CE members join ICS panel sessions in Madrid

Thursday, November 27, 2025 - 11:21 by ce-press

The International Cruise Summit was held in Madrid for the 15th year this November. Cruise Europe members were featured in a number of panel sessions during the two-day event.

Speaking as chair of the sustainability committee of Cruise Europe, Ana Lourenco from the Port of Lisbon, joined a panel on: cruise destinations - the real economic impact & the blue economy. Fellow speakers included Anne-Marie Spinosi from Corsica Ports, Omar Al Jaber from Qatar Tourism and Ceylan Erzi from Global Ports Holding. Amongst other things, she highlighted the data-driven collaboration in building a more resilient and responsible blue economy.

Morgan Pravos, cruise manager at Caen-Ouistreham, took part in the New ports and destinations, discovering the potential of cruise tourism season, alongside Elizabeth Moreau of the Port of Baie-Comeau and Marcus Puttich of TUI Cruises.

And last but not least Nick Hoogeweij, general manager Cruise Port Rotterdam and chair of CE’s marketing committee, contributed his insights to The great debate, a live-voted session exploring the most pressing topics in today’s cruise industry. He joined industry leaders from Intercruises Shoreside and Port Services, TUI Cruises, Mystic Cruises and the Port of Valencia discussing topics ranging from market shifts to guest expectations, sustainability and operational resilience.

CE members join ICS panel sessions in Madrid

Ana Lourenco (c) Jens Skrede/Cruise Europe

CE members join ICS panel sessions in Madrid

Related port

Lisbon

Lisbon

The Port of Lisbon offers modern infrastructure adapted to the needs of contemporary cruise tourism. Its cruise terminal is located close to the historic and cultural city center, allowing passengers direct access to Lisbon’s main attractions. This location, combined with a mild climate, diverse tourist and accommodation options, strong air connectivity, and an international airport near the city center, reinforces Lisbon’s appeal as a cruise destination. The Lisbon Cruise Terminal includes a 13,800 square meter building and a 1,490 meter pier, enabling the reception of multiple cruise ships of different sizes, with drafts of up to 12 meters, and providing efficient services. Environmental sustainability is a strategic priority for the Port of Lisbon. The planned implementation of Onshore Power Supply by 2029 will reduce emissions while ships are at berth. The Environmental Port Index supports the monitoring of ships’ emission performance and transparency for cruise operations today.

Rotterdam

Rotterdam

Rotterdam is a city of distinctive character that is constantly changing through inhabitants who add their own take on the city’s mentality and ‘can do’ spirit. A city which Rough Guides placed in its top 10 cities to visit, while Lonely Planet rated it 5th. The city received a C40 cities and an International Festival & Event City award and was also voted the best City Centre in the Netherlands. The cruise terminal is conveniently located in the centre of Rotterdam, a city at the heart of Europe with a dramatic skyline that reflects its contemporary outlook: young, dynamic, creative, exciting, vibrant, open-minded and cosmopolitan. The city has always been well-connected internationally thanks to its river Nieuwe Maas, which links the city directly to the North Sea and this helps make visitors feel at home immediately. Many cultures and tastes are represented in the city’s world of food, shopping, entertainment, attractions, museums, and year-round festivals and special.

Caen

Caen

Nestled in the heart of a millenium city, Caen-Ouistreham port opens up the doors to multi-faceted Normandy. Its central location enables you to reach the most beautiful sites of Normandy : from the D-day landing beaches to Mont-Saint-Michel or the Pays d’Auge and its typic villages. Set around a charming canal, Caen is one of the few boutique ports which can welcome ships directly in the city center of a regional capital but also in the seaside town of Ouistreham Riva-Bella. The journey between the sea and the city takes about 90min ; it gives cruise passengers a foretaste of the history and the richness of our territory. They will be able to discover Benouville’s castle from the 18th century, Pegasus Bridge, the D-day iconic site or the wooden park of Beauregard’s castle Caen-Ouistreham port has full port facilities and services : steering/towing/mooring, 24/7 ship service, ISPS standard, waste removal/bunkering/refuelling available.