Starting this summer, cruise ship visitors to popular Greek destinations will be required to pay €20 (US$22).
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis emphasized the need for these interventions, stating, “Cruise shipping has burdened Santorini and Mykonos, and this is why we are proceeding with these measures.”
Last year, Santorini, with a population of 15,500, saw 1.3 million cruise passengers arriving on 800 ships. Mykonos experienced a 23% increase in cruise ship visits, with approximately 750 ships arriving.
Additionally, the Greek government plans to limit the number of cruise ships that can arrive at a single destination simultaneously. By 2025, the daily number of cruise passengers allowed in Santorini will be capped at 8,000 to help reduce overcrowding.
On September 11, 2024, the following cruise ships were visiting Santorini: Costa Deliziosa, Celestyal Journey, MSC Lirica, Wind Star, and Carnival Legend. The next day, September 12, the island was scheduled to host Celestyal Journey, Mein Schiff 5, Star Clipper, Norwegian Pearl, Costa Fortuna, and Celestyal Discovery.