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 their itineraries.Steve also offers candid insight into the challenges of scaling human-led conservation, and explores how AI, crew training, and citizen science are reshaping marine protection at sea.Tune in for an inspiring conversation on collaboration, conservation, and how cruise lines can lead the way in safeguarding ocean life.

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 the fuel of the future.The conversation also spotlights the power of collaboration with startups and innovators—how Hurtigruten Norway partners across the value chain to test bold ideas, from sail-assist technologies to circular food waste solutions.

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-free, and nature-friendly future.The conversation also highlights the power of collaboration with startups and innovators, unlocking mutually beneficial solutions to accelerate the journey to net zero. Anshul offers valuable advice for startups looking to enter the cruise industry and play a role in shaping its sustainable future.Tune in for a forward-thinking discussion on the technologies, strategies, and partnerships driving the next era of sustainable cruising.

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, Founder & CEO, Carbon RidgeMichael Walker, CEO, STAX Engineering Dr. Nathan Walworth, Founder & CEO, ScapeTogether, they explore the potential of carbon sequestration hubs at ports, scaling natural ocean cycles into industrialised solutions. Through a value-chain perspective, our guests share the potential of their collaboration to enable stakeholders to capture, transport, and store carbon—paving the way for a future-proof, net-zero industry.Tune in for a forward-thinking conversation on the technological breakthroughs for carbon capture amidst the evolving regulatory landscape.Mentioned in this episode:TOOL's Cruise InnovatorsExplore a world of Cruise Innovators, and nominate your favorite startup! community.toolspawn.com For Seatrade Global 40th anniversary in 2025, we will also prepare the very first edition of TOOL´s Cruise Innovators - a global overview of startups & innovators with enabling solutions for cruise. Welcome onboard our voyage into the future - and join the wave! Sign up today - community.toolspawn.com

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 the cruise industry through Sophie’s eyes, exploring how bold leadership and forward-thinking solutions can drive meaningful change in some of the world’s most fragile ecosystems.Tune in for an inspiring conversation about breaking barriers, redefining adventure, and shaping the future of sustainable Arctic expeditions.Mentioned in this episode:TOOL's Cruise InnovatorsExplore a world of Cruise Innovators, and nominate your favorite startup! community.toolspawn.com For Seatrade Global 40th anniversary in 2025, we will also prepare the very first edition of TOOL´s Cruise Innovators - a global overview of startups & innovators with enabling solutions for cruise. Welcome onboard our voyage into the future - and join the wave! Sign up today - community.toolspawn.com

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, and Profit align for lasting impact.This week, Birgit is joined by:Agnes Árnadóttir, Co-Founder, Brim ExplorerSolvi Hjelmeland, Founder, Purewave ASWill Pearson, Co-Founder, Ocean BottleGebhard Rainer, CEO, HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions)Mentioned in this episode:TOOL's Cruise InnovatorsExplore a world of Cruise Innovators, and nominate your favorite startup! community.toolspawn.com For Seatrade Global 40th anniversary in 2025, we will also prepare the very first edition of TOOL´s Cruise Innovators - a global overview of startups & innovators with enabling solutions for cruise. Welcome onboard our voyage into the future - and join the wave! Sign up today - community.toolspawn.com TOOL's Cruise Pioneers InitiativeExplore a world of Cruise Pioneers, and nominate your favorite initiative! community.toolspawn.com Cruise Pioneers is TOOL´s collaborative mission to track frontrunner initiatives moving global cruise from pollution to solution. We focus on the bold large and small players at the forefront of driving green, clean and circular initiatives, to inspire others to follow their path. Sign up with us on community.toolspawn.com to nominate your Cruise Pioneer Initiative, or explore already featured Pioneers.

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 Insite here: Procell InSite | Procell

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 culture, and the invaluable role these can play in maintaining gold standards and brand quality. Tune in for behind-the-scenes anecdotes and practical advice for setting cruise F&B teams up for success and service excellence.

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 space, including a fascinating archaeological storytelling initiative in the Outer Hebrides, demonstrating how AR breathes new life into forgotten histories and undiscovered locations.Join David and Jessica as they delve into the practicalities of implementing AR solutions, from technical intricacies to connectivity challenges in remote destinations. Plus, uncover how customised AR experiences are forging deeper connections to destinations, enriching the passenger experience ashore.Tune in, to uncover the boundless potential of AR to enhance cruise tourism, promising guests unforgettable adventures and enriching cultural encounters beyond the confines of traditional shore excursions.

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 deck space onboard! Key takeaways include insights into the increasing need for advanced evacuation systems as cruise ships grow larger and more ambitious, the crucial role of regulations in ensuring safety standards keep pace with innovation, and the impact of safety solutions like Seahaven, on the future of cruise ship design.

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 new heights. Zach dives into factors that make a huge impact onboard, including the importance of investing in onboard teams, nurturing talent, and enhancing guest interactions for an unforgettable cruise experience. Plus, explore the delicate balance between Carnival's stellar guest satisfaction and revenue optimization, as Zach shares insights into decision-making processes that drive Carnival's F&B operations forward. Mentioned in this episode:ITD Food SafetyVisit ITD Food Safety at Seatrade Cruise Global, April 8-11 2024 at booth #3419.ITD Food SafetyVisit ITD Food Safety at Seatrade Cruise Global, April 8-11 2024 at booth #3419.

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 innovative approach to the airline industry with gategroup.This conversation teases the intricacies of culinary innovation at sea, complexities behind interactive dining experiences, and the evolving trends reshaping the food and beverage industry in travel and beyond. Discover Molly's secrets behind crafting authentic, immersive dining experiences at sea, from new galley's to bespoke menus. Don't miss the opportunity to hear more insights from Molly at F&B@Sea 2024, where she will be joining a panel of culinary experts and chefs.