The Cyprus - Greece ferry link will this season be carried out by the Italian-flagged ferry 'AF Marina', replacing the ferry 'Daleela'.
Speaking at a press conference, Shipping Deputy Minister Marina Hadjimanolis, said that departures will begin from the port of Limassol on 29 May, while the last route, from Piraeus to Limassol, is scheduled for 1 September.
In total, she continued, the ship will make 22 return routes, based on the contractual obligation of Scandro Holding Ltd. The company has not increased its fares, since the fuel for the ship had already been secured before the price increase.
Reservations and purchase of tickets will be possible from 22 April. 'AF Marina', she said, will also offer upgraded services and amenities to passengers.
Hadjimanolis referred to the greater number of cabins available, all having private toilets and bathrooms, adding that there will be increased passenger capacity and special provision for the transport of pets, which will be accommodated in cabins and not in special areas (kennels), thus significantly improving their travel conditions.
The Deputy Minister said that "the prospects for the viability of the link remain positive", adding that through the continuous improvement of services, they aim to further enhance the interest of the public and the shipping industry, so that in the future this connection becomes permanent, sustainable and self-sufficient.
It is noted that officers from the Deputy Ministry of Shipping and the Deputy Ministry of Tourism have inspected the hotel facilities of the ship, which is in Italy for upgrade purposes, with the aim of ensuring quality and safe services for passengers.
'AF Marina' was built in 1994 and has a capacity to transport 394 passengers and 290 vehicles, depending on their length.
There are 20 single, 10 double and 58 quadruple cabins, two triple cabins for people with dissabilities, eight quadruple cabins for passengers with pets as well as 84 airline seats. There is also a restaurant, cafeteria, a medical office and a casino.
According to data presented, between the first and the fourth year of operation of the ferry link, there was a 6.27% increase in the number of passengers, a 157.14% increase in the number of passengers with disabilities, a 35.07% increase in vehicles and a 74.63% increase in pets.
Finally, there is a new cancellation policy according to which there is no-refund of the ticket value, except for port fees, in the event of cancellation and also a fee for ticket modification.
(Source: CNA)
