Porto Carras Becomes New Destination for International Luxury Cruise Ships
The iconic Porto Carras Grand Resort in Halkidiki, Northern Greece, has become a new destination for international luxury cruise ships.
According to a company announcement, the resort’s port facility, Porto Carras Marina S.A., has received the ISPS security certification based on the security requirements of Regulation 2004/725/ EC, to welcome and accommodate large yachts and cruise ships in a safe and under full supervision environment.
More specifically, the maximum length of yachts that can be served by the resort’s marina berths is 60 meters with a draft of 4-6 meters. On April 25, the demarcation of anchorage at 750 meters from the marina entrance was added, paving the way for international cruise ships to be served without limitation of length and/or draft.
Once a cruise ship anchors, its passengers will be safely transferred with the ship’s tender boats to the marina of Porto Carras, accompanied by the marina’s patrol boat, until mooring.
Being now an ISPS certified Port Facility, the Porto Carras Marina has in place an integrated safety system with:
– continuous surveillance by a camera system of the entire marina and anchorage
– Port Facility Security Control Center (PFSCC) staffed 24/7, 365 days a year
– continuous patrols by own boats
– fire extinguishing system throughout the marina
– fully functional and certified helipad
– first aid stations scattered throughout the complex and the marina
– fully equipped clinic, staffed by a doctor.
Upon arrival, international luxury cruise ship passengers will be welcomed with a drink at Porto Carras and can continue their visit experiencing Halkidiki, a destination known for its unique natural environment and its historical, archaeological and culinary uniqueness.
The cruise ships passengers will have access to the beautiful and historical parts of Sithonia, Halkidiki and its organized beaches, one of the most beautiful coastline in Europe, and to a variety of organized sports activities (tennis, water skiing, golf of 450 acres, horseback riding, cycling, hiking and/or running on 28 kilometers of coastline mixed with the forest).
Cruise ship visitors will also have access to the casino or can experience the well-being services of the Porto Carras Wellness & Spa. Wine tasting is also available as well as a tour of the oldest and largest organic vineyards in Greece.
Porto Carras is located on the Sithonia peninsula, in Halkidiki, and is only 120 kilometers from the Thessaloniki International Airport “Makedonia”. Renowned for its natural beauty, the destination is blessed with a magnificent 9 km coastline with crystal clear turquoise waters within the 18,000-acre Mediterranean pine landscape on the slopes of Mount Meliton which is idyllic for cycling, horse riding and hiking trails.
Which cruise lines will be operating to this port and when ?