By Rachel Galvin
A conglomeration of cultures was presented to attendees at Seatrade Cruise Global, held April 25-28. Being there was like being welcomed to the world. Different cities and countries were represented. More than 500 exhibitors had “booths” there, representing more than 1,350 cruise lines from over 110 countries, and they went all out in terms of beckoning guests– using everything from over-the-top design to food and drinks, and swag.
Besides being able to pick up a slew of information, people could also have in-depth conversations with the representatives there, to really get a sense of what each place is like and what is available. This reporter found people to be warm, welcoming, friendly and forthcoming, sharing about their home and about themselves. The passion for what they do was first and foremost in their minds, as was the happiness to be back live talking to others, instead of only a pop-up like last year or being closed altogether, due to COVID.
Besides places being represented, as well as cruise line companies, there also were many companies featuring everything from boat building to entertainment on ships, to new technology. Alex Wilfand says they do all types of entertainment, from ice skating (on plastic) to dancing in water and more. He not only works with cruise lines, but also more terrestrial locales, like setting up the events for Gaylord Opryland in Nashville.
One futuristic bit of tech on display was the Proto M. This hologram was cutting-edge, using shadows and lighting to present a more realistic presentation. The person being “beamed in” could see and hear what was on the other side, making it possible for people standing next to the box to communicate with someone who was possibly half a world away as if they are sitting in the room. They are trying to implement the tech into more cruise ships and elsewhere.
In addition to the plethora of information that people could receive in this space and the many interactions that a person could have here, there also were separate talks on various industry topics, covering technological advances, health and safety, global ports and destination updates, as well as sustainability and environmental advances.
More than 8,000 people attended this three-day conference. If you were unable to make it, you can look forward to it next year or maybe catch another event they are hosting soon. For more information on everything related to Seatrade Cruise events, visit https://www.seatradecruiseevents.com.
cigar rolling in Tampa Bay … Florida Beer Company had beer and cider samples.
Tlingit 