MedCruise delivered its 2025 Professional Development Course (PDC), offering members a focused and practical AI Training Programme designed specifically for the cruise port and destination community.
Held online on 9th and 10th December 2025, the two-day course was led by Eric Benedict and Shannon McKee of Access Cruise Inc. and brought together MedCruise members from across the Mediterranean and its adjoining seas to explore how artificial intelligence can support day-to-day port operations, communication and destination management.
The training programme was tailored exclusively for the MedCruise community, with a strong emphasis on hands-on, immediately applicable skills. Across two interactive sessions, participants examined how AI tools can enhance guest-facing communication, improve internal efficiency and support strategic decision-making within port and cruise-related organisations.
The second day of the PDC also featured the participation of Steve Sellers, CEO and Founder of Selerna Group, who provided valuable insights into AI business strategy and implementation design at company level, offering participants a broader perspective on how AI can be effectively embedded within organisational structures and long-term business planning.
The course focused on the practical application of AI to support guest communication, content creation, multilingual messaging, feedback analysis and everyday operational efficiency across port organisations.
Participants received a set of ready-to-use resources, including AI prompt templates, content frameworks, multilingual communication tools and access to the “Scared So What?” micro-module and free app, developed by Dr Grant van Ulbrich, enabling continued learning beyond the live sessions.
The MedCruise PDC forms part of the Association’s ongoing commitment to professional development, innovation and digital upskilling, equipping members with the knowledge and tools required to respond to an increasingly complex and technology-driven cruise environment.
MedCruise would like to extend its sincere thanks to Kyriaki Kampana, the Member of the Board of Directors of MedCruise responsible for Professional Development Courses and Cruise Manager and Deputy Port Facility Security Officer at Heraklion Port Authority, for her guidance and continued support in shaping and delivering the Association’s professional development initiatives.
MedCruise would like to thank Eric Benedict, Shannon McKee and Steve Sellers for delivering an engaging and highly practical training programme, as well as all participating members for their active involvement and contribution.
