Season’s first trip for popular ferry to Greece

The passenger ferry Daleela lifts anchor at noon on Wednesday from Limassol port for its first route of the season to Piraeus, carrying 156 passengers.

Deputy Minister of Shipping Marina Hatzimanoli and Mayor of Limassol Nicos Nicolaides were on board the ship on Tuesday to celebrate the occasion along with contracting company Scandro Holdings executives and other partners.

Hatzimanoli told attendees that the ferry was high on the ministry’s priorities and expressed confidence in the success of the second season, which has already hit the 7,000 reservations mark.

For his part, Nicolaides wished for the operation’s success to surpass last year’s and recalled his experience as a passenger on the ferry’s maiden voyage a year ago.

“With the support of the city, the deputy ministry and all who love the sea, this very important service is set to continue,” the mayor said.

The Daleela operates 22 round-trip routes, the last one departing from Piraeus on September 1. Fourteen trips will start from Limassol and the remaining eight from the port of Larnaca, which is joining the service for the first time this year.

Last year, a total of 7,412 passengers travelled on the service and the ferry transported 2,250 vehicles, of which 1,920 cars, 330 motorcycles, and 300 bicycles.