Cruising season may be halted

The Greek cruise ship owners’ association (EKFN) is essentially asking for a ban on cruises this season, invoking the dangers of the pandemic.

“Events and the unfortunate developments in the new pandemic spike should make us cautious about planning cruise itineraries for the current tourism period so as not to be led to premature and poorly thought out moves that will harm the sector,” EKFN said in a statement on Monday. The statement also recalls the outbreaks of the disease that took place aboard cruise ships around the world earlier this year and led to the lockdown of Greek ports.

Speaking to sources, Kathimerini understands that the association would welcome a new ban on cruise ship activities for both economic and strategic reasons. Economic, because a ban on cruises would make it likely that the state will provide support, direct or indirect, to the sector. Strategically, shipowners are afraid of further incidents of coronavirus outbreaks on cruise ships or infections being transmitted by passengers, denting the sector’s reputation.

Source: ekathimerini.com