Greece is considering rearranging cruise ship stops at certain tourist islands

The Greek is considering implementing restrictions on cruise ship visits to certain tourist destinations.

According to Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Prime Minister of Greece, measures are being evaluated to mitigate the “effects of excessive tourism in the post-pandemic period”.

Among the affected destinations, Santorini has been identified as the most vulnerable, and Mykonos is also a cause for concern for the authorities.

Mitsotakis indicated that the new regulations are not yet finalized, but could be implemented as early as 2025.

One possible solution would be to limit the availability of moorings and time slots for cruise ships to anchor, which would help reduce the pressure on these destinations.

Cruise lines would have to participate in new bidding processes to secure these time slots for their ships.

Chris Theophilides, CEO of Celestyal Cruises, commented that the measures proposed by the Greek authorities are "commendable."

“We fully support this approach to responsible tourism. We are working with our partners and other cruise operators to introduce measures that ensure the beautiful destinations in Greece, and around the world, are enjoyed sustainably,” he added.

Theophilides also highlighted that, as a local cruise company with smaller ships, Celestyal Cruises has a special interest in promoting responsible tourism in Greece and ensuring a quality experience for its guests.

“Improving docking request systems and organizing visiting hours at iconic sites, such as the Acropolis, will allow tourists to enjoy these places responsibly, with fewer crowds and less impact on local communities,” Theophilides explained.