I attended my first Seatrade Cruise Global this past April at the Miami Beach Convention Center, the world’s largest and most influential annual gathering for the cruise industry. Prior to this year I had never even heard of it. The event actually dates back to 1985 in New York before moving to Miami in 1987 as the industry rapidly expanded.

With more than 10,000 exhibitors and attendees from around the globe, the sheer scale is overwhelming at first. Walking in, I had no idea where to begin, even after studying the floor plan on the Seatrade app. But once I found my rhythm, I made my way through the tourism booths, which is where the real energy was.

Along the way I sampled authentic Colombian coffee, tried exotic candies and even sipped a tropical cocktail from Pink Sand Spirits Co. (carefully, of course).

As I explored further, the cultural experiences really stood out. I encountered Taíno-inspired performers representing Samaná in the Dominican Republic, Spanish-inspired folk performers from Melilla, vibrant Moko Jumbie stilt walkers from St. Thomas, and high-energy merengue dancers showcasing Dominican culture. There was even a beautifully designed Moroccan lounge highlighting desert experiences in Morocco.

Beyond the immersive exhibits, I also got an inside look at what’s ahead for several cruise lines, including exciting developments that travelers will definitely want to keep an eye on.

— Darla Mossotti, account executive