years.
Participants who register by August 31 will be eligible to request meetings. The association does not state that registration guarantees access to every selected executive, but the format is designed to give ports, destinations and suppliers a direct channel to present projects and receive industry feedback.
“This is the only event in the region that puts any attendee in direct contact with cruise executives that can drive business,” said Micky Arison, Chairman of Carnival Corporation & plc and the FCCA.
Meetings, workshops and trade activity
The preliminary agenda combines business meetings, conference sessions and networking events over five days.
The trade show is scheduled to run from Tuesday through Thursday, alongside one-on-one meetings, specialty panels and workshops. The programme also includes a CEO and President Spotlight, a President Panel and a roundtable bringing together cruise line presidents, chief executives and government ministers.
A private meeting between the Puerto Rico Government and cruise executives is also listed for October 13. Several receptions, lunches and evening functions are planned throughout the week, while post-conference tours are scheduled for October 16.
As the agenda remains preliminary, session times and formats may still change before the event.
Registration deadlines and target participants
The conference is intended for organisations already active in the cruise sector, as well as companies seeking to enter the market. Target participants include ports and destinations, cruise and tourism agencies, tour operators, attractions, suppliers and ship agents.
Early registration remains open until August 31. Rates start at $999 for attendees without meetings, while delegate fees begin at $1,299 for FCCA members and $1,499 for non-members.
Standard pre-registration will continue from September 1 to October 11, with higher fees. Onsite registration will be available from October 12, although the FCCA has warned that rates may rise further to cover additional logistics costs.
The San Juan conference will again serve as a meeting point between cruise lines, public authorities and businesses seeking to develop new services, products and destination partnerships. Its practical value will depend largely on the quality of the scheduled meetings and the projects brought forward by participating organisations.
For more information, visit : https://registry.cubegroupevents.com/fcca-2026
