Filenews 30 May 2022 - by Ioanna Mantzipa
A significant increase is recorded for this year by the cruise sector at the port of Limassol compared to the previous years and especially to the year 2019. Indicatively, in 2022, more than 160,000 passengers are expected to arrive at the port of Limassol and will host more than 150 cruise ships. Large giants chose the port of Limassol as their starting point, with Cypriot citizens choosing cruises for holidays, since they provide luxury and spectacles, while several cruise ships are also characterized as mobile cities.
Speaking to "F", the Communication and Sustainable Development Officer of DP World Limassol, Doros Arestis, said that this is a significant increase compared to 2019, which was a year of recovery for cruise tourism in our country and this upward trend is expected to become even bigger in 2023. "After two years of pandemic, we are optimistic about the outlook for 2022 and 2023. The terminal of DP World Limassol at the port of Limassol is now attracting giants of the cruise sector, which confirms the quality of the services provided. It is no coincidence that Royal Caribbean chooses as its base the port of Limassol for a series of cruises in the wider region", he noted.
He added that after last year's successful cruise program, Royal Caribbean has announced a new programme for this year, with its cruise ship, Rhapsody of the seas, capable of carrying 2,400 passengers, making seven-day cruises to the Greek islands until September. Also, Celestyal Cruises chose the port of Limassol as the station of the "Three Continents" program, which is expected to start next November. The same goes for MSC Cruises, which has also chosen Limassol port as a stop for its Mediterranean cruises.
Asked if the cruise sector is recording an increasing trend compared to previous years, Mr. Arestis said that "cruise is returning dynamically for this year, recording a constantly increasing trend". He noted that one of the main reasons passengers choose a cruise is the experience of a destination. "Travellers discuss their impressions with other stakeholders, share their knowledge and experiences creating new dynamics. Nowadays this is much easier because of social media. Each satisfied visitor will most likely propose this destination to the rest of his social environment.
A cruise ship is a luxury mobile hotel
He also noted that visitors stay on board and this is their main difference compared to other tourists staying in hotels in the area. "A cruise ship is actually a luxury mobile hotel. On modern cruise ships passengers enjoy exactly the same services as those of the guests of a five-star hotel. The demand for cruise packages is met by the construction of new cruise ships which are used by the companies exclusively to meet the specific needs of tourism."
Asked to answer about the number of passengers expected to be served this year at the port of Limassol, Mr. Arestis noted that the managing company DP World Limassol expects to host more than 150 cruise ships in 2022. "This is a significant increase compared to previous years and especially to 2019. A similar upward trend is expected to be seen in 2023. More than 160,000 passengers are expected to arrive this year at Limassol port."
Among other things, Mr. Arestis argued that the pandemic has brought a rapid transition to a more digitized and automated business world, as businesses were forced to adapt and find new ways to keep trade flowing as efficiently as possible. "A series of digital innovations and solutions that have been created as a means of adhering to health and safety protocols during the pandemic, have also helped increase competitiveness and enhance efficiency," he said.
He also referred to the fact that the digital transition and automation have mobilised shipping towards achieving its goal of zero emissions by 2050. "Sustainability and the green transition have been a hub for the world of shipping for some years now. Achieving the target of a 50% reduction in emissions by 2050 remains firmly high on the agenda, as does the development of green technologies and the implementation of environmentally friendly shipping practices."
In relation to the Passenger Connection between Cyprus and Piraeus, which begins next month, the Communication and Sustainable Development Officer of DP World Limassol, stressed that the managing company is working in close cooperation with all the services involved to carry out the government's project.
However, the trips of Cypriots fluctuate in 2019 rhythms, with many choosing their holidays with cruise ships for this year. Speaking to "F", the executive chairman of Top Kinisis and honorary president of the Association of Travel Agents, Akis Kelepesis, said that the demand this year is quite high, noting that there is also a strong interest in holidays through cruise ships starting from the port of Limassol.
200 Cypriots a week will travel with Royal Caribbean
As Mentioned by Mr. Kelepesis from Limassol, two cruise ships are starting their routes, one of the MSC company that has already started sailing since the end of April, and that of Royal Caribbean. According to the first data available for Royal Caribbean, passenger traffic as far as Cypriots are concerned is 200 people per week. This is, as he explained, the route that starts from 6 August and continues.
Mr. Kelepesis added that the interest from Cypriot citizens is great in terms of choosing a holiday with cruise ships. He noted that it is important that large cruise ships now start from the port of Limassol as this gives the possibility of boarding citizens from Cyprus and this is more economical. He also explained that Cypriots have not left air travel, according to statistics, but in recent years they are also turning to cruising as there are now new generation cruise ships, large, luxurious, with many facilities and wonderful spectacles.
He also expressed the view that in the coming period there will be an even further increase of cruise ships in Limassol, during the winter season, as an increase in the cruise of the Eastern Mediterranean is recorded.
In relation to the maritime passenger connection between Cyprus and Greece, he mentioned that bookings have reached almost 5,000 for the entire summer season with most Cypriots choosing to travel with their vehicles. In addition, he noted that there is also a strong interest from Greeks who want to come to Cyprus through the sea passenger connection. According to the data, 65% are Cypriots and 35% are from Greece, who will come from Piraeus to Limassol to vacation in Cyprus.
