The opening of Greece to the cruise from August 1 was confirmed by the Minister of Tourism, Mr. Haris Theocharis in an informative letter to the International Cruise Association (CLIA) and the three largest companies in the sector operating in Greece (MSC Cruises, Costa, TUI Cruises).
The Minister of Tourism officially announced that from 01/08/2020 cruise ships are allowed to visit 6 ports when entering Greece. Specifically, these are the ports of Piraeus, Rhodes, Heraklion, Volos, Corfu and Katakolo. After their first mooring, cruise ships will be able to approach any other Greek port included in their route. Mr. Theocharis clarified that this regime will change only in case of new epidemiological conditions.
"All cruise ships are welcome in Greece, in order to offer a unique experience to all their passengers," said in his letter the Minister of Tourism Mr. Haris Theocharis. Stressing at the same time that "Greece is the first country that responds to the cruise industry and introduces health protocols, especially for this form of tourism. The health procedures that will be applied under the supervision of the Greek authorities on cruise ships, are based on the published standards of the European Union (EU Healthy Gateways), while the data have been adapted to the Greek legislation ".
On the occasion of the announcement regarding the opening of the cruise, the Minister of Tourism called on the companies in the sector to restart the procedures of the Homeporting operations in Greece. Also, Mr. Haris Theocharis asks the major international cruise agencies to recommend to their customers the trip to Greece beyond the summer season. "The current season extends to the end of the year," Mr. Theocharis emphasizes.
