The return of winter cruises to Greece was the topic of discussion in a meeting between Greek Tourism Minister Vassilis Kikilias and senior executives of the Royal Caribbean Group. As announced, the company is to introduce a cruise route departing for Cyprus, Israel and Egypt from the port of Pireaus, with the capacity of 2,200 passengers, in February 2023. It will be a cruise with a cultural profile, the Ministry of Tourism emphasized.

During the meeting, the Royal Caribbean representatives expressed enthusiasm about the frequent direct flights from the US to Athens, since, as they pointed out, 60% of the passengers on the cruise will be American citizens.

In addition, they noted that, according to their estimates so far, at least 43% of passengers will spend more than one night in Athens – news which are particularly positive for the city’s hotels and tourism businesses – while a large part of them will travel to other winter destinations.

“The goal of extending the tourist season will be achieved through specific strategic steps. Today’s announcement by the Royal Caribbean Group marks the substantial resumption of winter cruises in our country after decades without them, and I am sure that it will increase tourism’s effect on economic growth which will benefit every average Greek family,” the minister stated after the meeting.

It is worth noting that the meeting was attended by Alessandro Carollo (Director, Government Relations), Adam Sharp (Director, International Destination Development) and Manolis Alevropoulos (Vice President, Marine Operations at Celebrity Cruises).

This article was previously published in Greek at moneyreview.gr