On Saturday, May 25, the Crown Iris cruise ship arrived in Larnaca from Haifa thus marking the beginning of a new line between the coastal cities.
According to Larnaca Tourism Board, the vessel, which has a capacity of 2,000 passengers, will sail from Haifa to Larnaca on a weekly basis until November and will often dock overnight in Larnaca.
The Tourism Board said that passengers will have the opportunity "to participate in trips in the district, such as in Lefkara and Athienou and other nearby towns, while others will be able to visit the center of the city."
Crown Iris was welcomed with celebrations and a performance by the accordion orchestra “Daniel Sabotinov” at the port of Larnaca. Travelers were offered Cypriot delicacies.
Andreas Vyras, Larnaca mayor, thanked the company organizing the cruises and spoke about the aim of the city to increase the number of ships that chose it as a cruise destination.
He also spoke about the importance of the planned port's development and the building of Larnaca Marina and urged the state to proceed in negotiations with the investor.