Spectacular rise in cruise ship arrivals all over Greece

More than 150.000 cruise travelers have visited the port of Piraeus between January and March 2011, marking a spectacular rise of 58,1% compared to last year’s data regarding the same period. 

Other major destinations like Rhodes, Santorini, Katakolon, Corfu have also received much more passengers than last year, with unofficial estimates ranging between 20% and 30% compared to the same trimester of 2010.

Estimates for the summer period are also very optimistic. The port of Piraeus is scheduled to receive more than 7 cruise ships (at least 20.000 passengers) in some days during the high season of July – August. Ports of Santorini, Rhodes and Mykonos will also have busy time and local authorities have been preparing to deal with it.

The Greek government has recently lowered taxes and fees for cruise ships, but the rise in cruise ship arrivals is also a product of the unrest in North African countries that redirected cruise routes to the north of the Mediterranean Sea.

This rise is going to give a very much needed bust to Greek tourism, the sole reliable industry in the country. It is estimated that the lowest spending per cruise traveler in Greek soil is 50 euros.

Source: "Imerisia", To Vima"

Frequently Asked Questions

- Ιs tourism in Greece affected by the sovereign debt crisis?

Τhe debt crisis of Greece has already affected the lives of Greeks. Severe wage and pensions cuts, more and higher taxes, rise of job losses. The labor cost in the private sector has already dropped about 6% since March 2010, but that doesn’t necessarily mean lower prices of services. However, if you have been to Greece in the past few years, you may now notice a tiny drop in the prices of fast food meals and drinks.

Despite some social unrest concerning the government measures, security conditions in Athens remain very good, except for some scheduled protests in the centre of the city that usually don’t affect public transport and tourism. 

- Why do cruise companies not choose Piraeus as their home port for cruises in the Eastern Mediterranean?

The Greek government needs to make some legal adjustments and improve Piraeus port infrastructure in order to make it a cruise hub. Efforts are concentrated on making Piraeus an attractive home port for major cruise companies by 2012.

- Have the revolts in North Africa affected the wider region in terms of cruise visitors?

Not at all. All cruise companies have rescheduled their itineraries, replacing destinations of Egypt with others of Greece (Chania, Heraklion, Rhodes), Turkey and Cyprus (Limassol).

- Which is the best season for taking a cruise trip in Greece?

If you can never get enough of sunbathing and exotic beaches, you should get on-board in the summer (June – September). However, spring and autumn cruises may be cheaper and let you enjoy the islands being less crowded. Weather is usually your ally during these periods as it rarely rains and temperatures are ideal for walks and tours.

Athens to reach 1.000 cruise arrivals this season

Cruise ship arrivals to Piraeus/Athens will reach the benchmark of 1.000 this season.

According to official data, the port of Piraeus will receive 1.000 cruise ships from April to October 2011. Compared to last year’s data, that means a significant 20% rise.

Security conditions in North Africa and warfare in Libya gave an extra 8% boost to the official predictions based on the cruise companies schedule.