The territory’s Department of Tourism wrapped up a high-level presence at Seatrade Cruise Global 2026 in Miami Beach, holding a series of meetings with major cruise lines as it looks to maintain and expand its role in Eastern Caribbean itineraries.

The annual conference is one of the most important gatherings in the cruise industry calendar, where destinations and cruise executives shape deployment decisions, port calls, and onboard experiences.

Direct Talks With the Industry’s Biggest Cruise Lines

During the event, U.S. Virgin Islands officials met with senior leadership from Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, Virgin Voyages, and Silversea Cruises.

The discussions focused on itinerary planning, port operations, and the overall guest experience across the territory’s ports, including St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John.

The meetings are a key part of how cruise destinations secure future ship calls and maintain their position on highly competitive Caribbean routes.

A Three-Island Cruise Experience

A major focus of the territory’s pitch remains its multi-island product.

St. Thomas continues to serve as the primary cruise gateway, with direct access to Charlotte Amalie’s shopping districts, beaches, and excursion hubs.

From there, the experience expands.

St. John offers access to Virgin Islands National Park, with protected coastline, hiking trails, and snorkeling sites. St. Croix delivers a different experience, centered on the historic towns of Christiansted and Frederiksted, along with cultural sites and culinary stops.

That range allows cruise lines to offer varied shore experiences within a single destination call.

Maintaining Visibility With Travelers and Media

Alongside industry meetings, the delegation also conducted targeted media sessions with travel and lifestyle outlets, aimed at keeping the destination visible to both consumers and the broader travel trade.

The conversations highlighted the territory’s cruise offering, its multi-island access, and the on-island experience available to passengers.

Showcasing Local Culture

The U.S. Virgin Islands also used its presence at the conference to highlight elements of its culture and hospitality.

Activations at its booth included a curated cocktail program and a “farm-to-glass” experience featuring a St. Croix-based mixologist, alongside giveaways from local tourism and port partners.

The week began with a celebration of the territory’s partnership with the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association, reinforcing longstanding ties between the destination and the cruise industry.