Greece to See More Cruise Ship Arrivals at Ports this Year, Says ELIME

Piraeus port. Photo source: ELIME

More cruise ship arrivals to Greek ports this year are expected compared to 2019, the Hellenic Ports Association (ELIME) announced during the Seatrade Cruise Global 2022 industry event held in Miami.

Citing data from bookings, ELIME Executive Director Dimitris Iatridis said cruise ship arrivals at Greek ports in 2022 are expected to rise by 25 percent.

Iatridis, who met with cruise industry stakeholders on the sidelines of the annual event, said the cruise dynamic for Greece was reflected in the number of port calls scheduled  for 2022 and in the tourism segment’s performance in the first four months of the year.

Indicatively, the port of Piraeus is set to welcome 750 cruise ships this year, including arrivals by newcomers Virgin Cruises and the ultraluxury Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.

The Piraeus Port Authority (PPA), which also participated in the Seatrade Cruise Global 2022 exhibition, has been taking actions to promote cruise travel in Greece. Also participating at the Seatrade event with the support of the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) were the port authorities of Thessaloniki, Corfu, and Central Macedonia Region.

The PPA confirmed that out of the scheduled arrival of 750 cruise ships this year, 66 percent will be homeporting out of Piraeus. 

CLIA gives outlook for global cruise

During the show, President and CEO of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Kelly Craighead said “passenger volume is expected to recover and surpass 2019 levels by the end of 2023, with passenger volumes projected to recover 12 percent above pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2026”. 

“Cruising is accessible, responsible, and experiential – making it the best way to see the world for people of all ages and interests. With the support of an incredibly resilient community, the future of the cruise industry is bright,” she added.

“The cruise industry is back,” said Kelly Craighead, CLIA President and CEO, during Seatrade Cruise Global. Photo source: @CLIA

Key takeaways presented by CLIA at Seatrade Cruise Global:

– intent to cruise is rebounding, with 63 percent of travelers or potential travelers indicating they are ‘very likely’ or ‘likely’ to cruise in the next two years

– 69 percent of respondents that have never cruised said they are open to cruise, exceeding pre-pandemic levels

– millennial cruisers are the most enthusiastic about taking another cruise, with 87 percent indicating they will take a cruise in the next few years, followed by Gen X at 85 percent.