Rhodes Port received the first cruise vessel of 2026, marking the commencement of another annual cruise season for the island’s harbour and signalling a continuation of maritime tourism activity in the eastern Aegean.
The Viking OCEAN's ship Viking Vesta, carrying ~950 passengers, made its berth at the port in the early hours of January 2nd, having sailed from Kuşadası, Turkey, before onward transit to Crete.
This arrival, recognised locally as the year’s initial call by a cruise vessel, carries operational significance for Rhodes as one of Greece’s established cruise destinations and underlines the island’s role in Mediterranean itineraries. Cruise arrivals of this nature bring a flow of international visitors ashore to explore historic sites such as the old city and its hinterland, contribute to commerce in local services, and engage with organised excursions to cultural and natural points of interest.
Maritime and tourism authorities maintain that the port continues to function as a principal gateway for cruise traffic of varying sizes, and that ongoing enhancements to terminal infrastructure and coordination with industry stakeholders remain priorities to accommodate the anticipated volume of calls throughout the season.
The first cruise ship arrival of 2026 is part of a broader schedule expected to bring hundreds of additional vessel calls to Rhodes over the course of the year, drawing a mix of visitors from major markets and reflecting the broader recovery and growth in global cruise operations after recent downturns.
As the cruise season progresses, the island’s connectivity by sea is supported by facilities that aim to balance increased visitor numbers with ongoing efforts in sustainable tourism and preservation of the island’s maritime character, ensuring that Rhodes remains integrated within Mediterranean cruising networks.