Cruise ship arrivals at Limassol port have dropped sharply, with 2024 bookings falling from 200 to just 90 due to the conflict in Israel and instability in the Eastern Mediterranean.

To address the downturn, stakeholders have introduced a national strategy to revive the sector and unlock its potential.   

DP World Limassol confirmed the cancellations but remains optimistic about a rebound, with 145 bookings already secured for 2025.

“We remain optimistic for a strong recovery in 2025 and 2026,” the company said.

It added that collaboration with relevant bodies is underway to implement recovery actions and plan for sustainable growth.

The Cabinet approved the national strategy for cruise tourism on October 9, aiming to position Cyprus as a year-round destination.

Deputy Minister of Shipping Marina Hadjimanolis said that “the aim is to map the current situation in the first stage and then develop it, with a timetable for implementation.”

A review of Cyprus’ ports and marinas, alongside infrastructure capabilities, will be completed by February.  

The process will also focus on improving passenger embarkation and disembarkation procedures, security measures, and transport options to upgrade the cruise experience.  

By June 2025, a detailed action plan will be rolled out, incorporating promotional initiatives and targeted advertising.

“We have an important cultural heritage in Cyprus, and we need to link it with cruising with specific actions,” Hadjimanolis said.

The strategy is being led by an Inter-ministerial committee involving the Transport Ministry, the Presidency, and the Deputy Ministries of Shipping and Tourism.

The cruise development committee of the Cyprus Chamber of Shipping (CCS) is also contributing to ensure alignment with industry needs.

“State bodies are already aware of the views of the CCS, which are considered of great importance, and will develop a strategy that works and not just on paper,” Hadjimanolis concluded.