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The cruise industry convenes in Crete

The 8th Posidonia Sea Tourism Forum (PSTF 2025) is set to bring together an elite assembly of global cruise industry leaders in Heraklion, Crete, on 6-7 May. With the strong support of the Region of Crete and the Heraklion Port Authority, this premier event will convene executives from the world’s major cruise lines, industry associations, destinations and maritime tourism authorities from Greece and the Eastern Mediterranean to engage in high-level discussions on the evolving landscape of cruise tourism. The forum will address a broad spectrum of industry challenges and opportunities, shaping the future of sea tourism in the region.

Theodore Vokos, Managing Director of Posidonia Exhibitions S.A., the Forum’s organiser, said: “Over the next three years, 40 new cruise ships will be delivered, adding another 90,000 berths to global capacity. With the East Med becoming more important to the industry due to plans for increased ship deployment in the region, it is natural that all major and niche cruise lines will want to be in Crete for PSTF 2025.”

Over the course of two days at the state-of-the-art Mikis Theodorakis Convention Centre, key decision-makers will explore strategies for ensuring the long-term sustainability of the region’s most sought-after destinations. Already confirmed speakers include:

Chris Theophilides, CEO, Celestyal
Theodora Riga, President, MedCruise
Gianluca Suprani, Sr. Vice President, MSC Cruises
Elisabetta De Nardo, Sr. Vice President, Global Port Relations & Commercial Services, MSC Cruises
Manolis Alevropoulos, Vice President, Marine Operations, Celebrity Cruises | Royal Caribbean Group
Alessandro Carollo, Associate Vice President, Government Relations, Royal Caribbean Group
Ana Karina Santini, Associate Vice President, Int. Destination Development, Royal Caribbean Group
Sandi Weir, Sr. Director, Global Government Relations & Public Affairs, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings
Spyros Almpertis, Vice President, Port and Destination Operations, Guest Port Services, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Alexander Bieniek, Vice President, Marine Operations, Star Clippers
Filippos Venetopoulos, CEO, Variety Cruises
Kyriakos Kotsoglou, Vice Governor, Tourism, Region of Crete
Ioannis Anastasakis, Vice Governor, Climate Change and Urban Mobility, Region of Crete
Samuel Maubanc, Director General, CLIA Europe
Marcus Puttich, Director, Destinations, TUI Cruises
Ligia Balea, Product Manager, Shore Excursions, Carnival Cruise Line
Adria Bono, Director, Destination Experiences, Crystal Cruises
Michele Bosco, Manager, Shore Excursions and Operations, Princess Cruises
Isabelle Côté, International Terminal Operations-Management Consultant, Virgin Voyages
Lars Clasen, CEO, Cruise Saudi
Minas Papadakis, CEO, Heraklion Port Authority S.A.
Loukas Sigalas, CEO, Minoan Lines
Aziz Gungor, Regional Director, East Med Ports, Global Port Holdings
Ioannis Pappas, Director, Med Region & EU Sustainable Destinations, GSTC

On Day One, discussions will focus on striking a balance between growing passenger demand and responsible tourism management, as well as fostering collaboration to introduce cruise travellers to emerging ports with marquee potential. With sustainable sea tourism at the forefront, the forum aims to shape a resilient and forward-thinking cruise landscape for the region.

Elisabetta de Nardo, Senior Vice President, Global Port Relations & Commercial Services, MSC Cruises, highlighted the forum’s significance: “The Posidonia Sea Tourism Forum is a fantastic opportunity to exchange the knowledge that can help inform and shape our continued growth path. It is in the interests of all cruise lines, ports, destinations, and other tourism industry stakeholders to ensure we work together to address the issues facing us in the Mediterranean, such as ensuring frameworks are in place for the introduction of OPS, and the work underway to mitigate overcrowding, an issue of particular focus in the host nation, Greece. As Europe’s leading cruise line, MSC Cruises is committed to a co-operative approach towards responsible tourism, ensuring we meet the needs of our guests while protecting the destinations we visit and the marine environment on which we rely.”

One of the must-attend panel discussions on the opening day of PSTF 2025 is the "Small Ships" Panel, introducing a dynamic and rapidly growing market segment to the region. With increasing interest from major hotel conglomerates in ultra-luxury small cruise ships, this panel will explore how these vessels - perfectly suited for the Aegean Sea and Eastern Mediterranean - are reshaping the cruising experience.

Attendees will gain insights into how small cruise ships offer a more intimate and personalised onboard atmosphere, along with greater flexibility in itinerary design, allowing access to smaller, off-the-beaten-path ports. Industry experts will discuss the demand and future construction of these ships, operational challenges in serving remote destinations, and key factors that set this niche apart from mainstream cruising.

Spyros Almpertis, Vice President Port and Destination Operations at Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, commented: “We believe that the East Med will play a crucial role in our future plans, as we aim to provide our guests with unique opportunities to explore lesser-known ports while enjoying the highest standards of luxury. The PSTF 2025 is an invaluable forum for connecting with industry leaders and stakeholders. It provides opportunities for dialogue around sustainability, innovation and the future of the maritime industry - values that resonate deeply with the Ritz-Carlton brand. We are excited to introduce our new yacht collection to this dynamic region and are committed to delivering exceptional service while promoting responsible tourism practices that support local communities and preserve the delicate marine environment.”

The event’s dynamic exhibition floor will provide a prime networking space for regional destination stakeholders to connect with itinerary and excursion planners, as well as leading cruise industry executives keen to engage with both established and up-and-coming destinations looking to leverage the sector’s rapid expansion.

Chris Theophilides, CEO of Celestyal, a regular PSTF participant, shared his vision: "The Central and Eastern Mediterranean remains a core region for Celestyal, with our beloved Iconic Greek Islands, Idyllic Greece, and Heavenly Greece, Italy & Croatia itineraries. Coupled with our fleetwide year-round operations now in place, we are excited to present our upgraded brand, enhanced services, and expanded itineraries. Our investment in both our fleet and guest experience underscores our commitment to delivering exceptional, destination-rich cruises. With our recent expansion into the Arabian Gulf, offering new year-round itineraries, we are thrilled to bring Celestyal’s signature experience to even more travellers. The Posidonia Sea Tourism Forum is a great opportunity to connect with industry partners, explore new collaborations, and showcase our vision for the future. I am looking forward to meeting industry peers, partners, and local authorities to discuss the exciting opportunities ahead.”

Sponsors for the 2025 PSTF include: Diamond sponsor Heraklion Port Authority, Gold sponsors Region of Crete and Hellenic Organisation of Cultural Resources Development (ODAP), Silver Sponsor Piraeus Port Authority, Bronze sponsors Celestyal, Heraklion International Airport and Kyvernitis Travel Group, Sponsor Thessaloniki Port Authority, Official Airline SKY express, and is organized under the auspices of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs & Insular Policy and the Ministry of Tourism, and is supported by the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping, the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the Association of Mediterranean Cruise Ports (MedCruise) and the Union of Cruise Ship Owners & Associated Members of Greece.