Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence Brings Training and Industry Insight to Seatrade Cruise Global 2026

Aquila to present Whalesong Destination Award and lead panel on hidden performance gaps

Apr. 3, 2026 at 9:36pm

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A bold, geometric illustration in the Art Deco style, depicting the grand scale and sweeping perspectives of a modern cruise port, conceptually representing the industry insights and strategies Aquila will share at Seatrade Cruise Global 2026.Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence brings its expertise in destination performance management to the industry's premier trade event, Seatrade Cruise Global 2026.Today in Miami

Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence will partner with the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) at Seatrade Cruise Global 2026 in Miami, delivering a week of programming, practical training and industry dialogue. Aquila will present its annual Whalesong Destination Award, recognize excellence in cruise destination performance, and lead a panel addressing gaps in destination performance that can undermine the overall cruise experience.

Why it matters

As cruise lines continue to innovate onboard, guest expectations for shore experiences continue to rise. Aquila's participation at Seatrade Cruise Global 2026 highlights the importance of strengthening destination performance and service standards to support the next phase of cruise industry growth.

The details

Aquila will be present at the FCCA booth throughout the conference, engaging destination leaders, port authorities and cruise industry stakeholders on strategies that drive stronger guest experiences ashore. On Tuesday, Aquila will present its annual Whalesong Destination Award, recognizing excellence in cruise destination performance and long-term investment in people. On Wednesday, Aquila Vice President Melanie Colpitts will moderate a featured panel addressing gaps in destination performance that can undermine the overall cruise experience. Panelists include executives from Carnival Corporation, Port St. Maarten Group, Tura Turizm, and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. On Thursday, Aquila will host two 15-minute training sessions at the FCCA booth on best practices for creating authentic shore experiences and effectively converting business opportunities.

  • The Seatrade Cruise Global 2026 conference will take place from April 12-16, 2026 in Miami, Florida.
  • Aquila will present the Whalesong Destination Award on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
  • Aquila's panel discussion on hidden performance gaps will be held on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.
  • Aquila's training sessions at the FCCA booth will take place on Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

The players

Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence

The leading destination training provider for the global cruise industry, offering training strategies for international destinations, tour companies, tour guides, and front-line operators.

Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA)

A trade organization representing the mutual interests of cruise lines and destinations in the Caribbean and Latin America.

Melanie Colpitts

Vice President of Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence.

Marie McKenzie

Senior Vice President of Government & Destination Affairs at Carnival Corporation.

Alexander Gumbs

Chief Executive Officer of Port St. Maarten Group.

Leyla Öner

CEO and Co-President of Tura Turizm.

Matthew Weintraub

Director of Port Operations at Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.

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What they’re saying

“As expectations continue to rise, destinations that shift from reactive problem-solving to strategic performance management will be best positioned to support the next phase of cruise growth.”

— Melanie Colpitts, Vice President, Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence

What’s next

Aquila representatives will be available throughout the Seatrade Cruise Global 2026 conference to meet with industry partners and discuss destination performance strategies.

The takeaway

Aquila's participation at Seatrade Cruise Global 2026 underscores the importance of strengthening destination performance and service standards to support the cruise industry's continued growth and innovation. By addressing hidden performance gaps and providing practical training, Aquila aims to help destinations and experience operators deliver exceptional guest experiences that drive long-term loyalty and success.