The Cyprus-Greece ferry service resumes on Wednesday for the season, from Limassol port.

Deputy Minister of Shipping, Marina Hadjimanolis expressed satisfaction for the public support to the service.

The 'Daleela' was scheduled to lift anchor around 1300 from DP World Limassol terminal, at Limassol port. It is scheduled to arrive on Thursday night at the port of Piraeus, from where it will depart, at 4 am on Friday, to return to Cyprus, shortly before noon on Saturday, thus completing the first itinerary of the season.

A total of 22 itineraries will be held this season, the last taking place from Limassol port on the 1st September and returning on September 3rd.

Speaking to CNA from Denmark where she is attending the conference for the European Maritime Day EMD 2024, Deputy Minister of Shipping, Hadjimanolis welcomed the start of the routes for the third consecutive year.

She said "this year, 'Daleela' passengers will have the opportunity to enjoy upgraded services in many areas".

Hadjimanolis said that the increase in bookings, compared to the same period last year, "even before the first route started, confirms that the maritime passenger connection has achieved its purpose, offering an alternative mode of transport".

She called on passengers to comply with the regulations, which were posted on the contractor's website and to follow the instructions of the officers during security checks at Limassol port.

The contracting company Scandro Holding Ltd's Managing Director, Charalambos Manolis who is travelling on 'Daleela's first summer route, told CNA that some minor problems have been overcome and "everything is ready".

"We hope that this year will end well," he continued, adding that as of last week, 8,500 bookings had been made, of which 6,600 were for passengers, 1,750 cars and 150 pets.

The numbers are up from 2023 and we are optimistic that people will continue to embrace the service, he added.