By Paris Tsirigotis

The demand for cruises in the Greek market remains high, even recording further growth, according to data presented at a press conference.

As reported by Andreas Stylianopoulos, president of Navigator Travel and Tourism Services and exclusive representative of Royal Caribbean International in Greece and Bulgaria, demand was not only unaffected by the cruise tax, but is also showing an increase of up to 10%.

At the same time, the market maintains strong momentum, confirming the stable position of cruises within the broader travel market.

According to him, among all passengers choosing a cruise departing from Greece, the percentage of Greek travelers is gradually increasing, with more travelers opting to begin their journey from Piraeus. This development confirms the strengthening of domestic demand in recent years. At the same time, cruise activity supports the local economy through supplies, transportation, and a broader network of support services.

Brilliance of the Seas: Stable homeporting presence in Piraeus

The company once again chooses Greece as a homeporting destination, with Brilliance of the Seas scheduled to make four departures to and from Piraeus in the summer of 2026.

These are seven-day cruises with stops at popular Greek destinations such as Mykonos, Santorini, and Rhodes, as well as major ports in the Eastern Mediterranean, including Ephesus, Bodrum, Istanbul, and Limassol. The ship belongs to the Radiance class, features 13 decks, measures 293 meters in length, and has a capacity of 2,142 passengers, maintaining a high standard of comfort and hospitality services.

Legend of the Seas: A new era for European cruising

An important development for the European market is the arrival, for the first time, of Legend of the Seas. It is an Icon class ship and is considered the largest cruise ship in the world. Its deployment in the European market from 2026 strengthens the overall momentum of cruising in the region.

Younger audience and experience upgrade

As Stylianopoulos pointed out, modern cruising is now investing significantly in the hospitality sector, with more advanced infrastructure and enhanced onboard experiences. This development has also led to a decrease in the average age of passengers, as the product now attracts younger demographics. At the same time, the primary market for cruising, and particularly for Royal Caribbean, remains the United States.

Royal Beach Club of Santorini: A new destination experience

In 2026, the company’s first Royal Beach Club in Europe is expected to open in Santorini. The investment is part of the “Ultimate Destinations” development strategy and aims to further enhance the destination experience for cruise passengers by combining the uniqueness of the landscape with organized, high-quality beach services.