MedCruise General Assembly Opens in Šibenik, Croatia

The 67th MedCruise General Assembly officially began yesterday, September 30th, in Šibenik, Croatia, according to a press release.

Co-hosted by the Šibenik Port Authority, the four-day event runs from September 30 to October 3, 2025, and is described as a forum for “dialogue, cooperation and forward-looking discussions.”

An opening press conference held at Šibenik’s City Hall underlined MedCruise’s role in fostering collaboration among Mediterranean cruise ports and their global partners. Speakers highlighted the need to address current challenges while embracing innovation and sustainable practices.

“So cruise yes, but in a way that suits the local community. That is generally the topic of this association, and that is what we will be discussing and trying to improve here for days,” said Paško Dželalija, General Manager of the Port of Šibenik Authority.

“As for Šibenik and Croatia, we have positioned ourselves where we belong, as a strong force in the Mediterranean and I am extremely proud, and it is a great honor for me that Šibenik is the host of this, on behalf of all Croatian ports. I hope that we will present them to Croatia and Šibenik as we are,” he added.

Croatia’s Minister of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure, Oleg Butković, praised Šibenik’s progress in recent years, noting the town “deserves the event.”

“Croatia is ready to be a leader in sustainable cruise industry development in the Mediterranean – not only growth in numbers but responsible, long-term development that benefits local communities, passengers, and partners,” he said.

Over the next four days, 472 B2B meetings are scheduled between MedCruise members and 28 executives from 24 cruise lines. More than 210 attendees will also take part in panels and workshops focusing on sustainability, digitalization, and changing passenger demands.

The program includes sessions of the MedCruise Working Groups, an “Internal Matters” meeting on governance and future strategy, and a gathering of the board of directors.

“Our General Assemblies are milestones shaping the future of Mediterranean cruising. 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,” said MedCruise President Theodora Riga.

Outside the formal sessions, delegates will also experience Šibenik’s cultural and natural highlights. The city is home to a UNESCO-listed old town and the nearby Krka National Park. The social agenda features a welcome reception at St. Michael’s Fortress, a gala dinner, and a farewell event at the Dalmatian Ethno Village.