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Over the two days, several panel discussions and presentations will debate the recovery of the cruise industry and destinations, the challenges of re-recruiting all the workers the sector needs and how to regain pre-pandemic sales and prices.

On 15 and 16 November, the most critical international cruise industry professionals will meet in Madrid for the twelfth edition of the International Cruise Summit. The cruise industry is way ahead of the curve, at the cutting edge of maritime transport, and is already developing several hydrogen-powered ship projects.

Still, at the same time, it is forced to overcome the difficulties of the current international situation, with high inflation rates in essential products and high fuel prices. The cruise industry faces the future with optimism, enjoying good bookings that could catapult it to record figures in 2023.

One such project, the Northern Xplorer, aims to build the world’s first zero-emission cruise ship at the WestSea shipyard in Portugal. It also involves ports having electrical outlets to supply ships with green energy when they are docked so that they can turn off their engines.

At the same time, other forms of emission-neutral energy generation can be developed that are viable in marine environments. Indeed, 28 new ships inaugurated in the coming years will use Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) as a cleaner transition fuel. Only a few ports in the world have this system, which requires significant investments, although quite a few projects are underway.

This is just one example of the industry’s difficulties in advancing its decarbonisation goal. Topics such as maritime insurance, digital innovation and river cruises, which are booming, will also be discussed. This prestigious congress brings together the sector annually at the Hotel Meliá Castilla. The company’s CEO will present this project at the congress. This fuel, LNG, has doubled in price in just one year.

Top executives, international cruise line executives, port authorities, travel agents and companies and experts from the sector will be present at one of the most crucial cruise congresses in the world. The event will feature speakers from the top management of cruise lines, such as Mario Zanetti, President of Costa Crociere; Wybcke Meier, CEO of TUI Cruises; Mehmet Kutman, President and CEO of Global Ports Holding; Michael Ungerer, CEO of Explora Journeys; Andrea Zito, CEO of Swan Hellenic; Moran Mano, Vice President and Executive Manager of Mano Maritime; and Eithne Williamson, Vice President of Princess Cruises UK & Europe, among others.