Seatrade Cruise Talks

In the second episode of our special series celebrating MedCruise’s 30th anniversary, we sit down with former presidents Giovanni Spadoni and Carla Salvadó to reflect on pivotal moments in the association’s history and the evolution of Mediterranean cruising.From adapting port infrastructure to accommodate larger ships and strengthening relationships with cruise lines, to navigating geopolitical instability and supporting destinations through challenging times, Giovanni and Carla share their experiences of leading the association and the importance of collaboration, resilience and solidarity across the region.Looking ahead, they discuss the opportunities and challenges shaping the next decade of Mediterranean cruising, from environmental sustainability and the growth of luxury cruising to the increasing importance of community engagement and social responsibility.

As MedCruise celebrates its 30th anniversary, we bring together three former presidents of the association – Fabio Capocaccia (one of the founders of MedCruise), Stavros Hatsakos and Figen Ayan – for a special 2-part episode of Seatrade Cruise Talks, hosted by Mary Bond.From its beginnings in 1996 with just 12 founding ports to a network now representing more than 170 ports across 22 countries, the conversation explores MedCruise’s remarkable journey and its role in shaping the Mediterranean cruise industry.Reflecting on three decades of leadership, our guests share defining moments, achievements and challenges, from strengthening regional collaboration and navigating geopolitical disruption to championing sustainability, community engagement and support for ports during times of crisis.Looking ahead to the next decade, they also consider what the future holds for Mediterranean cruising.

As the cruise industry works towards net zero by 2050, the focus is shifting from ambition to implementation.In this episode of Seatrade Cruise Talks, John Sifling is joined by Maikel Arts, Head of Cruise at Wärtsilä, to explore how cruise lines are turning decarbonisation ambition into operational reality. From the growing maturity of LNG and the challenge of methane slip, to fuel flexibility, digital optimisation and smarter, data-driven maintenance, this conversation looks at how ships can operate more efficiently today while preparing for the future.Recorded ahead of Seatrade Cruise Global, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand the key decarbonisation topics set to shape conversations across the industry in the weeks ahead.Sponsored by Wärtsilä

How can ports and cities work hand-in-hand to build a more sustainable future for cruising?In this episode we sit down with Laura Cimaglia, VP of MedCruise and DG & International Affairs at the Port of Taranto. Laura shares the story behind MedCruise’s groundbreaking collaboration with AIVP, the International Association of Port Cities, and the creation of the Cruise Port City Compass – a first-of-its-kind framework guiding sustainable growth at the port–city interface.From managing tourism and strengthening community engagement, to improving passenger experiences and strategic infrastructure investments, Laura discusses how diversity of perspectives is driving meaningful change across the Mediterranean and beyond. She also offers a glimpse into the next phase of MedCruise’s Cruise Community Engagement working group, including how ports, cities, cruise lines, and technology providers are coming together to shape greener, smarter, and more inclusive destinations.

In this episode of Cruise Pioneers, host Birgit Liodden is joined by Steve Jones, Director of Fundraising & Operations at ORCA, a UK-based NGO working at the intersection of cruise and conservation.Steve shares how ORCA’s pioneering Ocean Conservationist Programme is transforming cruise ships into platforms for whale and dolphin monitoring—reducing vessel strike risk, collecting vital data, and creating powerful guest education moments on board.He reflects on high-impact collaborations with brands like Saga, Cunard, HX Expeditions, and Ambassador—who co-developed the industry’s first anti-whaling pledge and now host ORCA teams on a third of their itineraries.Steve also offers candid insight into the challenges of scaling human-led conservation, and explores how AI, crew training, and citizen science are reshaping marine protection at sea.Tune in for an inspiring conversation on collaboration, conservation, and how cruise lines can lead the way in safeguarding ocean life.

In this episode of Cruise Pioneers, host Birgit Liodden is joined by Charlotte Aschim, CEO and Founder of TotalCtrl—an award-winning Norwegian tech company revolutionising food waste reduction with AI-powered inventory control.Together, they explore how digitising kitchen operations is a low-hanging fruit for cruise lines to reduce costs, improve food safety, and dramatically cut waste. Drawing on success across land-based hospitality—from hotels and hospitals to kindergartens—Charlotte shares how cruise lines can now adopt real-time food tracking to achieve operational efficiency and sustainability wins.The discussion also spotlights the importance of startup–corporate partnerships in driving innovation, and why cruise lines open to piloting emerging tech will be the ones to lead the green transition. Charlotte also shares her vision for power-coupling with future-focused cruise lines, her team’s openness to collaborative pilots, and the role data and curiosity play in nurturing the next generation of talent for a more resilient cruise sector.Tune in for a refreshing, solutions-focused conversation on turning food waste into value—for your business, your guests, and the planet.

Host Birgit Liodden is joined by Gerry Larsson-Fedde, Chief Operating Officer at Hurtigruten Norway, to explore the cruise line’s bold vision for a net-zero future. With over 40 years in the maritime industry, Gerry brings deep experience and personal commitment to sustainable innovation.Together, they dive into Hurtigruten Norway’s pioneering initiatives, from hybrid legacy vessels and shore power integration to the ambitious Sea Zero project—developing a low-emission passenger ship for the Norwegian coast by 2030. Gerry shares real-world insights into overcoming infrastructure bottlenecks, electrification challenges, and the importance of energy reduction, no matter the fuel of the future.The conversation also spotlights the power of collaboration with startups and innovators—how Hurtigruten Norway partners across the value chain to test bold ideas, from sail-assist technologies to circular food waste solutions.

This week on Cruise Pioneers, Birgit Liodden is joined by Kaupo Läänerand, Estonia’s Deputy Minister for Maritime and Water Affairs. With over a decade of hands-on maritime experience and a background in managing the largest government-owned fleet in Estonia, Kaupo brings a unique, systems-level perspective to the future of ocean innovation.Together, they explore Estonia’s bold leadership in maritime sustainability, digitalisation, and smart technologies—from AI integration in industry, to pioneering smart port and ship solutions. Kaupo shares how Estonia is power-coupling across the maritime value chain.Addressing unresolved challenges of green retrofitting, digital bottlenecks, and cybersecurity—and how Estonia’s €25 million grant for green ship retrofits opens the door for cruise lines and startups to co-create radical solutions. The episode highlights real opportunities for cruise lines and Estonian innovators to co-create solutions in areas like shore power, cybersecurity, and circular shipbuilding towards a sustainable future for cruise.This podcast was brought to you by Trade Estonia and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Estonia. Funded by the European Union–NextGenerationEU.Find out more at Visit Trade Estonia Mentioned in this episode:This podcast was brought to you by Trade Estonia and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Estonia.About Trade Estonia: Trade Estonia connects enterprises to a dynamic, innovation-driven economy, providing access to global markets. Trade Estonia is part of Enterprise Estonia, a government extension connecting Estonian companies with business partners across the world. Trade Estonia also serves as a gateway for foreign enterprises seeking sourcing opportunities in Estonia, offering e-consulting services and facilitating connections with leading Estonian companies. Discover more at tradewithestonia.comVisit Trade Estonia

In this episode of Cruise Pioneers, host Birgit Liodden is joined by Anshul Tuteja, VP of Energy Strategy and Decarbonisation at Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings. With over 20 years of maritime experience—including leading global fleet optimisation and decarbonisation at Royal Caribbean Group—Anshul is at the forefront of the cruise industry’s green transition.Together, they explore the path to a net-zero cruise industry by 2050, diving into company and industry-wide sustainability strategies. From energy efficiency and vessel optimisation to future fuels and hybrid technologies, Anshul shares insights on how the cruise sector is evolving toward a cleaner, waste-free, and nature-friendly future.The conversation also highlights the power of collaboration with startups and innovators, unlocking mutually beneficial solutions to accelerate the journey to net zero. Anshul offers valuable advice for startups looking to enter the cruise industry and play a role in shaping its sustainable future.Tune in for a forward-thinking discussion on the technologies, strategies, and partnerships driving the next era of sustainable cruising.

In this episode of Cruise Pioneers, host Birgit Liodden is joined by Dimple Patel, multi-exited founder and CEO of NatureMetrics, the world’s leading provider of nature data intelligence solutions. Recognised as a World Economic Forum Tech Pioneer 2024, NatureMetrics is revolutionising how businesses and governments harness biodiversity insights using environmental DNA (eDNA) and AI.Together, Birgit and Dimple explore how biodiversity is a key solution to climate change and the role the cruise industry can play in mapping, monitoring, and preserving ocean ecosystems. They discuss NatureMetrics’ upcoming pilot project with MSC Cruises, highlighting how cruise lines can generate vital ocean data, engage passengers in conservation efforts, and drive meaningful action for marine biodiversity.With cruise ships uniquely positioned to collect long-term oceanic data, this episode delves into the transformative potential of leveraging these insights to mobilise global environmental action.Tune in to discover how science, technology, and the cruise industry can come together to safeguard our oceans for future generations.