Since violence erupted in Israel after an attack by Hamas, more than 1,110 people have been killed and cruise lines have pulled the plug on calls to the destination.
The minute of silence was held as a mark of respect for ‘the natural disasters that touch our friends and their families in Morocco, Greece and some cities, people fleeing war zones by boat on the Mediterranean, right next to our homes, just to stay alive. And since Saturday, besides the war in Ukraine, we are facing and watching speechless the tragedy of war spreading to our friends in Israel and Palestine.’
Ayan continued, ‘On behalf of MedCruise, I would like to extend my prayers to all the citizens, regardless their faith, origin or belief.’
The land of roses
The GA’s official opening, at the International Congress Center Burgas, saw Ayan ‘welcome to the land of roses’ 110 attendees, including 12 cruise lines and members of the international press. She described Bulgaria as ‘simply a beautiful country… a crossroads of history and culture for many, and a harmonious bridge between Europe and the Black Sea.’ Describing Burgas as ‘full of surprises,’ the MedCruise president highlighted the country’s unique gastronomy – taking influences from Turkey, Greece and Romania – and its export of precious rose oil for perfume.
Local dignitaries hope for revival of cruise tourism
Plamen Yanev, district governor of the Burgas region, hopes the GA running October 10-13, ‘will be the base where we join forces.’ He said, ‘I want to emphasize that your support is essential. We’re here to look toward the future with hope and determination.’
Deputy chairman of the board of directors - Bulgarian Ports Infrastructure Company, Georgi Sabev, spoke of wanting to ‘put Bulgaria ports on the map, the importance of MedCruise’s Black Sea Working Group and the decline of cruising in the region caused by geopolitical events.
Maria Belkoleva, vice chairman, Port of Burgas, read a statement from the country’s minister of tourism, who described the cruise sector as the most ‘dynamically developing’ area of tourism.
A second statement read by Belkoleva on behalf of the port referred to the GA as a unique chance for Burgas and Bulgaria’s sea ports to show the country’s history, culture and hospitality. It expressed hope for cruise lines to return to Bulgaria soon.
A short film, ’10 Beautiful Places in Bulgaria,’ played, featuring historic Koprivshtitsa in Central Bulgaria, French Renaissance-style Evksinograd Residence, the village of Zheravna at the southern foot of the Eastern Balkan Mountains, UNESCO World Heritage-listed Nessebar, Belogradchik Fortress, Rila Monastery, the city of Veliko Tarnovo, Plovdiv Old Town, seaside town Sozopol and the Bulgarian countryside.
Before the speeches got underway, traditional Bulgarian bread was served and a local choir sang.
Local bread is served followed by a choir performance 
Fam trip: Saint Anastasia Island, Chengene Skele
The opening of the GA was preceded by a familiarization trip to Saint Anastasia Island and Chengene Skele involving cruise line representatives and the media.
Volcanic Saint Anastasia Island, located 1.5 km off the coast near Chernomorets, is one of Bulgaria’s seven lake islands: three can be visited year-round by boat, hiring a private vessel is necessary to access the remaining islands.
The church, Saint Anastasia Island 
Saint Anastasia Island is home to a 15-16th century church which contains reliefs from the 10th-11th and 12th-14th centuries. The one-hectare island also has a large monastery building housing an interactive museum exhibition with six rooms and showing different stages of Saint Anastasia Island’s past, from pirates’ treasury to prison cells, and more. The island has a restaurant, and tea is served in a small café, ‘Lekarna,’ prepared using herbs typical for the region.
According to Pavlin Dimitrov, manager of the island and part of Municipal Enterprise Tourism Burgas, the island receives 35,000 guests during the summer season – sometimes 6,000 people a day. He explained that the island, which experiences good weather until the end of January, hosts concerts and there are chances to see unique bird life in spring and autumn.
Pavlin Dimitrov (right) with cruise line representatives on Saint Anastasia Island
The fam trip continued the tour by boat with a sailing to Chengene Skele, a small village 15km south of Burgas and once a fishing village, which still retains some fishing traditions. Those joining the trip saw a fishing net being knitted, examples of fishing nets, ropes and knots, and heard stories from a fisherman on the island about the underwater life.
Michele Bosco, product/operations manager, shore excursions - Europe, Africa, Middle East, India and Sri Lanka, Princess Cruises; Annika Zeller, product manager shore excursions, Holland America Line; Ryan Baird, PM destination communication, Holland America Line; Simone Frontini, itinerary planning analyst, Costa Cruises; Radovesta Stewart, director of tourism department, Burgas
A celebration of culture on the island meant the group could observe glassblowing in Chengene Skele’s amphitheater, before visiting its exhibition room with blown glass.
Glassblowing, Chengene Skele 
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