The cruise season has officially begun in Piraeus, with the arrival of the Viking Saturn marking the first cruise ship to dock at Greece's largest port in 2025. Passengers were greeted with a special welcome ceremony, receiving commemorative plaques and sweets from Piraeus Port Authority (PPA) staff.
Viking Cruises is a major player in the Piraeus port, with its vessels making 41 calls in 2025, up from 28 in 2024.
The increase reflects the growing popularity of Greece as a cruise destination and the strategic importance of Piraeus as a key hub for cruise lines in the Mediterranean.
PPA reported a record-breaking year for cruise tourism in 2024, with over 1.7 million passengers passing through Piraeus.
This represents a significant increase from the 1.5 million passengers in 2023. Homeport passengers, those starting and ending their cruises in Piraeus, also exceeded one million in 2024, up from around 800,000 the previous year.
The port handled a total of 810 cruise ships in 2024, compared to 760 in 2023. With pre-bookings for 2025 already exceeding 900, Piraeus is on track for another record-breaking year in cruise tourism.
This positive trend underscores the continued growth of the cruise industry in Greece and the vital role that Piraeus plays in supporting this sector.
The port's strategic location, modern facilities, and efficient operations make it an attractive destination for cruise lines and passengers alike.