Seatrade Cruise Talks

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, and creating powerful guest education moments on board.

He reflects on high-impact collaborations with brands like Saga, Cunard, HX Expeditions, and Ambassador—who co-developed the industry’s first anti-whaling pledge and now host ORCA teams on a third of...

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 on success across land-based hospitality—from hotels and hospitals to kindergartens—Charlotte shares how cruise lines can now adopt real-time food tracking to achieve operational efficiency and sustainability wins.

The discussion also spotlights the importance of startup–corporate partners...

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 power integration to the ambitious Sea Zero project—developing a low-emission passenger ship for the Norwegian coast by 2030.

Gerry shares real-world insights into overcoming infrastructure bottlenecks, electrification challenges, and the importance of energy reduction, no matter...

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 maritime sustainability, digitalisation, and smart technologies—from AI integration in industry, to pioneering smart port and ship solutions. Kaupo shares how Estonia is power-coupling across the maritime value chain.

Addressing unresolved challenges of green retrofit...

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 a net-zero cruise industry by 2050, diving into company and industry-wide sustainability strategies. From energy efficiency and vessel optimisation to future fuels and hybrid technologies, Anshul shares insights on how the cruise sector is evolving toward a cleaner, waste...

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, Birgit and Dimple explore how biodiversity is a key solution to climate change and the role the cruise industry can play in mapping, monitoring, and preserving ocean ecosystems. They discuss NatureMetrics’ upcoming pilot project with MSC Cruises, highlighting how cruise lines can gene...

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:

Together, they explore the potential of carbon sequestration hubs at ports, scaling natural ocean cycles into industrialised solutions. Through a va...

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—driving change at the helm of major cruise players. Paulette and Andrea share their journeys into the cruise IT space, discussing the challenges they’ve faced and the opportunities they’ve embraced as women in technology.

Discover the key tech...

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 the challenges and triumphs of leading an expedition cruise company with a strong environmental and social mission, emphasising the importance of diversity, innovation, and responsible tourism.

Join us as we navigate the evolving landscape of...

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 a robust ecosystem of innovative technologies, circular economy principles, and a steadfast commitment to people and nature.

Discover how Havila Group is setting a new standard for responsible tourism, particularly when sailing through worl...

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 partnerships between corporate cruise players and agile start-ups are driving sustainable, green, and circular solutions. Our guests share real-life examples of how they are tackling emissions, fostering ocean-friendly initiatives, and creating 'Triple P Ripple Effects'—where People, Planet, an...

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 cruise industry, offering valuable insights into her career path and what drives her passion for this dynamic sector.

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 innovative solution also supports sustainability goals by reducing waste and labor inefficiencies. Tune in to find out how intelligent power solutions are paving the way for a greener, more seamless future in cruise operations.

Find out more about Procell...

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 discuss the evolution of dining at sea, particularly Norwegian Cruise Line's freestyle dining concept that revolutionised dining on board by offering guests flexible dining times and multiple specialty dining options.

Christian emphasises...

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 guest satisfaction and loyalty.

In particular, Darragh highlights the unique challenges and opportunities of small ship F&B programmes and culinary teams, and the crucial role that onboard crew play. The pair discuss leadership programmes and team c...

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 landscape of digital content creation in cruise F&B.

Discover how social media has reshaped the way we experience food and travel, as Rachel delves into the challenges and rewards of curating...

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 wonders onto real-world landscapes. Jessica unveils the magic of interactive storytelling and engaging activities, from historical voyages to thrilling treasure hunts, all enhanced by AR technology.

Jessica shares captivating examples of AR projects in the cruise...

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 examples along the way.

This episode offers the opportunity to understand the business of supplying F&B to cruise lines, and the importance of partnership with cruise line buyers - working together to adapt...

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 safety at sea. With its fully automated, rapid evacuation capability, launching at the push of a button and deploys in under four minutes. Learn how this Survival Technology is designed to enhances passenger safety and free up valuable de...

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 artists, musicians, and other creatives to elevate the experience for sailors.

Charles offers insights into the meticulous process behind realising Virgin's vision at sea and sheds light into emerging trends shaping menu creation, tailored to their unique, adult-only demographic. From...

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 pioneering circular packaging initiatives. Dive into the immersive bar experiences aboard Carnival's XL class ships, where each vessel boasts its own unique brewery and themed bars, elevating the onboard guest experience to...

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, and the role technology plays in their plans, crafting immersive experiences for guests and using digital platforms and social media to revolutionise destination marketing.

Barbara shares insights into leveraging data analytics and...

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 time at sea, since which, Molly has consulted for an array of cruise lines, before her current role where she is now taking her creativity and...

Dive into the world of cruise retail onboard as this week, Nadine Heubel spoke with Daniel Buergo, Senior District Manager for Starboard Cruise Services.

They explore building relationships, maximizing sales, and curating unforgettable guest experiences. Daniel, with over 28 years of retail experience, shares insights from managing retail revenue across 19 ships across 3 diverse cruise brands.

Explore the intricacies of building strong relationships, maximizing sales, and creating unforgettable guest experiences, onboard. From practical tips for retail success to personal anecdotes from life at sea, this episode offers a candid look into the dynamic world of cruise retail.<...

Embark on a culinary journey like no other with "Eat. Drink. Cruise." your passport to the dynamic world of food and beverage onboard cruise ships, with our host Ken Taylor.

In our first episode, we delve deep into the heart of the industry with none other than Cornelius Gallagher, Vice President of Hotel Operations for Celebrity Cruises.

From sustainability initiatives to culinary innovation, Gallagher shares how trends in hospitality are reshaping the onboard experience. Exploring the intersection of food, culture, and hospitality Gallagher unveils the "Celebrity Way," a revolutionary approach to elevated guest experiences onboard.<...

In the latest episode of The Retail Wave Makers Season 3, where we hear from different departments on board the ship and their interaction with retail, Nadine is joined today by Chris "The Flying Scotsman" Williams, Cruise Director on board Carnival Celebration!

Nadine and Chris explore the intricacies of being the face of the ship and the vital role of communication between departments, especially with retail. Chris sheds light on the unique initiatives and events that drive engagement, such as the 'Fun Aboard, Fun Ashore' initiative, where retail partners collaborate to offer exclusive deals and promotions.

...

Join Claudine for the season finale of Cruise Convos as she sits down for an exclusive interview with Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, an extraordinary trailblazer in the cruise industry. Lisa shares her inspiring journey from starting out in an entry-level position to rising to the top as President and CEO of Celebrity Cruises.

Reflecting on her 39-year career, Lisa reveals the challenges she faced in a male-dominated industry and the invaluable lessons she learned along the way. From overcoming rejection, to breaking through gender barriers, Lisa's story is one of resilience and determination.

With authenticity and vulnerability...

This week, Nadine welcomes a special guest all the way from Antarctica, Chris Harrington, a Hotel Director at Anglo Eastern Leisure Management. Listen in, as Chris provides an insider's view into the life of a Hotel Director aboard an expedition ship, where he juggles numerous responsibilities and oversees the entire commercial operation.

Delve into his rich experience as he compares retail dynamics between ocean-going cruise ships and expedition vessels, unveiling successful retail initiatives and uncovering synergies between the two.

Chris shares his perspective on the key to successful retail initiatives onboard cruise ships, emphasising the...

Hear from a travel advisor's perspective this week, as Claudine engages in a captivating conversation with Susie Flores, the CEO and Founder of Countdown Travels LLC.

With an astounding 95% of Countdown Travels' sales attributed to cruise travel, Susie provides valuable insights into the shifting dynamics of selling cruise packages.  With a whopping 99% of these sales driven by the power of social media, Susie unpacks this shift in consumer booking and how she has harnessed the power of social media to become one of the top 100 travel advisors in the USA.

Explore the world of content c...

Claudine is joined by Julian, the CEO of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises this week for a captivating episode filled with career reflections, leadership tips, industry successes, and a sneak peek into the future of Hapag Lloyd Cruises. 

Together, they delve into Julian's remarkable career journey, recounting his beginnings as a first-time cruiser on the Europa and tracing his impressive ascent to the position of CEO of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises in 2020.

Julian takes a moment to reflect on the highlights of 2023 for Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. From growing shore power initiatives to achieving stellar guest satisfaction, boasting the largest champagne selection a...

Have you ever wondered what a Captain of a cruise ship does on a day to day basis and how they are involved with each department onboard?

This week, Nadine is joined by Captain Eric Barhorst, of Holland America Line who joined the podcast from onboard the MS Nieuw Statendam in Iceland!

Listen in to hear more about the responsibilities of a Captain from navigating the ship, ensuring efficient operations to overseeing the business side of things onboard.

In particular, Eric shares how he works with his team to oversee retail initiatives onboard...

During this week's episode, Claudine speaks with Dan Cockerell - a seasoned consultant to companies across the service and hospitality sectors.

Dan draws on 26 years experience at Walt Disney Company, starting his career as a parking attendant; and 26 years later, a Vice President leading 12,000 cast members at the largest theme park in the world!

Drawing on his extensive career, he shares insights into his own leadership style and work philosophy whilst Claudine & Dan discuss what makes a good leader, and how to foster a strong company culture. 

Discover how a cruise industry expert has seen the industry evolve over recent years, and where she sees the industry going in the future.

This week Claudine speaks with Seatrade Cruise's own Anne Kalosh, Editor, Seatrade Cruise News & Senior Associate Editor, Seatrade Cruise Review.

Claudine and Anne discuss her long-lasting career in the cruise industry and some of the most memorable moments she has documented throughout her career, covering global stories, reporting both breaking and in-depth news on cruising's significant people, places, ships and trends.

This week Claudine speaks all things diversity, inclusion and self-improvement, with none other than Dr Grant Van Ulbrich, Director of International Sales Transformation at Royal Caribbean Cruise Line!

Having worked at sea for 10-15 years, and now been with Royal Caribbean Cruise Line for over 15 years, Grant shares his secrets to being successful as a cruise industry leader, and how this goes hand in hand with pushing diversity, inclusion and equity as core values.

Plus, find out how his career in cruise led to him creating the worlds 1st accredited personal change model - Scared...

This weeks episode takes a deep dive into cruise operations in the Asia Pacific region, teasing some of the important topics to be addressed in the upcoming Seatrade Cruise Asia Pacific conference 2023, coming to Hong Kong this October 24-26.

Chiara Giorgi is joined by a cruise industry trailblazer, Sarina Bratton, Chairman Asia Pacific and Special Advisor at PONANT, considered Australia's First Lady of cruising.

Sarina shares her insights into recent developments and outlook for cruise tourism in Asia, paying specific attention to the resurgence of regional source markets, and outlook for emerging markets. The pair...

Do you want to get to know decision makers in the cruise industry better this World Tourism Day?

Join Claudine this week to celebrate tourism, as she spoke with Marie-Andrée Blanchet, Director of Cruise at the Port of Quebec!

Marie tells all about her career in the cruise industry, sharing success stories from working at the port of Quebec for the last 10 years, Marie & Claudine discuss the changing cruise season in Canada, seeing the benefits of cruise ripple throughout the community of Quebec, and so much more!

Don't miss new episodes every 2 w...

Join Seatrade Cruise's Holly Payne in conversation with Tal Danai and Lars Kruse, as they talk all things cruise and ferry interiors ahead of next weeks Marine Interiors Global Expo, in Hamburg.

They discuss the influences they are seeing on ship design and build, from the growing importance of all aspects of sustainability. Plus, they look into the future to innovations that are shaping cruise and ferry design to continue providing exceptional guest experiences for a wide variety of cruise passengers.

Join Tal and Lars in Hamburg next week, where the discussion will continue, at...

Cruise Convos Season 2 is out now! Don't miss episode 1 as Claudine Pohl is joined by industry trailblazer Denella Ri'chard, named in The Network Journal’s "25 Influential Women in Business" and Legacy Miami's "50 Most Powerful & Influential Business Leaders" of 2018.

Denella sheds light on her path that led her to a career in the cruise industry and shares amazing stories working for Norwegian Cruise Line & Holland America line.

Plus, the pair discuss starting your own business in the pandemic, and celebrate Denella's new success as a television producer and host, starring in award-winning travel shows streaming across th...

Join Seatrade Cruise's Holly Payne and Rachel Wehrle in the latest episode of Cruise News & Trends, filling you in on all of the top news & trending stories from July 2023.

Tune in as they discuss:

...

This weeks Season 1 finale sees Claudine joined by special guest Ryan Stana, CEO and Founder of RWS Global, to learn how he went from entrepreneur to Emmy winner!

Claudine & Ryan discuss everything from being an only child to starting their own businesses, and everything in between - including winning an Emmy!

Ryan shares insight into his successful career as an entrepreneur and the story behind starting RWS Global, from its inception to the growth of the business around the globe.

Plus, Ryan shares insight into the work he does in the cruise industry...