Seaports in Greece are expected to handle over 5 million cruise ship passengers during summer 2019, breaking 2018's record, according to the country's Union of Cruise Shipowners and Associated Members. The estimated number of incoming cruise passengers is set to exceed the 2018 arrivals by 8-9%.
The experts expect over 5 million arrivals as well as 3664 calls in comparison with 3410 visits and 4,788 million arrivals last year, and 3414 visits and 4,625 million arrivals in 2017. In 2016, cruise passenger numbers exceeded the 5-million mark, via 5,196 million passengers and 4885 calls.
Port Piraeus-Athens is slated to welcome 643 visits and 1.1 million cruise passengers in comparison with 524 visits and 961,000 arrivals in 2018, 576 visits and 1.05 million arrivals in 2017, as well as 625 visits and 1.09 million arrivals in 2016.
Image: Piraeus (Athens, Greece)
Santorini is the 2nd port with the highest traffic with an estimated 800,000 cruise passenger arrivals and 578 visits. Corfu is expected to welcome 735,000 arrivals in 2019, while Mykonos will welcome 700,000 cruisers and Katakolon will see 421,000 cruise guests.