The cruise ship Viking Star was forced to alter its itinerary on Monday, February 10, bypassing the popular Greek island of Santorini due to continued seismic activity in the region. Instead, the ship docked at the port of Souda on Crete, allowing its nearly 900 passengers to explore the historic city of Chania.

Originally scheduled to kick off Santorini’s 2025 cruise season, Viking Star was set to offer passengers breathtaking views of the island’s volcanic caldera and the capital, Fira. However, ongoing earthquakes in the area raised concerns over potential landslides, prompting authorities to postpone the official start of the cruise season to a later, yet-to-be-determined date.

Santorini Shaken by Continuous Seismic Activity
The decision to reroute comes as Santorini and surrounding islands—Amorgos, Anafi, and Ios—experience seismic activity. Since January 26, thousands of tremors have been recorded in the region, marking the most intense period of seismic activity since 1964. While local officials emphasize that there is no immediate catastrophe, the persistent quakes have unsettled both residents and tourists, with some choosing to leave the island out of caution.

Santorini is one of Greece’s most popular cruise destinations, renowned for its whitewashed villages, dramatic cliffs, and deep blue waters. The island's economy heavily relies on tourism, with cruise passengers playing a vital role. If seismic activity continues, other cruise lines may follow Viking Star’s lead, further impacting the island’s economy.