The year 2024 is emerging as a milestone for the cruise industry, with the Port of Heraklion recording historically high passenger arrivals. The continuous increase in the number of cruise ships docking at the port underscores the trust that major cruise lines place in Heraklion, establishing it as a leading destination for cruise tourism.
According to available data, from January to August 2024, the number of cruise passengers reached 348,249, marking a significant increase compared to 2023, when the figure for the same period was 233,783.
Specifically, in July 2024, there were 39 cruise ship arrivals, bringing a total of 91,615 passengers, while in August 2024, there were 35 arrivals with 89,863 passengers. In comparison, in July and August 2023, there were 31 arrivals with 50,245 passengers and 25 arrivals with 49,114 passengers, respectively, reflecting an increase of 82.34% and 82.97%.
Overall, from January to the end of August 2024, there were 171 cruise ship arrivals with a total of 348,249 passengers, compared to 150 arrivals with 233,783 passengers in 2023, shaping the rate of increase in passengers to 48,96%. .
Based on current data, the upward trend at the Port of Heraklion is expected to continue, with further increases in cruise ship arrivals and passenger numbers by the end of 2024, reinforcing its position as one of Greece's primary gateways for tourists.