The Europa 2 cruise liner of Hapag Lloyd Cruises, sailing from Kavala, with 500 passengers and 350 crew members, sailed early Sunday morning for the port of Thessaloniki. It is the first of two cruise ships to welcome the port city at the same time for the first time, with passengers served in two different passenger terminals.

“Europe 2” passengers were served at a new passenger station in the completely refurbished “intra-Schengen” part of warehouse 8, berth 9. Thessaloniki port coming from Piraeus.

“This is a very important day because we are welcoming two cruise ships at the same time at two different passenger stations, responding to the needs and increase in cruises in Thessaloniki. Today we opened a renovated passenger terminal,” said Thanos Liakos, Executive President of the Thessaloniki Port Organization (OLTH).

Reception with dances and buns

The Europe 2 travelers were welcomed by Thessaloniki’s pastries prepared by the mayor of the city Konstantinos Zervas, traditional music and dances such as sirtaki and zeybekou from the Zeybekikou Academy in Thessaloniki, as well as representatives of collaborating organizations.

“In a very short time, with the kind cooperation of all agencies, two large cruise ships can be moored. Travelers will stop in the city, go to Vergina, see the monuments. I think that this is happening, not a good start, but a continuation,” said Vula Patoulidou, Deputy Governor of Thessaloniki and Chairman of the Thessaloniki Port Authority.

The importance of the city’s entry into the world transport map and the contribution of the cruise to the economy of the city was pointed out by the Mayor of Thessaloniki Konstantinos Zervas: “So many agencies, the region, the municipality, the Thessaloniki Port Authority, we have cooperated so that we have a rapid increase in the cruise. We estimate that this year there will be 70,000 cruise passengers who will love our city, Macedonia, and we welcome them with joy, with a bun, with a warm smile and a big hug.”

Europa 2 arrives for the first time since 2016. There are about 500 passengers: 450 Germans, 50 Swiss and Austrians, and a crew of 350, said Kyriakos Kallis, head of the Kosmatos agency that represented the ship. . “We have a larger and better tourism product. The cruise ship departed Istanbul on May 31 and will arrive in Piraeus on June 10. This year we are expecting about 70 cruise ships, 12 have already arrived and it is possible that the number will increase.”

The cruise ship will depart from Thessaloniki at 19:30. The iconic 1910 architectural monument that houses the Makedonia Passenger Station was soon followed by the landing of travelers from the second Sky Crystal cruise ship, since every Sunday since its arrival began on April 5th. In the evening the ship will depart for Kusadasi, Türkiye.

However, all travelers have already left for excursions and tours not only to Thessaloniki, but also to Kerkini, Pella, Vergina, Dion, the traditional villages of Halkidiki, the estate of Gerovasilou. In fact, as agent Anagnostis Theocharopoulos said, in addition to bus tours, some prefer to walk and explore the city on foot.

“With 600 passengers, of which 150 will board from here” (Thessaloniki),” said Mr. Kallis.

Mr. Liakos, Executive President of OLTH SA, underlined the added value that the cruise brings to the city through the modernization of the port. “This is a “product” that is constantly evolving. Let me tell you that 92% of visitor-passengers recommend Thessaloniki to other passengers, this also shows the growth we think will happen in the coming years.”

A total of 68 cruise ship arrivals are scheduled for 2023 at the Port of Thessaloniki, compared to 61 in 2022.

Source: APE-ME, ERT.