Gdynia Maritime University at Seatrade Cruise Global 2026 in Miami Beach

Professor Kizielewicz’s participation in the event is connected with the research conducted as part of a grant entitled ‘Assessment of cooperation between cruise lines and the authorities of seaports in Europe, and of their involvement in pro-environmental activities in coastal regions’, carried out under the project ‘PROGRESS – Research Development of Gdynia Maritime University in the Fields of Management and Quality Sciences”

The visit to Miami provided an opportunity to engage in a range of meetings with representatives of the most important institutions connected with the cruise industry. Thanks to the courtesy of the Management Board of the Port of Gdańsk S.A., the Professor took part in a meeting with Robert Barceló from the Port of Everglades. There were also talks with Eric Olafson and Susel Ferrer, representing Port Miami, concerning research cooperation on relations between ports and cruise lines.

An important part of the programme was a meeting with Chris Mastrippolito, Director, Global Research at Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the world’s leading cruise industry organisation. The meeting provided an opportunity to present Gdynia Maritime University’s research offer and the scope of the Professor’s research. It also made it possible to showcase GMU’s research potential to representatives of Cruise Europe, the organisation representing European ports serving cruise vessels, including Jens Skrede, Managing Director of Cruise Europe.

A significant moment in Professor Kizielewicz’s participation in the event was the presentation of research results entitled: ‘Destinations and Cruise Line Relations’ on 14 April during a reception organised by the Management of the Port of Gdańsk S.A. The presentation attracted considerable interest and led to an invitation to further promote the research through Cruise Europe’s social media channels. As part of this cooperation, Ann-Helen Blakset, Social Media Manager at Cruise Europe, recorded material promoting the Professor’s research.

During the industry event, Gdynia Maritime University’s research services were also promoted in meetings with representatives of other seaports, including the Klaipėda State Seaport Authority and Port St. Maarten Group. The contacts established and discussions held will provide valuable support for the continued implementation of the research project and the further development of GMU’s international cooperation.

The participation of Professor Joanna Kizielewicz in Seatrade Cruise Global 2026 confirmed the active involvement of Gdynia Maritime University in the international industry and academic environment and improved the University’s position as a partner in research on the cooperation of maritime ports and the cruise industry.