MSC Group’s Cruise Division Invests Strategically in Greece
MSC Group’s Cruise Division Invests Strategically in Greece – Three Events in Thessaloniki, Kavala, and Syros Highlight the Future of Cruising Thessaloniki at the Center as a New International Hub – Kavala and Syros
Strengthen Their Strategic Role on the Cruise Map
Through three high-level events held consecutively in Thessaloniki, Kavala, and Syros, MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys confirmed its strategic commitment to the development of cruising in Greece. With a strong presence in 20 Greek ports and more than 470 annual calls, the company continues to steadily invest in tourism growth and local economies.
Thessaloniki – Aiming to Become a Home Port of the Eastern Mediterranean
On Wednesday, June 25, the luxury cruise ship Explora I was welcomed at the Port of Thessaloniki by local government, maritime, and tourism officials during an event that focused on the city& potential to evolve into an international cruise
hub. MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys was represented by Ms. Elisabetta De Nardo, Senior Vice President of Global Ports & Commercial Services, and Mr. Kyriakos Anastasiadis, Senior Advisor for Institutional and Maritime
Affairs, highlighted the company’s growing presence in Greece through MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys. An open discussion also took place on the need to develop a national cruise strategy to generate benefits both for local communities and the country as a whole.
Ms. Elisabetta De Nardo presented the Cruise Division of MSC Group the world’s first family-owned cruise company comprising MSC Cruises as the ranked third globally in passenger capacity, with operations across five continents and sister brand, Explora Journeys – a recently launched luxury cruise line. She emphasized the company’s leading presence in Greece in 2025,
with six MSC Cruises ships and two Explora Journeys ships sailing in the region.
Mr. Kyriakos Anastasiadis stated: Thessaloniki has all the necessary characteristics to become a home port, due
to its strategic position. At present, having added a total of 20 ports to our network, we are in the evaluation phase to determine where to focus our efforts, so that in a few years we are not limited to just the six internationally recognized
cruise destinations.
This effort is based primarily on the impressions and positive experiences of our passengers, who will ultimately guide our next steps. For this reason, cruise tourism should not be approached opportunistically. It is a long-term investment that requires consistency, collaboration with local communities, and a clear strategic direction. When planning is collective and forward-looking, everyone stands to benefit. Cruise tourism is a complex product that requires more than safe and well- equipped port infrastructure. It also depends on comprehensive services at the destination: efficient transport, easy access, a reliable road network, and quality options for dining and entertainment – all essential for passengers to enjoy the best possible experience. It is well known that 1 in 3 cruise passengers returns to a destination they first visited by cruise for a longer vacation. In this context, imposing a cruise tax in a biased and punitive manner – particularly when the cruise industry is not responsible for destination overcrowding – and without any consultation on the best way to implement it, does not contribute to the sector’s long-term growth. We would support such a measure only if there were full transparency about where and how these funds would be invested – specifically in infrastructure and in highlighting new destinations.Finally, referring to developments in the cruise sector and its adaptation to new environmental realities, he noted: Sustainable development requires planning: scheduled berth allocation, modern port infrastructure, and meaningful dialogue with the state. Regional Vice Governor of Tourism for Central Macedonia, Ms. Vicky Chatzivasileiou, welcomed Explora I to the port and called 2025 a milestone year for cruising in Northern Greece. The CEO of the Thessaloniki Port Authority, Mr. Yiannis Tsaras, noted the port operational readiness to serve large passenger volumes.
Kavala – An Emerging Luxury Destination
On Thursday, June 26, Explora I docked at Kavala’s “Apostolos Pavlos” port, where the second event was held with local authorities and MSC Cruises executives present, focusing on establishing the city as a key player in luxury cruising.
Statements: Deputy Mayor for Tourism and Development, Mr. Panagiotis Angelidis, remarked: “Welcoming Explora I is proof of Kavala’s growing momentum. We will continue investing in upgrading our tourism offering and promoting the region abroad.” Ms. Korina Ganitou, Head of the Tourism Development Department, highlighted that such events boost Kavala’s brand and foster valuable partnerships with global industry leaders. CEO of the Kavala Port Authority, Mr. Angelos Vlachos, stressed: “Strategic cruise development cannot follow a one-size-fits-all approach. It requires mutual benefit and active involvement of local communities. The success of each port relies on three pillars: safety (for docking, passengers, and ships), sustainable practices that strengthen infrastructure resilience, and meaningful support of the local economy with a social dimension.”
Syros – Strategic Role of the Cyclades in Cruising
The final event took place on Tuesday, July 1, in Syros, with the MSC Lirica serving as the backdrop to showcase the Cyclades’ contribution to cruising. Representing MSC Cruises were Mr. Anastasiadis and Ms. Marialuisa Iaccarino, Vice President of Shorex Excursions, who noted: ‘We are proud to support emerging destinations like Syros as part of our commitment to diversifying our offerings in Greece. By collaborating with local communities — including tour guides, schools, and universities — we are developing shore excursions that go beyond iconic attractions to highlight authentic cultural experiences, from culinary traditions to local heritage. This initiative reflects our dedication to showcasing the true spirit of Greece and supporting the sustainable growth of the destinations we visit.’
As part of the first port call, commemorative plaques were exchanged between the ship’s Captain, Mr. Massimiliano Rossi; South Aegean Vice Governor of Tourism, Mr. Giorgos Leontaritis; Mayor of Syros-Hermoupolis, Mr. Alexandros Athanasiou; and Port Fund President, Mr. Fragkiskos Vakondios.
Other notable attendees included:
Cyclades MP Ms. Katerina Monogiou
President of the Cyclades Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Ioannis
Roussos
Deputy Mayor of Tourism, Mr. Ioannis Voutsinos
A performance by the Lyceum Club of Greek Women at the ship’s main theater delighted passengers from around the world, offering them a taste of the traditions and customs of Syros and the Cyclades. Through its strategic plan for the Eastern Mediterranean, MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys continue to elevate Greece in the global cruise market. Core pillars of the company’s vision include innovation, sustainability, and deep collaboration with local communities.
About MSC Cruises
Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, MSC Cruises is the third-largest cruise line in the world and the market leader in Europe, South America, the Middle East, and Southern Africa. It also maintains a strong presence in North America and the Far East. MSC Cruises is fully committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions from its operations by 2050.
About Explora Journeys
Explora Journeys is the privately-owned luxury lifestyle brand of the MSC Group, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland,. The brand’s aspiration is to create a unique ‘Ocean State of Mind’ by connecting guests with the sea, with themselves, and like-minded others, while remarkable itineraries blend renowned destinations with lesser-travelled ports, for a journey that inspires discovery in all its forms. A fleet of six luxury ships will be launched from 2023 to 2028, starting with EXPLORA I’s delivery that took place on 24 July 2023. Explora Journeys introduces a new style of transformative ocean travel.
