FITUR Cruises Analyses the Evolution of Cruise Tourism and New Experience Models in the Sector

FITUR Cruises, organised by IFEMA MADRID in collaboration with the online magazine Cruceroadicto.com, celebrates its fifth anniversary as the leading platform for analysis and professional debate within the cruise industry.

Global Cruise Outlook
- The industry is forecast to surpass 38 million cruise passengers worldwide by 2026.
- Cruise travelers are becoming more digital, better informed, and more demanding, with 18% already having at least one cruise booked for 2026.
- Destinations remain the top decision-making factor, ahead of ship or cruise line.

Passenger Trends
- Value for money, itineraries, and onboard service are key priorities.
- Medium-sized ships are preferred by 41% of travelers over megaships.
- Growing demand for:
- Immersive destination experiences with longer port stays.
- Short cruises (3–5 nights) to attract new audiences.
- Loyalty is shifting: 82% of passengers are loyal to the experience, not a specific cruise line.

Industry Voices
- Eva Sanchidrián (Mundomar Cruceros): “The ship has become an experience in itself.”
- Jorge Serrano (Costa Cruises): “A cruise functions as a floating resort, beyond the itinerary.”
- Gustavo Yacobucci (Scenic & Emerald Cruises): Compared exclusivity to “boutique hotel experiences.”
- Executives emphasized authentic cultural immersion and differentiated proposals, especially in premium and river cruise segments.

Cruceroadicto Awards 2025 Highlights
- Best Family Cruise Line: MSC Cruises
- Best Premium Cruise Line: Celebrity Cruises
- Best Upper Premium Cruise Line: CroisiEurope
- Best Family Cruise Ship: MSC Euribia
- Best Premium Cruise Ship: Celebrity Infinity
- Best Upper Premium Cruise Ship: Queen Victoria
- Best River Cruise Ship: Emerald Star
- Best Home Port (Global): Barcelona, Spain
- Best Port of Call (Global): Valletta, Malta

Public Engagement
- Weekend activities included:
- Cruise Campus talks for travelers.
- Café & Cruises informal gatherings.
- Cruise Scavenger Hunt, sponsored by Discover Puerto Rico, with prizes like trips and excursion vouchers.

Why It Matters
FITUR Cruises has become a leading platform for analysis and debate in the cruise industry, spotlighting how evolving traveler expectations are reshaping cruise products, marketing, and destination strategies.

This shows how cruises are shifting from being just transport to becoming immersive lifestyle experiences .