Shemaine Bushnell Kyriakides
For many Cypriots, summer does not truly begin until the Cyprus-Greece ferry pulls out of Limassol port.
Suitcases packed, cars loaded to the roof, pets in tow, and passengers waving goodbye from the deck, the familiar ritual returned on Friday as the passenger ferry connection between Cyprus and Greece officially launched its new season.
The Italian-flagged AF Marina departed from Limassol for Piraeus shortly after 1 p.m., marking the first sailing of the year for a route that has quietly become a beloved alternative to air travel for many islanders.
Unlike the rush and baggage limits of airports, the ferry offers something many Cypriots say they miss: the feeling of actually traveling.
Passengers can bring their cars, motorcycles, pets, and far more luggage than they could on a flight, a major reason why the route has become especially popular with families, students studying in Greece, and people planning long summer stays.
According to Charalambos Manolis, CEO of contractor company Scandro Holding Ltd., this year’s vessel replaces the “Daleela,” which had operated the route since the service was revived.
The new ship is slightly newer, larger and more modern, offering upgraded services aimed at making the roughly 30-hour journey more comfortable.
Friday’s first trip carried 129 passengers, around 70 vehicles, and several pets.
“This year we upgraded the cafeteria and restaurant menu, and for the first time passengers will also be able to have breakfast onboard if they wish,” Manolis told CNA.
One change likely to be welcomed by pet owners is that animals will now be allowed inside designated cabins with their owners rather than staying in kennel areas during the journey.
For many Cypriots, that alone may be enough to win hearts.
The ship includes single, double and family cabins, accessibility-friendly rooms; airline-style seating; a restaurant; a cafeteria; a medical office; and even a casino.
Bookings also appear stronger than last year, reflecting growing interest in sea travel despite the convenience of low-cost airlines.
Manolis said reservations so far include roughly 660 passengers, 2,000 cars, 600 motorcycles, and 300 pets, around 800 more bookings compared to the same period last year.
Importantly for travellers already feeling squeezed by rising living costs, ticket prices have remained unchanged.
The operator said fuel had been secured in advance based on last year’s prices, helping keep fares stable.
In total, 22 round trips will operate this season, with the final route from Piraeus to Limassol scheduled for Sept. 1.
For older Cypriots especially, the return of regular ferry travel still carries a sense of nostalgia. Before cheap flights became the norm, traveling to Greece by sea was once part of island life, long journeys filled with deck chairs, sea breeze, late-night card games, and children running through corridors.
Now, years after the route’s revival, many passengers say the ferry is no longer simply transportation.
It has become part of the holiday itself.
