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.
