Cruise ships return to Cyprus during Covid-19

As we all know, there is a before and after the Covid-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, the island of Cyprus was no exception to this catastrophe, and we have all seen our lifestyles change overnight. However, there is great hope that the pandemic could be coming to an end. All this in the context of the enormous suffering of the world population, which continues to see the number of infected and deaths grow.

Fortunately, the different vaccination programs are allowing the return of tourist activities. And this includes the return of the large cruise ships to Cyprus. As is already happening in other parts of the world, the pleasure shipping industry is showing a recovery. However, it is worth remembering that in March 2020, it was one of the activities most affected by the pandemic, to the point of pulverizing the value of the shares of the most important cruise companies in the world.

Regarding cruises, from the beginning, it was understood that due to their characteristics, they were super contagious spaces, with slight social distancing and contagions that were difficult to contain. With the vaccine administration, the cruise industry has high hopes of making up for a lost time (and money). All this in a context where people are desperate to travel and return to a lost lifestyle in the last year and a half. There are already several international cruise companies that set sail from different ports and began their travels.

They are indeed doing it in very few places, but the action has returned in other countries, and Cyprus does not want to be the exception. In a recent report for The Financial Mirror, we found that Limassol, the island's main tourist port, is now ready to receive cruises from Royal Caribbean, Celestyal, Seabourn, Azamara, and Celebrity companies, among others. It is essential to know that some of them already started operating in April, but the vast majority are waiting to do so with the arrival of summer. This summer, we will be able to see cruise passengers basking in the Mediterranean sun, visiting the coasts of Greece and Cyprus on brand new cruises, which will set sail from Limassol.

The trips are scheduled to last until October. For now, tourists should know that to embark, they must comply with strict protocols, which include showing proof of being vaccinated, a negative Covid-19 test taken within 72 hours before arrival. In addition, if necessary, show that they have recovered from the disease with the corresponding certificate. As for the excursions, they are expected to be the usual ones that cruise ships have.

This implies tours in the territory, visiting towns and archaeological sites, and other similar activities. According to different journalistic media, it is already known that Royal Caribbean will make its tours of the Greek islands from July, with a stopover in Mykonos, Santorini, Crete, Rhodes, and Piraeus. The tour will be departing from Limassol, which will imply that tourists must spend the night in that city before starting the itinerary. As Cyprus government officials have pointed out, crises often create opportunities.

And it seems that this will not be the exception. Cruise tourism is projected to generate unthinkable income, due to this renewed desire of tourists to vacation, after several months of restrictions. For now, those responsible for the protocols must comply with all the necessary measures. It is the only way that the return of the cruise ships will be triumphant.

This will undoubtedly allow the Cypriot economy to re-boost. The important thing is that the measures are at the height of the circumstances. All those involved understand the importance of complying with the decided measures. If this happens, we will be facing a promising return of cruise tourism to the island.