More cruise shipsbut with less passengers they came in 2022 in Hellas, as the industry still cannot fully recover from the pandemic. Considering that the average size of cruise ships in the world has increased in recent years, it is clear that the reason for the above sizes is the low occupancy of ships. Even so, however, pressure on destinations that have now become negative examples of overtourism, such as Mykonos And Santorini, especially during the summer months, amplifying the voices of residents and agencies for imposing strict limits on day-time visitor drop-offs. Positive characterized ELIME (Union of Hellenic Ports) and the trajectory of total cruise revenue.

As for the outlook for 2023, based on today’s data, ELIME characterizes them as favorable, recording an average increase in bookings of about 15% in almost all directions. It is also noted that construction and modernization of cruise infrastructure and services, as well as projects related to digital and green port crossings, are underway on many Greek destinations. However, according to sources in the market, the effect of these initiatives, if successful, will appear in a few years and relieve overloaded destinations.

According to ELIME, which compiles relevant statistics, in 2022 the total number of cruise ships arriving at Greek ports was 4,614 and the number of passengers was 4,381,876.

Bookings for almost all destinations recorded an average increase of around 15% in 2023.

In the last year before the pandemic, in 2019, the number of arriving ships was 3,979 and passengers – 5,552,384. However, the increase in arrivals compared to 2021 was vertical and amounted to 123.5%, and the increase in passengers was even greater – 209% . According to ELIME, “a particularly important element is the fact that, compared to 2019, the number of cruise ship arrivals increased by 16%, and taking into account the final data for the Piraeus Port Authority, where today’s data refers to nine months. by September 30, growth compared to 2019 is expected to be at the level of 20%.”

In terms of the number of cruise ships, Santorini, Mykonos, Piraeus, Corfu, Rhodes, Heraklion, Patmos and Katakolo are in first place. In terms of the number of passengers, Santorini, Mykonos, Piraeus, Corfu, Rhodes, Heraklion and Katakolo are leading, and Chania, Kefalonia – Ithaka, Patmos, Lavrio, Thessaloniki, Volos and Nafplio. It is noteworthy that in relation to 2021, there is an increase in arrivals in all directions, and especially in Lavrio 291%, Thessaloniki and Santorini 259%, Mykonos 141%, Volos 114%, Corfu 96%, Rhodes 95%. %, and in Heraklion 92%.

Porting home has also improved significantly in the Greek ports of Piraeus, Thessaloniki, Lavrio, Corfu and Heraklion, where the option is offered to passengers.