Marella Discovery II Launches From Limassol As Home Port For 2026 Season

Inaugural Voyage Sets A New Benchmark

Yesterday marked a pivotal moment at the Port of Limassol as the Marella Discovery II, operated by Marella Cruises, embarked on its first cruise. The event was attended by Simon Pitout, CEO of DP World Limassol, who emphasised the port’s growing significance as a strategic hub in the Eastern Mediterranean region.

Fly & Cruise: Elevating Travel Experiences

The launch also underscores the continued success of the Fly & Cruise service offered by TUI Group in Cyprus for the second consecutive year. This innovative travel solution packages flight bookings with a cruise vacation, with Limassol serving as the home port throughout the 2026 tourist season. Passengers fly into Larnaca or Paphos and seamlessly transfer to the Limassol cruise terminal, further enhancing the island’s appeal as a prime travel destination.

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Strategic Insights And Industry Impact

Simon Pitout, CEO of DP World Limassol, said the selection of Limassol as a home port reflects operational capacity and connectivity with Cyprus’ aviation and tourism infrastructure. He added that cruise activity in the region continues to expand. Industry activity indicates sustained demand for cruise services in the Eastern Mediterranean. Port infrastructure and flight connections remain key factors in supporting growth.

Robust Itinerary And Future Prospects

DP World Limassol is scheduled to host Marella Discovery II 26 times between April and October. The ship’s itinerary includes stops in Kusadasi, Mykonos, Piraeus, Souda in Crete and Rhodes. Operations will continue from Limassol as a central hub for regional routes during the season. Cruise schedules and passenger volumes will determine further expansion.

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Cyprus Services Sector Shows Robust Performance In 2025 As Tourism, Digital Innovation, And Shipping Surge

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

April 6, 2026

The Employers and Industrialists Federation (OEV) reported growth across Cyprus’ services sector in 2025, with increases recorded in tourism, professional services and administrative activities. Data show continued expansion across multiple sub-sectors, reinforcing the role of services in economic output and employment.

Service Sector Leadership

Accommodation and food services grew by 9.5%, while administrative and support activities increased by 7.4%. Professional, scientific and technical activities rose by 4.6%, followed by information and communication at 4.3%. Transport and storage recorded growth of 2.8%, while real estate activity increased by 0.4%. These figures indicate broad-based expansion across service industries.

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A Remarkable Tourism Surge

Tourist arrivals reached 4,534,073 in 2025, marking a 12.2% increase year-on-year. December arrivals totaled 156,959, up 18% compared with the same period a year earlier. Tourism continues to support revenue generation and seasonal demand across the economy. Growth in visitor numbers contributes to activity in hospitality and related sectors.

Driving Digital Transformation

OEV is supporting digital adoption through initiatives such as the DiGiNN Cyprus Digital Innovation Hub. The program focuses on improving business processes, skills development and technology integration. Additional efforts include the establishment of a Digital Transformation and Innovation Committee and international engagement through business missions. These actions support the adoption of digital tools across sectors.

Resilient Shipping Sector

Shipping accounted for about 7% of Cyprus’s GDP in 2025, remaining a key component of the economy. The Cyprus Registry recorded its highest tonnage in 20 years, with an increase of nearly 20%. Fleet growth strengthens Cyprus’ position within European Union shipping registries and global maritime markets. The sector continues to contribute to economic stability.

Strengthening The Economic Foundation

OEV is organizing conferences, workshops and exhibitions to support business development across sectors. These initiatives focus on improving operational practices and industry collaboration. Continued investment in services and digital infrastructure is expected to support economic performance.

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