FITUR Cruises reaches its fifth edition with a renewed proposal

With blue tourism on the rise and cruises being one of the segments that best illustrates how travel habits are changing, FITUR Cruises will hold its fifth edition from January 21 to 25 at IFEMA Madrid, within the framework of the International Tourism Fair. The section dedicated to cruise travel will feature greater participation from cruise lines and an expanded program, structured for industry professionals and the general public throughout the five days of the fair.

Organized by IFEMA MADRID, in collaboration with the online magazine Cruceroadicto.com, FITUR Cruises is presented in Pavilion 4 as a meeting point between the cruise industry, travel agents and travelers themselves, concentrating the activity in the Cruise Market, which will act as the core of the business and programming of the section.

Twelve shipping companies represented and a complete view of the sector.
This edition, FITUR Cruises will have twelve international shipping companies present, the highest number since its launch, which will allow it to offer a representative view of the main segments of the cruise market to both professionals and visitors.

Participating companies include Costa Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line, with offerings geared towards families, and cruise lines such as Azamara Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Cunard Line, Princess Cruises, Virgin Voyages, and Oceania Cruises, which operate in the premium and upper-premium segments. Other options include Regent Seven Seas, Emerald Cruises, Scenic Luxury Cruises, and AmaWaterways, which contribute to the overall offering focused on personalized service and the destination itself, for both ocean and river cruises.

Alongside this variety of shipping companies, there will also be specialized travel agencies, such as Navega Mediterráneo, and cruise excursion companies, such as Shore2Shore, completing the value chain of the cruise trip.

A professional program with the keys to the cruise industry
FITUR Cruises will develop a professional program concentrated in the B2B days, through Cruise Campus, the cycle of talks and mini-courses that will address the main issues that mark the current state of the cruise industry.

The main new feature of this fifth edition is the inclusion of two roundtables with industry executives to analyze the current and future state of cruise travel in the global Spanish-speaking market. These discussions will address two complementary themes: the ship as a destination, which will analyze the complete onboard experience and beyond, with particular attention to the role of final destinations, cultural immersion, and exclusive onshore experiences.

Other topics to be covered during these sessions include the application of artificial intelligence in the sector; the current profile of cruise passengers and trends for 2026; the state of the cruise market in Latin America; an analysis of the different segments of premium, luxury, and river cruise products; the role and services of travel agencies; and the value propositions of different cruise lines. The content will provide a comprehensive and practical overview for professionals working in the sector.

Weekend Activities Designed for Travelers:
Throughout the weekend, FITUR Cruises will focus its program on travelers, with activities designed to introduce the world of cruising from a practical and experiential perspective. Through Cruise Campus, the general public can also attend specialized talks showcasing the diverse range of current cruise offerings, from boutique cruises to the unique features of iconic destinations like Alaska.

The participatory aspect of the weekend program will be rounded out by the popular Cruise Scavenger Hunt, sponsored by Discover Puerto Rico. This event invites visitors to explore the FITUR pavilions following a route of stops linked to the world of cruises, with prize draws for trips, excursions, and other rewards for those who complete the route. Meanwhile, the Café & Cruises gatherings, designed as informal meetings between travelers, will bring together seasoned cruisers and those discovering the world of cruising for the first time, with the aim of sharing enriching experiences.

Cruise Addict Awards 2025, decided by the international travel community.
On Thursday, January 22, FITUR Cruises will host the presentation of the 4th Cruise Addict Awards 2025, the only awards in the cruise sector decided entirely by the Spanish-speaking travel community and endorsed by the AENOR seal. The 2025 edition has seen record participation in a vote that will recognize the best cruise line, the best ship, and the best port of 2025, in addition to various subcategories.

With this fifth edition, FITUR Cruises distinguishes itself as the benchmark meeting point for the cruise sector, bringing together shipping companies, professionals and travelers in one space.

Source: FITUR.