By Paris Tsirigotis

The port of Piraeus opened the 2026 cruise season with strong momentum, marking another year of strong presence on the map of the Eastern Mediterranean. According to PPA S.A., whose Chairman is Han Chao, the first cruise ships to sail were the Viking Vesta and the MSC Lirica, officially inaugurating the new arrivals period.The start of this year’s season comes in the wake of a particularly successful 2025, during which 863 cruise ship arrivals and a record 1.85 million passengers were recorded.These figures confirm the pivotal role of Piraeus as a home port but also as a leading transit station for international cruise companies. With modern infrastructure, upgraded services and a strategic geographical location, the port continues to enhance its competitiveness.

Cruise market: Maintaining strong momentum

Cruises in Greece recorded an increase of 5%-6% in 2025, despite fees, seismic activity in one of the most popular destinations – Santorini – and pressures on infrastructure.

For 2026, the forecasts remain positive, with estimates for a new increase of 4%-5%, provided that there is a stable framework and better management of popular destinations.

Based on the preliminary data provided to Naftemporiki by the honorary president of the Association of Cruise Ship Owners & Shipping Operators and director of Majestic International Cruises Inc, Theodoros Kontes, estimates highlighted the strengths of the sector, but also its structural weaknesses, the management of which is the “key” for the future.

2025 – which is recorded as one of the most complex years for cruising in Greece – began under the shadow of seismic vibrations in Santorini, one of the top destinations.

The phenomenon caused strong concern among tour operators and cruise companies, leading to cancellations of arrivals and bookings, especially during the first months of spring.

The uncertainty affected both the local economy and the overall picture of the season, with several companies redirecting their ships to alternative destinations, such as Chania, Heraklion and other Cyclades islands.

However, the duration of the crisis proved to be limited. From mid-June onwards, normality returned, initial concerns subsided and itineraries were restored.

Santorini’s return to normalcy acted as a turning point for the entire season.

As it is emphasized, the reinstatement of the daily passenger capacity limit on Santorini, with a maximum number of 8,000 visitors, was of particular importance.

This measure, although discussed in the past without substantial implementation, worked more effectively in 2025, improving the visitor experience and reducing pressure on infrastructure.

This example highlighted the need to adopt the concept of “carrying capacity” in other saturated destinations, in order to ensure a balance between tourism development and quality of services.

Fees

The biggest “thorn” of 2025 was undoubtedly the imposition of new cruise fees.

The companies were faced with an unforeseen cost, which could not be passed on to passengers, as the packages had been sold months in advance.

Forecasts

The first estimates for 2026 are cautiously optimistic. A further increase (4%-5%) is expected, with passenger arrivals approaching 8.7 million and ship calls around 5,880. This development, however, will depend on the revision of fees, the management of saturated destinations and the strengthening of port infrastructure.

Travel receipts exceed 23 billion euros in Jan-Nov

The current account deficit decreased by 3 billion to 10.3 billion euros in January-November 2025, according to data announced by the Bank of Greece.

The performance in travel receipts was impressive, exceeding 23.003 billion in the first 11 months, and reaching 726 million in November last year.

More specifically, the deficit in the balance of goods and services recorded an improvement.

At current prices, exports of goods decreased by 3.0% (an increase of 1.5% at constant prices) and imports of goods by 4.6% (-3.2% at constant prices). At current prices, exports of goods excluding fuel increased by 2.4% and the corresponding imports by 1.8% (4.9% and 1.2% at constant prices respectively).

Arrivals up 4.6% in January-November – 8.9% rise in travel receiptsThe services surplus widened on account of an improvement in the travel balance, despite a deterioration in the transport and the other services balances. Compared with January-November 2004, non-residents’ arrivals increased by 4.6% and the relevant receipts rose by 8.9%.

The primary income account deficit fell year-on-year, mainly driven by lower net interest, dividend and profit payments. The secondary income surplus grew year-on-year, due to a fall in general government net payments, which was partly offset by weaker net receipts in the other sectors of the economy excluding general government.