A series of earthquakes affecting Santorini Island (Greece) and the nearby islands over the past 2 weeks has led to operational challenges for the cruise industry, prompting itinerary changes and contingency planning.
Several major cruise lines have redirected vessels to alternative ports, including Chania and Heraklion in Crete, as well as Syros and select islands in the Dodecanese.
The seismic activity has resulted in precautionary measures from local and national authorities, including restricted access to sections of the island’s caldera - a key attraction for cruise visitors. These restrictions have had a direct impact on cruise itineraries, as operators opt to bypass Santorini to mitigate safety risks.
Theodoros Kontes (President of the Union of Cruise Ship Owners and Shipping Agents/EEKFN, and Director of Majestic International Cruises INC) noted that ongoing tremors have raised concerns among passengers and insurers, particularly regarding embarkation and disembarkation procedures in the caldera. Given the absence of a conventional deep-water berth, tenders and cable cars are the primary means of passenger transfer, both of which could be affected by continued seismic instability.
Beyond immediate disruptions, the situation has raised broader concerns about Santorini’s preparedness for maritime tourism during periods of heightened geological activity. As Greece’s second most visited cruise destination after Piraeus, Santorini typically receives 1.3+ million cruise passengers annually. The current uncertainties come at a time when the island is already facing logistical challenges, including labor shortages and infrastructure constraints.
Kontes has underscored the island’s vulnerability due to its volcanic nature, highlighting the absence of a designated safe harbor or "port of refuge" that could accommodate ships in the event of an emergency. He also pointed to long-standing concerns regarding the island’s carrying capacity, suggesting that stricter visitor management policies and infrastructure improvements should have been implemented to mitigate operational risks.
With the summer cruise season approaching, industry stakeholders are closely monitoring developments, and assessing the potential long-term impact on tourism and port operations. The ongoing seismic activity introduces an element of uncertainty, with financial implications for Santorini’s economy, which is heavily reliant on maritime tourism.