Trade-only cruise industry expo and conference in Miami Beach, 5-8 April 2027, with 650+ exhibitors, 85+ cruise brands and 12,500+ attendees expected.
Dates
5–8 Apr 2027
City / country
Miami Beach, United States
Venue
Miami Beach Convention Center
Time
9:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily
Event overview
Seatrade Cruise Global is the cruise industry's annual meeting place, bringing cruise line executives, shipyards, port authorities, destinations, technology providers and hospitality suppliers to the Miami Beach Convention Center. The 2027 edition runs 5-8 April and combines a 650-plus exhibitor expo with a conference spanning operations, sustainability, guest experience, ship design and ports.
Buyers use the show to source products and services, compare destinations and meet decision-makers from more than 85 cruise brands. It is a trade-only event with paid Expo and Conference passes, and the 2026 edition drew more than 12,500 attendees from 125-plus countries.
TL;DR
Visit to meet cruise line procurement teams in one place, compare suppliers against live fleet requirements and hear how operators are prioritising newbuilds, retrofit and guest experience. The co-located conference adds executive-level context that is hard to replicate in individual sales meetings.
Exhibit because the show concentrates decision-makers from 85-plus cruise brands on one floor. Suppliers of ship equipment, interiors, technology, port services, food and beverage, and guest experience can generate qualified meetings in four days that would otherwise take months of travel.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Location & Facilities
1901 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139, United States
Entrances & gates
Main entrance - Convention Center Drive
Primary visitor entrance for registration and the expo floor.
Food options
Convention center cafe and concession outlets
On-site diningParking: Use the convention center's onsite garages off Convention Center Drive and 19th Street; pre-book if driving in for a single day because nearby public lots fill during large events.
Gate: Enter through the main Convention Center Drive entrance; allow extra time for walk-through security screening and bag checks.
Attend
Event days & opening times
VIP
Published rate for the most recent cycle; 2027 rate card not yet confirmed.
Conference Delegate
Includes conference and keynote access; 2027 rate to be confirmed.
Expo
Expo floor and show-floor sessions; 2027 rate to be confirmed.
Ticket info
Badge collection
Bring a passport or government photo ID and your registration confirmation to the main entrance; badges are printed onsite.
Ticket notes
Cruise line executives may apply for a complimentary pass with a promo code. Expo passes are non-refundable; conference cancellations carry a service charge.
What's on
F&B@Sea
Co-located food and beverage event for the cruise and ferry channel.
Same venue complex; a dual pass is required.
WebsiteHow the last edition performed
Last edition
2026
Visitors: 12,500
Exhibitors: 650
Edition #: 41
Visitor countries: 125
This edition
2027
Visitors: 12,500
Exhibitors: 650
Next edition
Not announced yet
New this edition
Tomorrow's Talent Today
A programme connecting students and professors with cruise industry employers.
SourceImpact
Seatrade Cruise Global is a concentrated buyer market rather than a broad public expo. Its value comes from the density of cruise line decision-makers and the narrow, four-day window in which suppliers can meet them. The move to a new Ports & Destination stage in 2027 signals that destination strategy is becoming a board-level cruise topic, not just a shore-excursion sales function.
Audience quality
The audience is senior and commercial: cruise line executives, procurement and technical teams, ports, destinations, shipyards and designers. The organiser's 85+ cruise brand count matters more than raw attendance because it shows which buyers are in the room. Suppliers should expect pre-qualified meetings and a heavy conference schedule rather than high-volume footfall.
Exhibitor outcomes
ROI depends on meeting quality, not booth traffic. A 9 sqm shell is enough for a first outing and pre-booked meetings; established suppliers should budget for a larger stand and a hosted buyer programme. The show works best when a team arrives with named account targets, a dinner or reception plan and a 48-hour follow-up process.
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Why it matters
Cruise is a capital-intensive, globally sourced business: a single newbuild commits thousands of suppliers across interiors, propulsion, safety, food service and guest technology. Seatrade Cruise Global compresses that supply chain into one Miami week, making it the sector's most efficient place to benchmark suppliers and meet the people who specify them.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Newbuild and retrofit demand
Cruise lines are refreshing older tonnage while taking delivery of larger, more efficient ships. That keeps demand strong for interiors, HVAC, propulsion, safety systems and energy-saving retrofits.
What it changes: Suppliers with proven retrofit experience can sell into installed fleets, not just newbuild programmes.
Destination strategy and port capacity
Ports, communities and private destinations are competing for cruise calls while managing overtourism and infrastructure limits. The new Ports & Destination Stage reflects that shift.
What it changes: Destination marketers and port service providers need a clear capacity and guest-flow story to win cruise line attention.
Guest experience and onboard revenue
Retail, food and beverage, entertainment and wellness are being designed as connected revenue streams rather than separate concessions.
What it changes: Suppliers that can show measurable guest engagement and revenue lift stand out in a crowded show floor.
Seatrade Cruise Global is the flagship; the surrounding circuit covers Europe, Asia and the co-located F&B@Sea event. Dates below are circuit-level planning estimates and should be confirmed with each organiser.
F&B@Sea
Miami Beach, United States
Runs alongside Seatrade Cruise Global; dual pass required.
websiteSeatrade Europe
Hamburg, Germany
Indicative September dates; confirm with organiser.
websiteSeatrade Cruise Asia
Hong Kong, China
Indicative dates and venue; confirm with organiser.
websiteMiami flagship
Early April, immediately after the spring cruise planning cycle.
Europe and Asia
Autumn editions; confirm exact dates before booking.
Circuit dates are editorial planning estimates, not organiser-confirmed 2027 calendars.
Plan your trip
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Miami International Airport
Closest major gateway; direct flights from Europe, Latin America and most US hubs.
9 mi / 14 km
to venue
20-30 min
by car
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport
Useful alternative when MIA fares are high; allow extra time for traffic.
25 mi / 40 km
to venue
35-50 min
by car
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
USD 140–220 / night
April is high season; refundable rates are scarce close to the show.
USD 260–380 / night
Walkable to restaurants and a short rideshare to the convention center.
USD 450–700 / night
Closest large hotels to the venue; suites and club floors book first.
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Taxi / rideshare
Flat-rate taxi zones apply from MIA; rideshare pickup is on the arrivals level.
Metrobus
Cheapest option but slow with luggage; use a reloadable EASY Card.
Plan your trip
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
| Type | Who needs it | Fee | Processing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B-1 business visitor | Visitors who are not eligible for the Visa Waiver Program or ESTA | $185.00 | Several weeks to several months; apply early | |
| ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) | Citizens of eligible VWP countries travelling for business or tourism up to 90 days | $21.00 | Usually minutes to 72 hours |
Citizens of Canada and Bermuda generally do not need a visa for business visits, but must carry a valid passport and may need a B-1 status document at entry.
The US accepts ATA carnets for many temporary exhibits and professional equipment; confirm the specific goods and port of entry with a customs broker.
Official visa pageWeather
April in Miami Beach is warm and humid: highs near 29 C / 84 F and lows near 22 C / 72 F, with a chance of short afternoon showers and strong sun.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
US mobile plans and eSIMs work throughout Miami Beach; conference venues usually provide Wi-Fi, but a local data plan is useful for rideshare and email.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Tipping
Restaurant bills usually include a service expectation of 18-20 percent; taxi and rideshare tips are additional.
Beach and sun
The show is indoors but the beach is a short walk from many hotels. Bring sunscreen and a light layer for heavily air-conditioned halls.
Practical guides
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Destination: MIA
Book 6-10 weeks ahead for April; Miami is a high-season market and fares rise sharply within three weeks of travel.
Book flightsMost business visitors either travel under the Visa Waiver Program with an approved ESTA or need a B-1 visitor visa. Check your nationality and purpose of travel before booking.
Estimated cost: USD 21 for ESTA; USD 185 for a B-1 visa application fee, before any service or courier costs
Processing: ESTA usually within 72 hours; B-1 interviews can take weeks or months depending on the consulate
Carry an invitation letter, hotel confirmation and a return ticket. The show can issue a visa participation letter to registered exhibitors.
OfficialGet to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Taxi or rideshare from MIA takes 20-30 minutes and costs about USD 35-45; from FLL allow 35-50 minutes and USD 75-95.
Hotel → venue: Use rideshare or taxi from South Beach (10-20 minutes, USD 12-25) or stay in Mid-Beach for a shorter trip.
Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft operate throughout Miami Beach; use the designated pickup zones outside the convention center.
Public transit: Metrobus routes connect South Beach and Downtown Miami; the free Miami Beach trolley serves parts of the beach corridor but is slow for show commuting.
Parking: Onsite garages at the convention center are the most convenient; arrive before 08:30 on peak days.
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: April
Temperature: 22-29 C / 72-84 F
Seasonality: Warm and humid with short afternoon showers; the Atlantic hurricane season has not yet begun.
Packing: Light business casual, a compact umbrella, sunscreen and comfortable shoes for the show floor.
Plan your trip
Best day to visit: Tuesday 6 April 2027
The conference and expo overlap from Tuesday, so the floor is fully open and the programme is in full swing. Monday is conference-heavy and Thursday has reduced hours.
Book flights and a refundable hotel in South Beach or Mid-Beach — April is high season; confirm the cancellation policy.
Register and check whether you need a visa or ESTA — Apply for ESTA at least 72 hours before travel.
Download the show app and request meetings with target exhibitors — Prioritise 8-12 accounts and leave room for the conference.
Print or save registration, hotel and travel documents — Carry a passport and a backup digital copy.
Plan the floor route and conference sessions — Cluster meetings by hall and keep one flexible block.
Registration and badge collection
Main entrance, Miami Beach Convention CenterSupplier meetings on the expo floor
Expo hallsConference keynote or Ports & Destination Stage
Conference theatresFollow-up meetings and networking reception
Exhibitor stands and welcome receptionEverglades National Park airboat
Nature
1 hour from Miami Beach
A half-day contrast to the show floor; book a guided airboat tour and go early to avoid heat.
Key Biscayne and Virginia Key
Beach and Outdoors
20-30 minutes
Quieter beaches, bike paths and waterfront dining away from South Beach crowds.
The Broken Shaker
Bar
Craft cocktails and a relaxed garden setting in Mid-Beach; good for small group conversations.
Joe's Stone Crab
Restaurant
Miami Beach institution for a formal client dinner; book well ahead in season.
Cruise procurement cycles are long, so speed matters less than relevance. A specific follow-up tied to a fleet, route or retrofit project beats a generic brochure email.
Budget
Shell scheme
USD 550–750 / m²
Raw space
USD 450–600 / m²
Standard booth
9 m²
Indicative Miami market rates; the official 2027 space tariff was not published in the sources reviewed.
sourceAdjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
hotel
both · mid
USD 260–380 / per night
per_diem
both · standard
USD 50–90 / per day
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| hotel | both | mid | USD 260–380 / per night | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| per_diem | both | standard | USD 50–90 / per day | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
Decision
Answer six quick questions to see whether this show is best for a visit, an exhibit or a skip.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
Which best describes your organisation?
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
You have named suppliers to meet and a clear sourcing or destination brief.
Best for
Cruise line buyers, ports and destination teams who need to source, benchmark and meet suppliers.
Min. budget
$1,500.00
Timeline
6-8 weeks for flights, hotel and registration
Risks
April hotel prices
Calendar clashes with spring fleet meetings
exhibit
You can commit to a stand, staff and a 48-hour follow-up process.
Best for
Suppliers with a proven product and a target list of cruise line accounts.
Min. budget
$12,000.00
Timeline
3-4 months for stand design, freight and approvals
Risks
High build and freight costs
Quiet floor if meetings are not pre-booked
skip
The show does not fit your market, budget or calendar this year.
Best for
Teams with no cruise pipeline, no travel budget or no confirmed 2027 objective.
Timeline
Not applicable
Risks
Missing relationship-building with cruise buyers
Competitors gaining visibility
Book with
Miami Beach Convention Center
The official venue for Seatrade Cruise Global 2027, located at 1901 Convention Center Drive.
Venue named on the official event page.
Miami International Airport
The closest major gateway to Miami Beach, with strong connections to Europe, Latin America and US hubs.
Practical travel resource, not an official show partner.
Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce
Regional business body that can support introductions and market context for visiting companies.
Public business resource, not an official show partner.
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)
The cruise industry's main trade association and a regular voice in the show's industry keynote.
Industry association; not confirmed as a 2027 commercial partner.
Recommended providers
U.S. Department of State - Business Visa
Check ESTA eligibility first; apply early for a B-1 interview.
The event's housing partner; compare with direct hotel rates and refundable options.
Compare MIA and FLL; book six to ten weeks ahead for April.
Use a forwarder with US customs brokerage and exhibition experience.
Look for medical, cancellation and business equipment cover.
Book Everglades or Key Biscayne trips for the day before or after the show.
Event apps and badge scanners can export leads; confirm the official provider before buying.
FAQs & glossary
Frequently asked
Glossary
Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
6 more alternate names hidden
Trust footer
1
References
1
Publishers
1
Date checked
Seatrade Cruise (Informa Markets)
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.
