The Cyprus-Greece ferry service for the summer season launched on Friday with the Italian-flagged AF Marina departing Limassol for Piraeus. Replacing the previous vessel, Daleela, the newer ferry offers increased capacity with room for 394 passengers and 290 vehicles, including special cabins for disabled passengers and pets. The service operator, Scandro Holding Ltd, anticipates a stronger season with bookings already exceeding last year's figures.

On board, passengers can enjoy a restaurant, cafeteria, and casino during the approximately 31-hour crossing. The company reported around 660 passenger bookings, 2,000 car bookings, and 600 motorcycle bookings ahead of the season start, marking an increase of about 800 bookings compared to the previous year. Fares remain stable, starting from around €40 per passenger, with a total of 22 round trips scheduled until the final sailing on September 1.

Scandro Holding Ltd chief executive Charalambos Manolis expressed optimism for the season, highlighting upgraded services and expecting even more passengers to take advantage of the route between Cyprus and Greece this summer.