NIKOSIA – A godsend for people afraid of flying or who want to bring their cars between the countries, the resumed Cyprus-Greece ferry boat connection was booked full this summer, leading to the government extending the contract for operation for another three years.

The decision was based on the performance which saw more than 21,000 passengers carried this summer along with 7,000 cars and 700 pets having used the service since it began again in 2022, with subsidies.

When a service connecting Larnaca to Piraeus was launched in July there were 4,300 bookings and Deputy Shipping Minister Marina Hadjimanolis said, “We are pleased that the company was determined to upgrade the vessel, and we hope that the maritime passenger connection will be sustainable beyond the initial 3 + 3-year contract. The enthusiastic response from the people is crucial,” she stated.

In 2023, it carried 7,407 passengers and 2,518 vehicles, although at 30 hours it’s far longer than the less than two-hour flight between the countries, which can be cheaper as well, but those preferring the ferry not caring.

First-class single cabin tickets are priced at €73 ($81.54) one-way per person, with roundtrip prices at €146 ($163.08.). Double cabins are priced at €68 ($75.95) for a single journey and €136 ($151.91) roundtrip.

First-class four-berth cabin tickets are €63 ($70.37) one-way and €126 ($140.74) for round-trip. Second-class prices are €50 ($55.85) one-way and €96 ($107.23) for round-trip. Airline-style seats are €38 ($42.44) and €76 ($84.89) for those who don’t want a cabin for the overnight voyage.

Officials have said that it also proved particularly popular with students who sought to take or bring back more belongings from abroad and those who are afraid of flying or just want the luxury of a longer trip.