NICOSIA – Some 21 years after it shut down because it faster and just as cheap to fly between the countries, a ferry taking passengers from Cyprus to Greece resumed again, carrying 173 passengers on a 30-hour trip.

Cyprus’ Deputy Shipping Minister Vassilis Demetriades was on the maiden voyage along with others who don’t like flying, are afraid flying, or want to bring their motorcycles and vehicles with them to Greece.

The first trip by the vessel Daleela docked in Athens on June 20 and he said that it drew praise from the travelers who were able to occupy the time – besides sleeping – with cafes and restaurants, live entertainment and other diversions.

“I’m not only on this trip just because it’s the first and historic, but also so that I can see firsthand any issues which may occur…we’re also experiencing this trip and speaking with the other passengers,” he told Alphanews.

The ferry is operated by Scandro Holding, established in 2022 for the route and can hold up to 400 passengers. It sails between Limassol and Piraeus on Wednesdays and Sundays, and from Greece on Tuesdays and Fridays, the last run scheduled for Sept. 16 from Piraeus.