The Daleela ferry resumes its Cyprus-Greece connection on Saturday, departing from Limassol for Piraeus in the first of 22 scheduled crossings this summer.

Now in its fourth consecutive season, the passenger and vehicle ferry remains the only maritime link between the two countries, and demand appears to be holding firm.

The 2025 service was jointly announced earlier this week by Deputy Minister of Shipping Marina Hadjimanolis and operator Scandro Holding Ltd, following the cabinet’s decision last August to extend the government contract through 2027.

According to the minister, the ferry relaunch was one of the deputy ministry’s key initiatives, aimed at offering the public a reliable and inclusive alternative to air travel.

“This service offers significant support to those who struggle with air travel, whether due to medical reasons, age, or a fear of flying,” she said, noting that it is classified as a service of general economic interest and receives €5.5 million in annual support.

The vessel is set to depart Limassol shortly after midday, carrying 187 passengers, 66 vehicles, 36 motorcycles and 8 pets.

Advance bookings suggest a strong start to the season, with over 6,500 tickets already issued and around 2,000 vehicles registered for transport.

August sailings are fully booked, while tickets remain available for June and July. The final voyage is scheduled for 2 September from Piraeus.

Cyprus Mail will be present at Saturday’s launch, which includes a short address on the Limassol pier by Hadjimanolis, followed by a symbolic onboard greeting to the ship’s captain and crew.

Built in 1991, Daleela  is a 34-year-old Ro-Ro/Passenger ship currently sailing under the Cypriot flag.

Her length overall is 185.5 metres and her width 26.8 metres. Originally launched as New Akashi, she was constructed by Kanda Shipbuilding in Japan and later renamed before being chartered for the Cyprus-Greece service.

Scandro Holding Ltd, which operates the route under a €15.6 million contract awarded in 2022, is a joint venture between Limassol-based Acheon Akti Navigation and Nicosia-based Top Kinisis Travel.

The company has overseen steady growth in bookings since the route was reinstated. According to the ministry, 22,582 passengers, 7,641 vehicles and 772 pets were transported over the past three years.

Scandro director Charalambos Manoli confirmed the start of this year’s schedule, saying “This shows that people have truly embraced this ferry service. We hope for another successful season like the previous ones. Each year, we work on improving both the company’s services and the vessel itself.”

Indeed, the ship has undergone internal renovations ahead of the 2025 season, with upgraded carpeting and modified lounges.

Bicycle transport remains free of charge, and ticket prices have seen only a marginal increase, approximately one euro higher than last year. Manoli also noted that onboard events are planned for later this summer.

The ferry continues to serve a niche group of travellers, especially those unable or unwilling to fly.

It offers flexibility for passengers travelling with pets or personal vehicles and has proven popular with families and the elderly.

While some logistical concerns have been raised in the past, particularly regarding land transfers within ports, the broader reception has been positive.

Hadjimanolis expressed hope that the maritime industry would step in to maintain the route beyond the subsidy period.

“Our ultimate goal is for this route to pave the way for additional ferry links with neighbouring countries in the future,” she concluded.