After a prolonged period of growth, peaking with the historic highs of 2025, the cruise industry in Greece appears to be entering a phase of decline, as geopolitical turmoil in the Middle East disrupts the plans of major groups, as well as demand from potential passengers.
Data presented by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) reveal a clear downward trend for 2026, marking the end of an upward cycle that began after the pandemic. According to CLIA forecasts, passenger arrivals at Greek ports this year are expected to slide to 7.6 million, recording a drop of 9.5% compared to 8.4 million in 2025.
The picture is even more negative for the sector in the ship arrivals segment, where the decline reaches 16.79%, with total ship arrivals limited to 5,100, from the 6,129 recorded by the Hellenic Ports Association (ELIME) last year.
This change is not a random market fluctuation, but, as analysts say, reflects the direct impact of the crisis in the Gulf, which has made the Eastern Mediterranean a “sensitive” zone for ship routes.
The crisis has also stranded six ships in the Persian Gulf that were expected to be in Greek waters now and has led giant companies, such as MSC Cruises, to cancel entire schedules. The smaller – but with significant presence in Greece – Celestyal had to suspend scheduled departures for April, as uncertainty in the Middle East makes it prohibitive to plan long-term itineraries.
The geopolitical troubles are forcing the cruise industry to change plans, with companies preferring safer havens in the Western Mediterranean or Northern Europe, diminishing the share of the traffic Greece had secured in previous years.
In addition, the operating costs of the cruise industry have increased significantly since the price of marine fuel jumped from around €550 per ton at the end of 2025 to over €1,400 today, up by 150%. Combined with the cost of carbon emissions rights, this eats into profit margins and will reduce sailings.
Operators also cite the pressure they suffer from the new regulations that, according to ELIME executives, are changing the map of approaches.