Ferry Ticket Sales Surge for Limassol-Piraeus Route
The Daleela ferry, a popular maritime link between Limassol and Piraeus, has witnessed a significant uptick in ferry ticket sales as it prepares to set sail for its summer season. With the anticipation of the upcoming travel period from the end of May to early September, passenger bookings have soared by 30% compared to the initial days of the previous season.
According to Antonis Orthodoxou, Managing Director of Orthodoxou Aviation, which represents the Cyprus-flagged Daleela, an impressive number of 3,000 passengers secured their tickets within the first 24 hours of sales opening. This rush accounts for a substantial portion of the 15,000 tickets available for the entire season. Orthodoxou described the booking frenzy as a “pleasant sense of panic” during his conversation with CyBC radio.
Travelers have shown enthusiasm not only for cabin spaces but also for ‘airline seats’. Additionally, there’s a notable demand for vehicle transport, with 1,000 vehicles already booked. The ferry service also caters to pet owners, with 100 tickets sold for pets, predominantly dogs, to join their owners on the voyage.
The travel route has been a boon for tourism, offering a unique travel option for those looking to journey between Cyprus and continental Europe with their private vehicles. Deputy Shipping Minister Marina Hadjimanoli highlighted the success of the sea passenger link in creating a new tourism market segment and expressed optimism about the route’s long-term viability.
The 30-hour trip will see departures twice a week from both Limassol and Piraeus. Ticket sales are set to commence on April 17, with the inaugural departure from Limassol scheduled for May 29 and the final return from Piraeus on September 3.
Prices have seen a slight increase from last year, with first-class single cabins and ‘airline seats’ experiencing a minor uptick due to higher port fees. However, more significant increases have been applied to vehicle transport costs. Despite these changes, the ferry link continues to attract travelers seeking an alternative mode of transport, further evidenced by its reinstatement in 2022 after a two-decade hiatus.
The service’s success is underpinned by a state subsidy approved by the European Commission, ensuring its operation and contribution to the maritime connectivity between Cyprus and Greece. With hopes high for the industry’s interest post-subsidy period, the future of this sea passenger route looks promising.
