Seatrade Cruise Talks

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, d...

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 fir...

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...

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...

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 p...

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 ma...

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...

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,...

In this episode of Cruise Pioneers , host Birgit Liodden dives into one of the most pressing challenges facing the cruise industry—carbon capture. With ambitious net-zero targets set for the industry, how can the sector leverage ocean-based carbon sequestration to turn the tide on emissions? Joining Birgit are three pioneering innovators at the forefront of carbon capture technology: Chase Dwyer ,...

In this International Women’s Day Special of Tech Talks , Laura Jane Welsh at theICEway hosts two inspiring trailblazers in cruise technology: Paulette Haedo , Chief Information Officer at Azamara Cruises, and Andrea Ortiz, Director of Business Systems Solutions at Virgin Voyages. This episode is dedicated to showcasing the inspiring women leading technological innovation in the cruise industry—dr...

In this episode of Cruise Pioneers , host Birgit Liodden is joined by Sophie Galvagnon, serial entrepreneur, polar captain, CEO of Selar Polar Expeditions—the first Arctic expedition cruise line founded by a woman. Sophie shares her remarkable journey from being the youngest captain decorated with the French maritime merits to pioneering a new, sustainable way to explore the Arctic. She discusses...

In the second episode of Cruise Pioneers , host Birgit Liodden , sits down with Njål Sævik, Co-Founder of Havila Holding, and Bent Martini, CEO of Havila Voyages, to explore how a family-owned business is leading the way toward sustainable cruise expeditions in the Norwegian Fjords. This episode dives deep into Havila’s holistic approach to achieving emission-free and waste-free operations through...

Join Birgit Liodden, Founder & CEO of The Ocean Opportunity Lab (TOOL), as we embark on a new podcast series exploring the pioneers transforming the cruise industry. In this debut episode, we shine a spotlight on game-changing partnerships that are accelerating the shift from ' pollution to solution '. Featuring a dynamic panel of industry leaders and innovators, we uncover how collaborative p...

Seatrade Cruise Talks In Conversation with MedCruise, featuring Theodora Riga, president of MedCruise and director of strategic communications at the Port of Thessaloniki. Appointed as head of the association in September, Riga shares her vision for the future of MedCruise, highlighting key initiatives and priorities for the Mediterranean region. She also reflects on her personal journey into the...

In this episode of Tech Talks , Ian Richardson is joined by Michelle Potorski, President of Procell InSite , to explore the transformative power of predictive battery management in the cruise industry. Discover how proactive device management prevents disruptions like door lock failures, enhances guest satisfaction, and streamlines operations with real-time maintenance alerts. Learn how this innov...

In this episode of Eat. Drink. Cruise. , host Ken Taylor dives into the culinary wonders of Norwegian Cruise Line with Christian Pratsch , the VP of Food and Beverage. Christian shares insights from his extensive background in hospitality, sharing his journey from a chef to his role at Norwegian Cruise Line, highlighting his passion for culinary excellence and innovation throughout. The pair discu...

Join host Ken Taylor as he sits down with industry expert Darragh McGillicuddy, Founder of  McGillicuddy Hospitality as they reminisce over lessons learnt from the hotel industry and their roles in shaping drinking & dining experiences at sea. Offering insight into the impact of F&B on passenger experience onboard and how clarity in brand standards and service excellence contribute to...

Dive into the world of food, travel, and social media influence with this weeks Eat. Drink. Cruise. episode. Join host Ken Taylor as he explores the fascinating intersection of culinary innovation, hospitality, and social media with special guest Rachel Samson (Stick a Fork in Me). In this episode, Rachel shares her journey to becoming a social media influencer, offering insights into the evolving...

Dive into the world of cruise industry innovation in our latest Tech Talks podcast episode, where host David Tibbles from theICEway chats with Jessica Wright, Managing Director of Peel X. Together, they navigate the realm of augmented reality (AR), shedding light on its transformative potential within cruise tourism. Discover how AR breathes new life into travel experiences, overlaying digital won...

In this episode, Ken sits down with a cruise line supplier: John Devine, President of Michael J. Devine and Associates, a family-run business steeped in the wine industry's tradition. Together, they offer insights into supplying wine to the travel industry, navigating the journey of Michael J. Devine and Associates from family dynamics, to cruise line deals, providing anecdotes and best practice e...

In this week’s Ship Safety Spotlight, sponsored by Survitec , Seatrade Cruise's Holly Payne is joined by Richard McCormick, Commercial Director of MES and AES Systems for Survitec. The pair explore the critical role of safety in the cruise industry, and particularly the advancements in ship evacuation technology. Tune in to discover how Survitec's Seahaven Advanced Evacuation System, redefines saf...

In this week's episode, Ken Taylor hosts Charles Steadman, Director of Food and Beverage Experiences and Strategic Partnerships at Virgin Voyages. Together, they delve into the captivating journey behind the creation of Virgin's distinctive brand and its innovative food and beverage offerings. Explore Virgin Voyages' fresh perspective on onboard drinking & dining, shaped by collaborations with...

In this weeks episode Ken sits down with Zach Sulkes, AVP of Beverage Operations for Carnival Cruise Line, bringing over 20 years of industry experience to the table. From his tenure at Bacardi to his current role at Carnival, Zach offers a unique perspective on the dynamics of cruise F&B. Discover how Carnival is leading the charge in F&B sustainability, reducing food waste, and pioneerin...

Explore the forefront of tech innovation and how to harness technology to create a world leading cruise destination, with Barbara Buczek, Chief Destination Experiences Officer at Cruise Saudi, as she joins David Tibbles on the brand new season of Tech Talks Podcast. In this captivating discussion, Barbara unveils the ambitious vision of Cruise Saudi in shaping the future of cruise in Saudi Arabia,...

Join Ken Taylor this week on Eat. Drink. Cruise as he is joined by Executive Chef Molly Brandt, providing a sneak peak into her life and culinary philosophy. Molly shares insights from her journey as a chef, from graduating from the CIA, to being one of the first North American female chefs to lead a chef driven concept: 150 Central Park on Allure of the Seas. Molly shares unique insights from her...