CEOs gather to discuss future of cruise industry at Seatrade Cruise Asia

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Nov. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Seatrade Cruise Asia, the preeminent industry event in the region, will debut in Malaysia on 16 November. The event is set to attract over 18 major cruise lines and representatives from over 30 countries.

Delivered by Informa Markets, part of Informa plc, the largest B2B event organisers in the world, the event comes at a particularly relevant time for the region which has shown resilience and growth over the past post-pandemic years. The Southeast Asian cruise tourism alone generates an economic output of US$10 billion (about 5% of global share) and supports over 530,000 jobs, representing 30% of the global cruise workforce. *

Hosted by MMC Ports, Malaysia's largest port operating group, and supported by Malaysia's Ministry of Transport, Seatrade Cruise Asia 2026 will welcome over 18 of the world's leading cruise line brands such as Disney Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, StarDream Cruises and more.

The event will also feature more than 22 suppliers, including Paywatch and ATPI Marine Travel, and features destinations across Asia represented, from Nagasaki and Visit Indochina – Viet Nam, to Brunei and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority.

A place for big conversations

The comprehensive conference programme themed A New Era of Opportunity announced earlier in the year, will showcase senior industry leaders from across the globe sharing their expertise and views.

Opening the event on 16 November at 1:30 PM, keynote speaker Charles 'Bud' Darr, President & CEO, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) will position the central theme within the context of the growth in new opportunities for the region, and how to harness its potential into an enduring growth and evolution.

Part of the opening talks, the session State of Asia's Cruise Industry: A New Era of Opportunity will bring together the programme's most senior cruise leaders with Ben Bouldin, President, Greater China & Managing Director, Asia, Royal Caribbean International, Michael Goh, President, StarDream Cruises and Oliviero Morelli, President Japan, South-Korea, South East Asia Cruise Division, MSC Group. Moderated by Mary Bond, Group Portfolio Director, Seatrade Cruise, they'll share strategic priorities, company outlooks and perspectives on where the industry goes next.

High profile CEO fireside chats will include Jonathan Wilson, President & CEO, Aman at Sea in conversation with moderator Andrew Williams, President, Maritime, Informa Markets. The session A New Era of Luxury at Sea will explore the boundaries between luxury hospitality, yachting and cruising are continuing to evolve.

Andrea Zito, CEO at Swan Hellenic will share valuable experience and insights in the session Exploring Asia Differently, moderated by Jason Gelineau, Director, JAG Hospitality. The session comes at a precise timing as Swan Hellenic completes its first-ever Asia-Pacific season in 2026 - Andrea will reflect on the opportunity he sees across the region and what cultural expedition cruising can bring to Asia's cruise landscape.

Further session highlights include Asia's Source Markets: Where Will the Next Guests Come From? moderated by Holly Payne, Editor at industry publication Seatrade Cruise Review and Deputy Editor, Seatrade Cruise News. Sessions on Smarter Borders, Smoother Cruise Journeys: Improving CIQ Across Asia and Growing International Cruise Demand in Asia: Deployment & Fly-Cruise will engage some of the most notable industry experts, cruise lines, ports and services.

A place for forming big connections:

Seatrade Cruise Asia 2026 will provide a unique format for attendees by diversifying its location across Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Langkawi.

The main event programme, including conference sessions and networking opportunities, will take place in Kuala Lumpur on 16 and 17 November at the Waldorf Astoria Kuala Lumpur.

Following the initial programme from 18 – 20 November, a limited number of attendees have the opportunity to explore Penang and Langkawi, in partnership with the Penang Tourism Board and Langkawi Development Authority (LADA).

Pre-registered attendees are able to form pre-event connections by utilising the smart Matchmaking mobile app, which is personalised according to the user's requirements.

Packages

Registration to attend the event will remain open throughout the conference for registrations online and in person. Pricing for the Seatrade Cruise Asia Conference (16-17 November) begins at $1000 for international delegates. Malaysian residents enjoy a special discounted rate of $450 upon presentation of valid identification, while Cruise Line Executives are welcome to attend complimentary with a promotional code.

See the event schedule: https://www.seatradecruiseevents.com/asia/whats-on/event-schedule/ 

See packages and register:  https://www.seatradecruiseevents.com/asia/attend/ticket-packages/  

For any enquiries about the event or packages, email [email protected].  

*Data from Singapore Tourism Board.

Media enquiries: [email protected]

About Seatrade Cruise 

Serving the international cruise community since 1970, Seatrade Cruise is the industry's leading platform for collaborating, innovating and connecting. Comprised of the largest cruise events and trade shows, news channels, virtual programming resources and coveted awards programs, the Seatrade Cruise portfolio reaches more than 20,000 professionals, 4,000+ suppliers, 120+ cruise line brands and 140+ countries.  

For more information on Seatrade Cruise Events visit www.seatradecruiseevents.com. For access to the latest news and industry updates visit seatrade-cruise.com. 

Seatrade Cruise Events are organised by Informa Markets, a leading B2B information services group and the largest B2B Events organiser in the world. To learn more and for the latest news and information, visit informamarkets.com. 

About Seatrade Cruise Asia

Seatrade Cruise Asia is the leading cruise event in the Asia region, bringing together key industry stakeholders and professionals to explore the latest trends and opportunities in the dynamic Asia cruise market. With a focus on fostering collaboration and innovation, Seatrade Cruise Asia provides a platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and partnership building and includes a comprehensive conference, Expo showcasing regional suppliers, ports, destinations and service providers, and social programme for all participants. 

SOURCE Seatrade Cruise Asia