Greece Taps into Cruise Tourism with Upgraded Port Infrastructure 

Photo source: Lavrio Port Authority

Taking center stage this year as a Mediterranean cruise hub, Greece announced that it would be improving port infrastructure to meet the increasing demand of cruise ship arrivals.

Speaking this week during the launch event of Celestyal Cruises’ “Idyllic Aegean” itinerary, Shipping Minister Yiannis Plakiotakis announced that upgrade works for the port of Lavrio as well as the construction of seven new floating docks were in the pipeline.

Greek ports, he said, are ready to welcome cruise travelers in safety. Greece was among the first countries to create a safety framework for cruise operations, he added.

“Today we are here to mark the resumption of cruise operations in Greece and at the port of Lavrio,” Plakiotakis said. 

Celestyal Cruises CEO Chris Theofilidis, Celestyal Crystal’s Captain Nikolaos Vassilios and Greek Shipping Minister Yiannis Plakiotakis.

Referring to the port of Lavrio, Plakiotakis said the ministry would soon be approving the construction of seven new floating docks which can cater to the needs of some 200 recreational boats.

“At a time when works are being carried out on the coastal front of Attica, the new docks will provide a solution to the problem of yacht berthing while upgrading the port of Lavrio,” he said.

Shipping Minister Yiannis Plakiotakis

Plakiotakis also referred to the revision and implementation of strict health protocols in collaboration with the health and tourism ministries, aimed at safeguarding crews and passengers.

“We have designed and implemented in a timely manner a safe framework for the protection of passengers and crews and we are ready to welcome approximately 40 cruise ships that will operate in the Greek seas this summer,” he said.