Published on
January 1, 2026
Heraklion Port Authority S.A. in Greece has published its cruise statistics for 2025, which reflect a gradual rise in the number of both passengers and ship calls. This definitely makes the port a significant player in the Eastern Mediterranean cruise circuit. The numbers highlight Heraklion’s unwavering success as a prime spot that lures cruise lines and tourists at the same time.
Heraklion’s Impressive Growth Figures for 2025
In 2025, Heraklion Port handled 536,543 cruise passengers, marking a 3.46 percent increase from the previous year’s 518,575 passengers. This growth also coincided with a rise in cruise vessel calls, which increased by 5.64 percent, from 266 calls in 2024 to 281 in 2025. The addition of nearly 18,000 more passengers and 15 additional ship calls highlights the steady development and growing attractiveness of the port.
Steady Expansion and Year-Round Activity
One of the most notable trends in 2025 was the port’s improved performance during off-peak seasons, breaking away from the traditional summer focus. Traffic in February saw a significant increase, while June recorded higher passenger volumes than in the previous year. The autumn months, particularly October, showed exceptional results, with both increased vessel calls and higher passenger throughput. This shift in traffic distribution reflects a broader industry trend of extending the cruise season, with ports such as Heraklion benefiting from a more balanced traffic flow throughout the year.
Industry insiders indicate that the growth in off-peak traffic is partly due to the increasing popularity of shoulder-season cruises. Cruise lines are expanding their itineraries beyond the summer months, and Heraklion is seeing the benefits.
Strategic Focus on Service Quality and Operational Readiness
The Port Authority’s success is attributed to a number of key factors, including continued investments in operational readiness and passenger service quality. The port authority has strategically worked to ensure that the port remains prepared to accommodate the growing cruise traffic, with improvements to services and facilities designed to meet the needs of both cruise operators and passengers.
Additionally, the port’s strategic emphasis on working closely with cruise lines and local stakeholders has played an essential role in maintaining Heraklion as a dependable cruise destination. Continued collaboration ensures that the port can adapt to evolving industry trends and passenger expectations, thus bolstering its long-term appeal.
A Broad International Profile
Another reason for Heraklion’s success lies in its strong international passenger base. Germany remains the largest source market, accounting for 26.88% of passengers in 2025, followed by the United States (23.92%) and the United Kingdom (13%). Additionally, increasing numbers of passengers from Spain, Italy, Canada, and Australia have contributed to a diversified customer profile.
This diversity in passenger origin markets has helped Heraklion weather global uncertainties and market shifts, making it a resilient destination in the competitive Eastern Mediterranean cruise market. The port’s broad appeal across various regions supports its position as a stable and reliable option for cruise lines looking to cater to a wide range of travellers.
Looking Ahead: Future Prospects for Heraklion Port
Looking to the future, the Port Authority has emphasised the importance of maintaining Heraklion’s position as a top cruise destination. This will be achieved by continuing to focus on enhancing operational preparedness and elevating the overall destination experience. Ongoing investments in infrastructure, alongside strategic collaborations with cruise lines and local stakeholders, are expected to strengthen Heraklion’s role in the global cruise market.
The success of Heraklion in 2025 can be seen as a clear sign of the aforementioned shift that took place within the cruise industry, which. Heraklion has successfully extended its cruise season, and upgraded its service, and now it is a perfect example of ports that can change with the times and at the same time keep a strong bond with their OSNIA market.
