PPA S.A.: Piraeus Port Authority inaugurates the 2026 cruise season – New passenger record in 2025
Piraeus Port Authority S.A. (PPA S.A.) inaugurated the 2026 cruise season with the arrival of the first cruise ships of the year, marking the beginning of a new dynamic period for cruise activity at the Port of Piraeus.
More specifically, representatives of PPA S.A. welcomed at Passenger Terminal A “Miaoulis” the Viking Vesta, the newest vessel of Viking Cruises, which is scheduled to call at the Port of Piraeus a total of 12 more times during 2026, further strengthening the company’s long-standing cooperation with Greece’s largest port.
In addition, executives of PPA S.A. also visited the cruise ship MSC Lirica, which is expected to call at the Port of Piraeus 13 times during 2026, performing partial passenger disembarkation. This confirms the continuous presence and cooperation of leading international cruise companies with the Port of Piraeus.
During 2025, the Port of Piraeus welcomed 863 cruise ships, while the total number of cruise passengers reached approximately 1.85 million, a new milestone that highlights the steadily strengthening position of Piraeus as a leading cruise destination in the Eastern Mediterranean.
On the occasion of the launch of the 2026 cruise season, the CEO of Piraeus Port Authority S.A., Mr. Su Xudong, underlined the steadily increasing momentum of cruise activity in Piraeus, noting that the port’s strategic geographical location, combined with ongoing investments and the systematic upgrading of infrastructure and services, contributes substantially to the sustainable development of the sector.
Piraeus Port Authority continues to invest consistently in the upgrading of its infrastructure and services, further enhancing the port’s position as a strategic cruise hub at both national and international level.
Posidonia Sea Tourism Forum 2025 calls for bold rethink of cruise growth in the mediterranean
The 8th Posidonia Sea Tourism Forum (PSTF) concluded in Heraklion, Crete, with a resounding call for stronger collaboration, smarter infrastructure investment, and a more inclusive approach to cruise and short sea development across the Southeast Mediterranean region.
Held under the theme “The Med: A Compelling Need for New Marquee Ports & Destinations”, the two-day forum attracted over 700 industry leaders, policymakers, port authorities, and tourism experts. The event spotlighted the region’s urgent need to expand capacity, enhance port infrastructure, and better align cruise operations with local expectations and environmental commitments.
Discussions challenged common narratives around overtourism, with cruise representatives from CLIA and MedCruise presenting data showing the sector’s relatively light footprint compared to land-based tourism.
Debate surrounding the creation of private islands or cruise-dedicated destinations echoed throughout the forum. While popular in the Caribbean, speakers noted that Europe’s legal and cultural complexities make similar developments challenging. However, innovation and collaboration in how cruise lines engage with ports and communities remain crucial.
Port authorities highlighted that many Mediterranean ports have not evolved in line with newer, larger cruise vessels. Several called for increased public and private investment to upgrade infrastructure, particularly shore power and terminal facilities.
As the host city, Heraklion presented itself as a model for regional port transformation, showcasing efforts to balance commercial viability with local community interests. The Heraklion Port Authority proposed cancellation fees for last-minute berth changes as part of a broader strategy to foster mutual accountability between ports and cruise operators. Local community engagement was a recurring theme, with participants agreeing that the “license to operate” in cruise tourism increasingly depends on building trust and delivering clear benefits to host cities.
In a nutshell, PSTF 2025 presented a comprehensive view of the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of sea tourism in the Mediterranean and beyond. The consensus: responsible growth, strategic innovation, and collaborative planning are essential for the region to maintain its appeal as a global cruise hub.
PSTF delegates were also given the opportunity to network and unwind at various side social events held in prestigious venues at picturesque locations throughout the wider Heraklion Municipality.
PPA S.A.: Piraeus Port honored for significant contribution to Greek tourism due to high cruise performance
Piraeus Port Authority was recognized with an award, conferred during a special Greece: 365 – Day Destination-themed event held by the Ministry of Tourism, in recognition of the Piraeus Port’s major contribution to the country’s tourism through its high performance in the cruise industry.
After the end of the pandemic, which significantly affected the industry, the Piraeus Port makes a strong comeback across the board as preferred cruise destination.
More specifically, in 2022 there were 677 arrivals compared to 379 in 2021 and 622 in 2019, an increase of 79% and 9%, respectively. In 2023 bookings show a promising year ahead, with cruise bookings reaching 829 already and a 22% increase compared to 2022 levels. The number of cruise ships that started and/or ended their journey at the Piraeus Port (homeport) was 441 in 2022, compared to 220 in 2021, and 331 in 2019, a 100% and 33% increase, respectively. Finally, 2023 bookings for homeport cruise ships reached 629, showing a 43% increase compared to 2022.
The award received the Piraeus Port Authority Chairman Mr. Yu Zenggang. In his brief greeting, during the event, Mr. Yu Zenggang thanked for the award and highlighted that the award is testament to Piraeus Port’s continuous growth, activities, and achievements, which boost the Greek economy and strengthen the local communities and neighboring municipalities. Piraeus Port Authority Chairman expressed his commitment to continue efforts seeking to further increase Greece’s competitiveness in the global shipping, tourism and trade industry.
Photo: The Secretary General for Tourism Policy and Development, Ms. Olympia Anastasopoulou and the Chairman of PPA S.A. Mr. Yu Zenggang