Nicosia, Cyprus. A regular passenger ferry service between Cyprus and Lebanon is set to begin operating on June 9, marking the return of scheduled international passenger ferry services from Lebanon after almost two decades.
Service details
The service will be operated by Lebanese shipping company Cedar Waves, a subsidiary of Abou Merhi Agency. The company announced the route on Thursday after opening its online booking platform.
Its vessel, also named Cedar Waves, will connect the Lebanese port of Jounieh with Larnaca, with crossing times of just under four hours.
Vessel and schedule
The ship is flagged in San Marino and has a capacity of up to 90 passengers per voyage, based on its 150-tonnage size.
Departures from Jounieh are scheduled for every Wednesday and Sunday at 9 a.m. and every Friday at 10 a.m., with arrivals in Larnaca scheduled shortly before 1 p.m. Beirut time.
Pricing and market context
One-way fares to Larnaca start at around €88 for standard seating, rising to approximately €144 for plus seating and €163 for lounge class.
Flights between Beirut and Larnaca remain uneconomical and frequently cost between €160 and €235 one way during peak summer periods.
Although the ferry journey is much longer than the roughly 30-minute flight, operators say the service is expected to appeal to passengers looking for lower fares, more luggage flexibility and an alternative travel option across the Mediterranean.
Background
The launch follows months of reports and speculation about the return of passenger sea travel between Cyprus and Lebanon. As recently as July last year, investors interested in establishing the route were still seeking information on licensing procedures from Cypriot authorities, with no formal approvals issued at the time.