Seatrade Cruise Global, now in its 40th year, once again proved why it remains the premier event for the cruise industry. Strong attendance, a forward-looking program and plenty of buzz underscored cruising’s continued momentum, from major new-build announcements to the expanding role of technology and AI in reshaping operations and the guest experience.

Among the attendees were VIKAND’s own Len Quist, Senior Vice President and General Manager, and Russ Holmes, VP Key PartnerSHIPS. In addition to connecting with cruise line partners, new prospects and suppliers Russ joined a distinguished panel of maritime healthcare leaders to explore how the cruise industry is raising the bar on shipboard medical services.

The discussion focused on how healthcare innovation has evolved and expanded in recent years, with an emphasis on proactive wellness over traditional reactive care. In a sector where collaboration often outweighs competition, panelists shared best practices aimed at improving care for both crew and guests—setting the stage for a new era of maritime medical service.

Russ focused on the theme of crew asset management, highlighting our Crew Wellness Pulse Check as a key part of predictive healthcare—and a true game-changer for the global maritime industry. As operators increasingly focus on early screening, mental health support and real-time monitoring to boost retention and long-term health outcomes, the message is clear: Caring for crew isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s a smart business move.

Technology is also reshaping how care is delivered on board. Panelists spotlighted the growing use of telehealth, fueled by improved satellite connectivity. One cruise line is piloting on board dental services, while most are extending remote access to specialists in cardiology, dermatology and psychiatry—tools that enable faster diagnoses, fewer off-ship referrals and stronger continuity of care.

Backing this transformation is the rise of dedicated crew health centers, which are integrated 24/7 medical hubs that combine physical and virtual care. These centers support real-time coordination between shipboard medical teams, captains and shoreside operations, offering critical support during emergencies in remote waters. Virtual Health Operations Centers have been part of VIKAND’s care model for nearly a decade.

Panelists also emphasized the importance of smarter data management, pointing to the need for better data sharing and analytics. With the right systems in place, cruise lines can track population health trends and even apply predictive tools to improve care efficiency and personalization.

Our biggest takeaway from Seatrade Cruise Global 2025? The cruise industry isn’t just adapting to healthcare innovation, it’s helping lead the way. This year’s event was a celebration of progress and potential as the industry heads into the second half of the 2020s with resilience and readiness.

In this edition of Pulse, we dive deep into the problem of psychological harassment in maritime workplaces—and what can be done to address it. We also explore recent changes to the MLC, including amendments that expand repatriation rights and access to shore leave, plus a new VIKAND case study shows how telemedicine played a vital role in managing a potentially serious medical condition far from shore.