By
Rebecca Gibson |
MedCruise opened its 67th General Assembly in Šibenik on 30 September 2025, welcoming 214 delegates to the Croatian city to discuss sustainability, changing passenger expectations, digitalisation and other key topics.
The event, which is being co-hosted by Port of Šibenik Authority, opened with a press conference at the City Hall of Šibenik, where speakers discussed the importance of sustainable growth, innovation and cooperation between Mediterranean cruise ports and their global partners.
Paško Dželalija, general manager at Port of Šibenik Authority, and Paško Rakić, prefect of Šibenik-Knin County, emphasised the importance of responsible cruise growth during their speeches.
“It is very important that we create synergy between cruise guests, tourism and the local population,” said Rakić. “Islanders and residents must feel included and we must build trust between cruise tourism and local needs.”
Oleg Butković, Croatia’s minister of the sea, transport and infrastructure, said: “Croatia is ready to be a leader of sustainable cruise industry development in the Mediterranean – not only growth in numbers, but also responsible, long-term development that benefits local communities, passengers and partners.”
Most cruise ships enter Šibenik via the picturesque St. Anthony's Canal
Following the press conference, MedCruise and the port authority hosted an official welcome reception featuring an extended open-air performance by Šibenik City Orchestra and the 4 Tenors at the medieval St. Michael’s Fortress.
The General Assembly, which will conclude on 3 October, features a packed agenda with highlights including MedCruise Working Group sessions, a board of directors gathering, and 472 business-to-business meetings between MedCruise members and 28 representatives from 24 cruise lines.
In addition, there will be multiple panel sessions exploring how cruising can boost local economies, how ports can drive sustainability while improving their relationships with cities, how digitalisation is reshaping collaboration in the cruise sector, and how destinations can capitalise on their natural, cultural and historical heritage to create more sustainable cruise tourism models. There will also be an interactive social media workshop designed to showcase how ports and destinations can increase their digital presence.
Some of the notable panellists will include Monica Berstad, managing director of Cruise Norway; Nikos Mertzanidis, executive director for Cruise Lines International Association in Europe; Ryan Baird, manager of destination communication, guest experience and product development at Holland America Line; Melissa Witsoe, product manager for the Mediterranean, South Pacific and Asia at Windstar Cruises; Mark Robinson, managing director of BC Cruise Services; and Thanos Pallis, professor in port and maritime economics and policy at the University of Piraeus.
MedCruise and the Port of Šibenik Authority have also created a programme of guided excursions to showcase the range of cultural, historical and natural attractions in Šibenik and the surrounding areas.
Cruise line executives and media representatives took a combined guided walking and boat tour through parts of the 109-square-kilometre Krka National Park, which is located within a short drive of Šibenik port. The group visited Roski Slap Waterfall, Skradinski Buk Waterfall, the old watermills and Visovac Monastery and museum, an active religious site located on an island in Visovac Lake.
Skradinski Buk Waterfall is a highlight of Krka National Park for many visitors
The group will also take a guided walking tour of Šibenik Old Town, a Unesco World Heritage site with attractions including St. James Cathedral.
St. James Cathedral blends gothic and renaissance style and is recognised as a Unesco World Heritage Site due to its architectural significance
“Our general assemblies are milestones shaping the future of Mediterranean cruising," said Theodora Riga, president of MedCruise. "We are delighted to bring our members and partners to Šibenik, a city that beautifully reflects the heritage, innovation and hospitality that define our regions.”