Who doesn’t dream of a Greek island cruise? It’s the reason global cruise operators are sending more ships to Greece. But as demand soars—National Geographic Traveller included Santorini as one of the top 25 islands to explore by cruise in 2025—so are calls for effective crowd management, especially on popular but very small Greek islands like Mykonos and Santorini. In 2023, cruise tourism in Greece contributed 2 billion euros to the domestic economy and 1 billion euros to GDP while supporting 22,600 jobs. Although cruise travelers account for just 21% of the nearly 35 million tourists visiting Greece each year, the country is growing into a premier cruise destination in the Mediterranean and Europe.
To Vima International Edition spoke with Maria Deligianni, Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean at Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), about the importance of cruise tourism for Greece and solutions to the emerging challenges.
Greek Island Cruise: A Dream Come True
In 2023, the sector’s contribution to the Greek economy grew significantly, reaching 2 billion euros up from 1.4 billion euros in 2022, and the trend is expected to continue in 2024 and 2025. The industry’s economic impact extends beyond GDP, however, generating 500 million euros in wages. Of the 22,600 jobs created, 11,600 were linked to direct expenditures, 2,800 to cruise lines, 5,200 to indirect activities, and 3,000 to induced spending, says Deligianni.
One of the key drivers of this upward trend is homeporting, which is when cruise companies select Greek ports as the start and end points of their itineraries. Homeporting has been a strategic priority for the Greek Tourism Ministry over the past decade, contributing significantly to the country’s tourism revenues.
Cruises and Overtourism
The growing demand for cruise tourism, while beneficial, has placed a significant burden on small islands. In 2023, Santorini welcomed 800 cruise ship visits, while Mykonos hosted 749. According to Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE) data, these visits brought nearly 1.3 million passengers to Santorini and 1.2 million to Mykonos. Given their small size (76.19 km² and 105.2 km², respectively), these islands face immense challenges accommodating such large numbers of tourists when they arrive simultaneously.
Island communities have repeatedly voiced concerns, urging the government to take action. Their calls prompted Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to announce measures last year which would include a cap on cruise ship arrivals, visitor quotas, and a levy on cruise tourism.
Citing PM Mitsotakis, Deligianni is quick to note that overtourism is currently not a widespread issue in Greece. Recent studies also confirm this, indicating however that most Greeks support proactive measures to prevent problems in the future.
“CLIA has worked closely with local authorities and communities to implement sustainable cruise tourism practices at each destination,” Deligianni tells To Vima English Edition, referring to CLIA’s Action Plan for Greece, which includes several strategies to address overcrowding while promoting sustainable tourism. These include adjustments to routes. “Itineraries are planned often years in advance, enabling operators and ports to plan. This has helped destinations diversify tourism revenues and contributed significantly to better-planned year-round tourism activities,” she explains.
Another strategy is the adoption of berth allocation systems and local policies to optimize ship scheduling and port operations. “We have supported efforts on Mykonos and Santorini to implement a berth management system, paired with a transparent berthing policy that includes clear rules and criteria,” Deligianni adds.
And lastly, the inclusion of lesser-known islands and mainland destinations to itineraries.
The truth is, this is not the first time measures have been proposed. The Santorini authorities have repeatedly announced the launch of a slot system and the upgrade of their port over the past decade, but neither has been implemented.
As for the proposed cruise ship levy announced last fall, CLIA has urged the Greek government to delay its implementation until 2026, by which time the new berth management systems (expected to be operational this year) will provide valuable insights.
Cruise Tourism: The Broader Impact
The economic contribution of cruise tourism extends beyond visitor numbers. A closer look reveals that the sector supports local businesses on Greek islands and ports-of-call through four distinct areas: cruise line supplies, passenger spending ashore, crew spending ashore, and shipbuilding activities.
Deligianni notes that shipbuilding activity is significant, particularly in Europe, where approximately 97% of the world’s ocean cruise ships are built. Cruise lines, she adds, account for 80% of the commercial ship orderbook value for European shipyards. Greece contributes to this industry by offering shipbuilding, refurbishment, and maintenance services, “further strengthening its economy and enhancing its role in the global maritime industry”.
Greece: A Safe Destination
Greece has solidified its reputation as a safe and appealing destination, even during challenging times. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it was one of the first countries to reopen to cruise tourism, earning recognition from the World Travel and Tourism Council in 2021. Most recently, Greece was cited for its safety in the Risk Map 2025, further reinforcing its status as a secure travel destination.
Despite geopolitical uncertainties, the Eastern Mediterranean remains a top choice for cruise passengers worldwide. “Greece’s strong reputation and strategic investments have positioned it as a key player in the European cruise market,” Deligianni notes. “By capitalizing on this momentum, it can further solidify its position in the region.”
Homeporting a Priority for Greece
The growth of homeporting has been a game-changer for Greece. In 2024, nearly 70% of the 131 cruise ships operating in the country either homeported or partially homeported. “Homeporting brings significant benefits,” Deligianni explains.
By beginning and ending their cruise in Greece, passengers often extend their holidays, spending additional time and money in the country. Furthermore, cruise lines refuel, maintain, and supply their ships during their stay in Greek ports. Lastly, she adds, six out of 10 cruise passengers return to destinations they first visited on a cruise for longer vacations.
“Cruising,” she notes, “is like wine tasting. It provides a sample of destinations, enticing visitors to return for more immersive experiences.”
Beyond Mykonos and Santorini
Undoubtedly, the Greek islands cruise experience is always a winner with iconic destinations like Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, and Corfu maintaining their strong appeal. Currently, 57% of Greece’s cruise tourism activity is concentrated in Piraeus, Santorini, and Mykonos.
A key goal of CLIA’s Action Plan for Greece is to diversify cruise itineraries with lesser-known island and mainland destinations, and to enrich passenger experiences while also contributing to the overall appeal of Mediterranean cruise offerings. This requires key investments in port infrastructure, a broadener range of destinations, and effective tourism management but also aligning tourism practices with local community needs. Only then will Greece be able to support the sustainable growth of cruise tourism while preserving the unique character of its islands and offering the highest quality traveler experience, Deligianni concludes.
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