NICOSIA – It was a long time coming back but the first ferry boat from Cyprus to Greece will land in the port of Piraeus on June 20 to a big fanfare, the trip an alternative to those who won’t fly or want a slower journey.

The Daleela is making its maiden voyage on the newly-inaugurated line between the countries after stopping in 2001 because it was cheaper and fast to fly, but leaving those who couldn’t or wouldn’t take airplanes left out.

The Municipality of Piraeus and the Shipping Ministry of Cyprus have organized a special event to welcome the ship at the Greek capital’s main port at 7 p.m. at Terminal B when it arrives, said Kathimerini.

The Daleela set sail from Limassol on June 19 – it’s a 30-hour trip – in a seasonal connection that is expected to stay open until Sept. 16 to take advantage of the peak summer months when the seas are generally calmer.

“After 21 years, our fellow citizens will be able to travel to Greece and Europe by sea, transporting their private vehicles as well,” President Nicos Anastasiades said, saying it would enhance maritime tourism, said The Cyprus Mail in April when the news came out.

The prices will be relatively competitive with flying, although cheap seat airplanes still have an advantage, especially because a flight is 1 hour and 40 minutes but officials said they wanted an option, especially for those who can’t fly or are afraid.

The cheapest return tickets for adults, with a simple seating arrangement, are set at 76 euros ($80) while a second-class cabin return ticket is 80 euros ($84.20) and one-tickets cost 38 and 40 euros ($40-$42.

Children aged 4-12 will be charged 56 euros ($59) while those aged up to four will be charged 31 euros ($33) and cars up to 5-meters long will have a fee of 203 euros, about $214.

There are four trips scheduled for June, eight in July, seven in August and three in September, the report said, with limited service and the Cypriot government helping subsidize the route to cover costs.