The 2026 cruise season in Novi Sad was officially launched yesterday 18th March at the International Passenger Port with a warm traditional welcome featuring tamburica music, Serbian folk dancing, and local specialties. The first cruise ship of the season, Amethyst, docked at the Gradsko zelenilo pontoon at around 2:00 PM, bringing approximately 150 visitors from German-speaking countries.
Traditional Welcome and Cultural Showcase
Following standard port procedures, passengers were formally welcomed at 3:00 PM on the Quay of the Victims of the Raid by members of the “Vila” folklore ensemble dressed in traditional costumes. Guests were greeted with the customary offering of bread and salt, followed by a 30-minute performance of traditional dances accompanied by a tamburica orchestra. For many visitors, this marked their first and memorable encounter with Serbian culture.
The event was attended by representatives of the Public Utility Company “Gradsko zelenilo,” the Ports Management Agency, the First Danube Steamship Company, the Novi Sad Tourist Guides Association, and the Tourist Organization of the City of Novi Sad.
Novi Sad – A Key Danube Destination
As part of a seven-day Danube itinerary starting in Vienna, visitors spent the day exploring Novi Sad’s most iconic landmarks. In addition to guided walking tours of the city center and Petrovaradin Fortress, excursions included visits to Sremski Karlovci, the Krušedol Monastery, as well as authentic rural experiences at traditional farms (salaš) in Čenej.
Strong Growth Expected in 2026
Following a highly successful 2025 season, during which Novi Sad welcomed 362 cruise ships and more than 52,000 passengers, projections for 2026 are even more promising:
Expected arrivals: around 400 cruise ships
Visitor profile: Predominantly travelers from Germany, Austria, the United States, and the United Kingdom
New experiences: In addition to classic sightseeing tours, there is growing interest in cycling excursions, hands-on local cuisine workshops, and visits to artists’ studios at Petrovaradin Fortress
The opening of the cruise season further reinforces Novi Sad’s position as a leading river tourism destination in the region—successfully blending rich cultural heritage with a dynamic and modern tourism offer.
