The Greek authorities is working time beyond regulation to make it possible for Santorini, the “Jewel of the Aegean”, is prepared for the beginning of cruise season. However after latest earthquakes have triggered evacuations and injury to the port metropolis, it stays to be seen if it is going to be prepared in time.
Over a million cruise passengers go to the enduring Greek cruise port of Santorini yearly, however that quantity may drastically change for 2025.
In accordance with latest information reviews, Santorini is already dealing with a downtrend in tourism, with about 20% much less vacationer exercise in comparison with earlier years.
The downturn is because of greater than 20,000 earthquakes which have rattled town, with some measuring as much as 5.3 in magnitude.
The seismic exercise has shut down the well-known Santorini cable automobile main as much as Fira close to the cruise port, and it’s anticipated to be inoperable for an additional three months whereas earthquakes are monitored.
This can be a large deal as a result of Greek authorities have stated that cruise ships shouldn’t dock on the essential Fira port and as a substitute ought to dock at Athinios Port because of security considerations.
Santorini’s cruise season begins in late March with only a handful of cruise ship visits, and exercise begins ramping up much more in April and onward. The 2025 schedule exhibits:
Present Cruise Schedule for Santorini
- April: 28 cruise visits from 14 traces
- Might: 69 cruise visits from 23 traces
- June: 82 cruise visits from 18 traces
- July: 90 cruise visits from 24 cruise traces
- August: 85 cruise visits from 26 cruise traces
- September: 79 cruise visits from 26 cruise traces
Whereas monitoring seismic exercise, the Greek Authorities is doing the whole lot it could actually to ensure the cruise season begins on time and that town is prepared and protected for cruise passengers.
Cruise Tax
However earthquakes aren’t the one factor shaking issues up. The port metropolis not too long ago determined so as to add an extra cruise tax of as much as 20 euros to incoming guests as properly.
The passenger price would really be 20 euros throughout peak summer time months (June-September), 12 euros within the shoulder seasons (April, Might, October), and 4 euros throughout the low season (November-March).
Over the subsequent few weeks, native officers are anticipated to decide concerning the new tax and the way it is going to be utilized. The earthquakes put a short lived maintain on discussions concerning the cruise tax, however now it may add one other layer to the complexity of cruising to this common port.
For now, native port officers are extra involved with security. The Overseas Workplace not too long ago gave recommendation about earthquakes within the metropolis with this message:
“The realm across the Cycladic islands of Santorini (Thira), Anafi, Ios and Amorgos, is at present experiencing frequent earthquakes which can proceed for a number of weeks. The Greek authorities suggested folks in these areas to not attend massive indoor gatherings, to keep away from previous or deserted buildings and the ports of Amoudi, Armeni, Korfos and Previous Port (Paleos Limenas) within the space of Fira and to decide on protected routes when travelling, notably in areas the place the landslide danger is excessive.”
