First cruise ship of 2022 to arrive on 9 March
![](https://cdn.enimerosi.com/photos/kruaziera-molos1464700669.jpg?crop=800,480)
cruises
07 Feb 2022
/ 19:47
CORFU. Corfu Port Authority (OLKE) is expecting 2022 to be a record year for cruise ship arrivals in Corfu.
The cruise season is expected to begin well, following last year which was very good, with Corfu Port being in second place in terms of passenger arrivals (after Piraeus) and third in cruise ship arrivals.
At the same time, the gradual lifting of health protocols has also brought cruise passenger ‘bubbles’ to an end. The 'bubble' protocol means that passengers cannot wander around Corfu Town freely but are guided to specific businesses and shops. It should be reminded that at the beginning of the season, this ‘bubble’ protocol had caused businesses and professionals to protest.
Cruise companies eventually proceeded to the lifting of the restrictions on passenger movements, except from the Italian Costa Luminosa. Cruises, however, continued in line with the health protocols to avoid the spread of coronavirus.
482 cruise ships
“2022 is expected to be a record year for cruise ship arrivals in Corfu,” Corfu Port Authority Managing Director Spyros Zervopoulos told Enimerosi. “In 2019 we had 420 cruise ship arrivals, while this year we are expecting 482 cruise ships from all companies operating in the East Mediterranean. In addition, Corfu will be a home port for two cruise ships, which brings greater benefits for the local economy. The first cruise ship is expected to arrive in Corfu on 9 March. All this will, of course, happen assuming that there will be no more ‘surprises’ when it comes to Covid,” added Mr. Zervopoulos.
Moreover, the recently published report of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) shows the way in which the cruise industry has continued its gradual return to responsible operation, implementing the health and safety protocols with proven success and, thus, setting an example for other sectors.
The survey estimates that more than 75% of CLIA's member lines' capacity has returned to service and by August 2022 almost 100% will be in service.
At the same time, the gradual lifting of health protocols has also brought cruise passenger ‘bubbles’ to an end. The 'bubble' protocol means that passengers cannot wander around Corfu Town freely but are guided to specific businesses and shops. It should be reminded that at the beginning of the season, this ‘bubble’ protocol had caused businesses and professionals to protest.
Cruise companies eventually proceeded to the lifting of the restrictions on passenger movements, except from the Italian Costa Luminosa. Cruises, however, continued in line with the health protocols to avoid the spread of coronavirus.
482 cruise ships
“2022 is expected to be a record year for cruise ship arrivals in Corfu,” Corfu Port Authority Managing Director Spyros Zervopoulos told Enimerosi. “In 2019 we had 420 cruise ship arrivals, while this year we are expecting 482 cruise ships from all companies operating in the East Mediterranean. In addition, Corfu will be a home port for two cruise ships, which brings greater benefits for the local economy. The first cruise ship is expected to arrive in Corfu on 9 March. All this will, of course, happen assuming that there will be no more ‘surprises’ when it comes to Covid,” added Mr. Zervopoulos.
Moreover, the recently published report of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) shows the way in which the cruise industry has continued its gradual return to responsible operation, implementing the health and safety protocols with proven success and, thus, setting an example for other sectors.
The survey estimates that more than 75% of CLIA's member lines' capacity has returned to service and by August 2022 almost 100% will be in service.