Santorini Island (Greece) has implemented new regulations to manage the influx of cruise ship tourists, limiting their number at the dock to 500 at any given time. This measure aims to alleviate congestion and improve the overall vacation experience. Cruise ships, such as the Sun Princess, may experience delays as shuttle operations slow down once the dock reaches capacity, leading to longer wait times for passengers disembarking or returning to their vessels.
All cruise passengers must utilize local water shuttles to reach the island, which can result in extended waiting periods, especially when multiple large ships are in port simultaneously. Upon arrival, most visitors take the cable car to ascend to the town of Fira, perched atop a hill. However, the large volume of tourists can cause significant delays for the cable car as well. Alternatively, passengers can opt for the Karavolades Stairs to reach Fira, though the steep, slippery, and exposed path can be challenging, particularly in hot weather.
Additionally, port authorities have prohibited cruise ships from providing water stations at the dock. Visitors are advised to bring their own water to stay hydrated, especially given the likelihood of extended exposure to the sun during their visit.
During a recent visit to Santorini, Princess Cruises informed the passengers on Sun Princess about Santorini's new rule, stating:
“Santorini Port Authorities have established a limit of 500 guests from all ships in the area waiting at the dock to board the cable car or shuttles returning to their vessels. Once this limit is reached, cruise ships will be requested to reduce their water shuttle operations until the queue on the dock has been diminished, which will lead to delays for guests wishing to proceed ashore. During our stop in Santorini, we will be in port with 3 other large vessels, resulting in a high volume of guests. Please note that this can lead to longer wait times and crowded conditions on the island.”