Senior cruise leaders set to discuss industry's future in Malaysia at Seatrade Cruise Asia 2026

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Oct. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Seatrade Cruise Asia’s debut in Malaysia will explore new and emerging trends across Asia’s cruise industry – the event is set to attract over 28 major cruise lines and representatives from approximately 30 countries. Guided by the theme A New Era of Opportunity, the first two days of networking and a conference programme will provide ample discussion space spanning across 10 hours of valuable conversations.

Located for the first time in Kuala Lumpur and Penang, the preeminent cruise industry event will cover topics including Homeporting, Deployment & Year-Round Cruise Growth, Asia’s Cruise Guests & Evolving Traveller Expectations, Designing Distinctive Cruise Experiences for Asia, Seamless Cruise Journeys, Terminals & CIQ, Destination Immersion & Small-Ship Readiness and more.

Opening the event on 16 November at 1:30 PM, keynote speaker Charles ‘Bud’ Darr, President and 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: "Seatrade Cruise Asia brings the talent and experience of the Asia-Pacific cruise industry together with leaders from around the world. Here, we can think boldly about the decades ahead, learn from one another, and find the partners to put ambitious ideas into practice. Those relationships can inspire investments and extraordinary experiences that serve generations of travellers", he explained.

Following the keynote, the programme’s most senior cruise line leaders will gather in conversation sharing strategic priorities, company outlooks and perspectives on where the industry goes next. The session State of Asia’s Cruise Industry: A New Era of Opportunity will run from 1:45 PM, moderated by Mary Bond, industry expert and Group Portfolio Director, Seatrade Cruise.

Cruising across Asia is entering a new phase, with opportunities emerging across source markets, deployment, destinations and the guest experience. Yet growth remains uneven, and realising the region’s potential will depend on where cruise lines choose to invest, how products and itineraries evolve, and whether the wider ecosystem can support greater scale.

Ben Bouldin, President, Greater China & Managing Director, Asia, Royal Caribbean International, Michael Goh, President, StarDream Cruises, and Oliviero Morelli, President, South-East Asia, Japan, South Korea, Cruise Division, MSC Group, will explore what will define Asia’s next era of cruise growth, and where industry leaders see the greatest opportunities ahead.

Packages

Pricing for the Seatrade Cruise Asia Conference (17-18 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.

For those seeking the complete experience, the Penang Excursion can be added to any pass type for an additional $450.

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 events@seatradecruise.com.  

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

• Media enquiries: marketing@seatradecruise.com 
• Register for a free media pass here.

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 trades 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.