Santorini has introduced new rules to manage the number of tourists arriving by cruise ships. The island's port authorities now limit the number of guests at the dock to 500 at any given time. This measure is meant to reduce overcrowding at the dock and make the experience better for everyone.
During the recent visit, Princess Cruises informed guests sailing aboard the Sun Princess about the new rule:
“Santorini Port Authorities have established a limit of 500 guests from all ships in the area waiting at the dock to board the cable car or shuttles returning to their vessels. Once this limit is reached, cruise ships will be requested to reduce their water shuttle operations until the queue on the dock has been diminished, which will lead to delays for guests wishing to proceed ashore. During our stop in Santorini, we will be in port with 3 other large vessels, resulting in a high volume of guests. Please note that this can lead to longer wait times and crowded conditions on the island.,” the cruise line said in a letter
What This Means for Cruise Passengers
If you're on a cruise to Santorini, like those aboard the Sun Princess, you might experience some delays. Once the dock reaches 500 guests, cruise ships will slow down their shuttle operations, meaning it might take longer for you to get ashore or back to your ship. It's important to be prepared for potential waits.
Getting to Santorini: Water Shuttles and the Cable Car
To reach the island, all cruise passengers must use water shuttles operated by local providers. With several large ships in port at the same time, there could be long waits for these shuttles. Once on the island, most visitors take a cable car to reach the town of Fira, which sits on top of a hill. However, due to the large number of tourists, the wait for the cable car could also be long.
Alternatives to the Cable Car: The Karavolades Stairs
If you want to skip the cable car, you can use the Karavolades Stairs to reach Fira. But be careful—the stairs are steep, slippery, and offer no shade, making them a challenging option, especially in the heat.
Stay Hydrated
The port authorities have also banned cruise ships from providing water stations on the dock. So, make sure you bring your own water to stay hydrated during your visit, especially if you expect to be out in the sun for a while.
