The booking system for the Cyprus – Piraeus route will open on Tuesday for those passengers who wish to travel to  Greece by sea, Shipping Deputy Minister Marina Hadjimanolis said Monday. The route will be operated by same ship, Daleela, but with improved and better quality services, she noted.

Speaking during a press conference, the Deputy Minister said that authorities took into account all comments and suggestions made by passengers during the first year of operation and now offer better services. She said that authorities attach great importance in meeting the needs of all the passengers who choose to travel by sea and they are satisfied because citizens begin to welcome this new sea route.

Hadjimanolis said that last year a total of 7,412 passengers traveled with Daleela and the ship transported 2,250 vehicles.

This year the port of Larnaka will also be used in addition to Limassol. The first route is set to leave port May 31st. The last route from Piraeus to Larnaka is scheduled for September 1st.

Hadjimanolis said that the main goal is the orderly operation and sustainability of the maritime passenger connection with success.

Larnaka Mayor Andreas Vyras said that the Larnaka-Piraeus connection will upgrade the city’s tourism.

He also spoke of the important location of Larnaka, being the airport city. Vyras also said that the projects underway to connect the port and the Marina will give the opportunity to large cruise ships to dock there.

Christis Dimitriou, President of the Development, Tourism and Shipping Committee of the Municipality of Limassol, said that they are joining forces with Larnaka for the benefit of the citizens and the tourists.

ELias Soulis, Managing Director of the contracting company Scandro Holding assured all passengers that everything is in place for the second season of the sea route between Cyprus and Greece.

Zacharias Kapsis, Officer of the Deputy Ministry of Shipping said that the Cypriot-flagged ferry Daleela has a capacity of 400 people and has 38 first class cabins for 110 passengers, 68 second class cabins that can accommodate 180 passengers, 110 airline seats and a transport capacity of over 300 vehicles.

There will be 22 round-trip routes until September.