MedCruise, the Association of Mediterranean Cruise Ports, has concluded its 68th General Assembly in Palermo, celebrating its 30th Anniversary.
Hosted by the Port System Authority of the Sea of Western Sicily, the event welcomed more than 240 participants, including representatives from member ports, associate members, cruise lines, international media and industry stakeholders.
Held from 9–12 June 2026, the Assembly highlighted MedCruise’s role in fostering dialogue, cooperation and business development. The event recorded strong participation from members, cruise lines and industry stakeholders, with 27 cruise lines in attendance and more than 700 B2B meetings held, the highest number ever recorded at a MedCruise General Assembly, creating new partnership opportunities.
The anniversary programme brought together current and former Association leaders, including honorary presidents and former secretaries general, to reflect on three decades of cooperation among cruise ports and destinations and the Mediterranean’s growth as a leading cruise region.
Delegates took part in discussions, working groups and panels on geopolitical developments, destination management, sustainable growth, accessibility and inclusion, digitalisation and artificial intelligence, strategic communications and collaboration between cruise lines, ports and destinations.
A special anniversary panel examined the cruise sector’s evolution over the past thirty years, highlighting innovation, sustainability, partnership and resilience.
Delegates also attended the presentation of the latest MedCruise State of the Industry Report by Professor Thanos Pallis, which provided insights into operational trends, market developments and the outlook for cruising across the Mediterranean and adjoining seas.
“The 68th General Assembly in Palermo has been a historic moment for MedCruise,” said Theodora Riga, President of MedCruise.
“Celebrating 30 years of cooperation while achieving record participation from members, cruise lines, industry stakeholders and 15 new memberships demonstrates the strength of our Association. Palermo was the ideal setting to honour our achievements and look ahead to the opportunities and challenges shaping sustainable, resilient cruising in the Mediterranean, as it was one of the founding members of MedCruise.”
Beyond the conference programme, delegates experienced Palermo and Sicily through cultural visits, technical tours and networking events that showcased the region’s maritime heritage, culture and tourism.
Participants explored UNESCO listed monuments and historic landmarks, visited the Qanat underground network, joined technical port visits and maritime experiences aboard Lisca Bianca, and discovered Monreale and other iconic Sicilian destinations.
The social programme featured a Gala Dinner at Villa Boscogrande and a Farewell Dinner at Villa Tasca, which also served as the official celebration of MedCruise’s 30th Anniversary.
MedCruise thanks the Port System Authority of the Sea of Western Sicily, the City of Palermo, and all institutional partners, sponsors and collaborators whose support contributed to the success of the General Assembly.
As MedCruise enters its fourth decade, the Association remains committed to cooperation, innovation and sustainable growth, further strengthening the Mediterranean’s position as a leading global cruise destination.
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