MSC is focusing on closer cooperation between the cruise industry, local communities, ports and the tourism market, seeking to ensure that the sector’s growth in Greece is accompanied by improved infrastructure and greater economic benefits for destinations.
This message was at the heart of the event “Shaping the Future of Cruising in Greece”, held aboard the cruise ship MSC Armonia at the port of Corfu, with representatives of the government, local authorities, port authorities, and the business and tourism communities in attendance. MSC’s philosophy is based on the view that the cruise experience extends beyond the ship or the port to encompass the entire destination.
For this reason, the company is seeking direct dialogue with municipalities, regional authorities, port bodies, chambers of commerce, tour guides, travel agencies, transport operators and local businesses.
Similar meetings have already been held in Thessaloniki, Kavala, Syros, Rhodes and Piraeus, with the aim of directly identifying the needs of each destination and seeking solutions to issues affecting the visitor experience.
Four key priorities
MSC has outlined four key priorities for further strengthening the cruise industry in Greece.
The first priority is the promotion of new destinations over the next five years, in cooperation with the state and industry stakeholders.
The second priority focuses on the need to increase the number of tour guides on the Greek islands, so that cruise ship visits translate into greater economic activity for local communities.
Particular emphasis is also being placed on upgrading passenger reception facilities, with measures addressing, among other things, protection from high temperatures, accessibility and the overall quality of the experience ashore.
The fourth priority is shore-side electricity for cruise ships, with MSC calling for a clear plan to develop onshore power supply (OPS) infrastructure at Greek ports. According to the company, by the end of 2026, 22 of the 27 ships in the Group’s Cruise Division will be equipped to connect to shore power.
Corfu
Corfu holds a special place in the Group’s plans. In 2026, MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys are making a combined total of more than 100 calls to the island with seven ships, accounting for approximately 33% of cruise visitors.
The company’s year-round presence is also particularly significant. MSC Lirica operates during the first months of the year, while MSC Orchestra makes weekly calls in November and December, supporting the local economy beyond the summer season.
In total, in 2026 and 2027, eight MSC Group ships are making nearly 500 calls at 22 Greek destinations, while Piraeus serves as a homeport throughout the year.
MSC Cruises’ strategic adviser in Greece, Kyriakos Anastasiadis, stressed that cruise industry growth should respect the islands and their local capacities. He noted that more than 84% of the water used aboard the ships is produced on board through desalination.
On his part, Deputy Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy Stefanos Gkikas said: “Cruising is an especially important sector for the Greek economy, tourism and local communities, and the statistics confirm that it has been growing steadily and dynamically in our country in recent years.
Greece has all the comparative advantages needed to further strengthen its position on the international cruise map, drawing on its historical and cultural wealth, the distinctive identity of each place and its natural beauty.
Considering that approximately 6.4 million passenger arrivals from cruise ships have been recorded across the country since the beginning of the year, we can appreciate the potential to showcase our country’s distinctive features.”
Προτιμώμενη πηγή στην Google
Για να εμφανίζονται περισσότερα άρθρα της Ναυτεμπορικής στις αναζητήσεις σας εύκολα και γρήγορα, πρέπει να προσθέσετε το site στις προτιμώμενες πηγές σας. Μπορείτε να το κάνετε πηγαίνοντας εδώ.
