Nicosia, Cyprus. The summer ferry linking Cyprus and Greece will be operated by the Italian-flagged AF Marina, Deputy Shipping Minister Marina Hadjimanoli said on Wednesday.
Route schedule and ports
Hadjimanoli said the first route is scheduled for May 29, while the last route, from Piraeus to Limassol, is scheduled for September 1. She added that 22 routes are scheduled for this season.
The deputy ministry clarified that, unlike previous years, the ferry service will operate only to and from Limassol, with no service to Larnaca.
Fares and fuel costs
Hadjimanoli said fares will remain the same as the previous year because the ship’s fuel had already been secured before recent price increases caused by the ongoing situation in the Middle East.
Vessel amenities and capacity
According to Hadjimanoli, the AF Marina is set to provide enhanced amenities, expanded passenger capacity, and designated cabins for those travelling with animals.
The ferry has a passenger capacity of 394 people, accommodated in 10 double cabins, 20 single cabins and 58 quadruple cabins, all equipped with private bathrooms.
It also includes two triple cabins for disabled passengers, eight quadruple cabins for passengers with pets, and 84 seats.
On-board facilities and inspections
The ferry’s on-board infrastructure includes a café, a restaurant, a casino and a medical clinic, which have already undergone an inspection by officers of the deputy ministry of shipping and the deputy ministry of tourism.
Recent passenger and transport trends
Hadjimanoli said that over the last four seasons the ferry service recorded a 6.3 per cent passenger increase. She said the number of disabled passengers increased by 157.1 per cent, while the number of transported vehicles and pets increased by 35.1 per cent and 74.6 per cent respectively.
Will you use the Limassol-Piraeus ferry service this summer?