The 2011-initiated project for cruiseferry services between Turkey and Greece (İzmir and Thessaloniki) was finally completed.
Levante Ferries on Monday, October 10, is launching the first-ever service between the port city of Thessaloniki (northern Greece) and the seaside town of Izmir (western Turkey).
Athens-based company Levanta Ferries declared that Smyrna di Levante ship (1977-built/IMO 7527887) would hold the new passenger shipping service once weekly.
The ferry is setting sail on its maiden voyage from Thessaloniki at 5:00 p.m.
The voyage is expected to last 14 hours, with ferry services to Izmir every Monday/Wednesday/Friday, and from Izmir to Thessaloniki every Tuesday/Thursday/Sunday.
Smyrna di Levante is 160 m in length and 23 m in width, with a capacity to carry a total of 948 passengers, 300 cars, and 55 lorries/cargo trucks.
Image: Port of Izmir (Turkey)
The İzmir-Thessaloniki voyage's duration is expected to be ~12 to 13 hours, depending on sea/weather conditions.
Fares start at EUR 81 for a seat in the lounge/on deck, with a 10% discount for return tickets.