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

Aquila partners with FCCA to deliver programming, training, and industry dialogue at the leading cruise conference.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 7:50pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A bold, geometric illustration in the Art Deco style, depicting the grand scale and sweeping perspectives of the cruise industry, with towering cruise ships and port infrastructure rendered in smooth, airbrushed gradients.Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence brings its expertise in destination performance management to the industry's premier conference, Seatrade Cruise Global 2026.Today in Miami

Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence, a leading provider of destination training for the global cruise industry, will partner with the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) at Seatrade Cruise Global 2026 in Miami from April 12-16. Aquila will present its annual Whalesong Destination Award, moderate a panel on hidden performance gaps in cruise destinations, and host training sessions at the FCCA booth.

Why it matters

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

The details

At Seatrade, Aquila will present its annual Whalesong Destination Award, recognizing excellence in cruise destination performance and long-term investment in people. Aquila Vice President Melanie Colpitts will also moderate a panel addressing gaps in destination performance that can undermine the overall cruise experience. Additionally, Aquila will host two 15-minute training sessions at the FCCA booth, covering best practices for creating authentic shore experiences and strategies for effective business development.

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

The players

Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence

The leading destination training provider for the global cruise industry, committed to cruise destination success through values-driven partnership with cruise lines and destinations.

Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA)

A trade association representing the mutual interests of cruise lines and Caribbean and Latin American destinations and stakeholders.

Beth Hatt

Founder of Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence.

Melanie Colpitts

Vice President of Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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 Seatrade Cruise Global 2026 to meet with industry partners and discuss destination performance strategies.

The takeaway

Aquila's participation at Seatrade Cruise Global 2026 highlights the importance of strengthening destination performance, service standards, and coordination to support the cruise industry's continued growth and innovation. By addressing hidden performance gaps and providing practical training, Aquila aims to help cruise destinations and stakeholders deliver exceptional guest experiences.