‘Business as usual’ in Limassol as cruise season kicks off

Pitout backs growth of Cyprus cruise tourism

The arrival of the Marella Discovery II at the Port of Limassol earlier this week marked the start of Cyprus’ cruise season, with DP World Limassol CEO Simon Pitout highlighting the island’s growing role in regional maritime tourism.

According to an announcement released on Thursday from the port operator, the docking of the vessel “reaffirmed the island’s key position in the regional maritime tourism industry“.

The voyage also marked the second consecutive full ‘Fly and Cruise’ package to Cyprus, further strengthening the island’s appeal as an integrated travel destination.

Marella Discovery II will use DP World Limassol’s cruise terminal as its home port throughout the 2026 season, signalling continued confidence in the port’s infrastructure.

The selection of the terminal was described as a vote of confidence in Cyprus’ tourism and aviation connectivity, with the island serving as the main embarkation and disembarkation point for passengers.

The ‘Fly and Cruise’ model combines flights and cruises into a seamless experience, with travellers arriving at Larnaca and Paphos airports before transferring to Limassol.

Operated by Marella Cruises, a UK-based subsidiary of TUI Group, the ship features 11 passenger decks and 918 cabins, alongside a wide range of onboard facilities.

These include an outdoor cinema, a rock-climbing wall and a mini golf course, enhancing the onboard experience for passengers.

Throughout the season, DP World Limassol is expected to host 26 port calls between April and October, reflecting steady demand in cruise tourism.

The vessel will follow an eight-day itinerary, including stops at Kusadasi, Mykonos, Piraeus, Souda in Crete and Rhodes before returning to Limassol.

Simon Pitout, chief executive officer of DP World Limassol, emphasised the importance of the cruise sector to Cyprus’ tourism offering.

“The cruise sector remains a vital pillar of Cyprus’ tourism offering, and we are delighted to once again welcome Marella Discovery II to DP World Limassol as its home port for 2026,” said Pitout.

“Limassol is firmly establishing itself as a strategic hub in the eastern Mediterranean, and we will continue to enhance our capabilities to drive innovation and support our customers’ expectations and ambitions,” he added.

“It is business as usual in Limassol,” he concluded.