The cruise sector in Cyprus is showing visible signs of recovery, according to Simon Pitout, CEO of DP World Limassol. He stated that Limassol Port is expected to see a significant rise in cruise ship arrivals and passenger numbers in 2025.

In a media statement, Pitout, who heads the operator of the multi-purpose and cruise terminal, acknowledged the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region. Nevertheless, he expressed confidence that the cruise industry “will regain its footing, generating additional state revenue, creating new jobs, and establishing Cyprus as a year-round cruise destination.”

He noted that recovery is already underway, with DP World Limassol expecting to welcome 140 cruise ships and 160,000 passengers in 2025, up from 106 cruise ships and 109,000 passengers in 2024.

The new cruise season has already begun, with several ships making port calls in the first months of 2025. Pitout highlighted the April 2 arrival of the Marella Discovery II, the first cruise ship in years to use Limassol Port as a homeport, with passengers embarking and disembarking in Limassol every week.

According to Pitout, vessels from major cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Celebrity, TUI Cruises, RSSC, and Mano Maritime are scheduled to dock at Limassol Port between April and October. The peak months are expected to be July and October.

He also noted that the Cyprus-Greece ferry connection continues to operate from May, with the Daleela passenger ferry having transported over 21,000 passengers, 7,000 vehicles, and 700 pets since service began in 2022.

In preparation for the summer, DP World Limassol has made further investments aimed at enhancing the cruise passenger experience. Planned upgrades include the installation of new shading systems and additional X-ray machines to streamline embarkation and disembarkation procedures while improving passenger safety.

Pitout expressed confidence that the National Cruise Tourism Strategy, currently being developed by the Cypriot government and expected to be finalized within the first half of the year, will play a key role in boosting the sector.

“With the support of a comprehensive national strategy and continued investment, the cruise sector will recover, unlocking new growth opportunities and solidifying Cyprus’s position as a regional leader in cruise tourism,” he concluded.