Greece Strengthens Its Winter Cruise Appeal, Expanded MSC Deployment Boosts Year Round Mediterranean Travel

Published on November 21, 2025

MSC Cruises has officially begun its winter season in Greece, marking another strategic step in strengthening its multi-season presence across the Eastern Mediterranean. With weekly seven-day itineraries now departing from Piraeus, the company underscores its long-term commitment to the Greek market—a destination that continues to rise in global popularity due to its blend of culture, heritage, and coastal appeal. The deployment of one of its signature vessels reinforces the company’s intention to operate in Greece year-round rather than relying solely on the busy summer peak.

The winter schedule showcases a thoughtfully curated route that highlights a mixture of classic Mediterranean gems and emerging regional hotspots. Among the stops are Corfu, known for its lush landscapes and Venetian influence; Izmir, a vibrant Aegean port with a blend of modern energy and ancient history; Istanbul, a globally iconic crossroads of cultures; and Bari, a southern Italian city celebrated for its old town and seafront charm. This combination of destinations reflects a strategy of offering travelers diverse cultural, historical, and scenic experiences within a single sailing.

A notable shift connected to these sailings is the evolving behavior of travelers who begin or extend their journeys in Greece. Many visitors are choosing to spend extra days in Athens or surrounding regions before or after their cruise. This change in travel patterns has provided meaningful support to local businesses throughout the slower winter months. Hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, transportation services, and retail outlets all experience measurable benefits from the increased flow of visitors who integrate land-based stays into their cruise holidays.

To further deepen guest engagement with Greek destinations, the cruise line has expanded its partnerships with local suppliers and tourism operators. Through these collaborations, more than 40 shore excursions are offered across various Greek ports. These excursions highlight everything from regional cuisine and traditional crafts to world-famous archaeological sites, coastal landscapes, and immersive cultural experiences. By sourcing tours from local providers, the company helps broaden economic opportunities for small businesses, family-run enterprises, and community-led initiatives.

These initiatives play a significant role in enhancing both the visitor experience and the sustainability of the tourism ecosystem. By integrating locally designed excursions and supporting Greek suppliers, the company creates a tourism model that distributes economic benefits more evenly throughout the region. According to the cruise line’s communication, these efforts are intended to foster long-term partnerships that uplift communities while ensuring guests have access to authentic and meaningful experiences rooted in local culture.

In addition to the newly launched winter routes, the company stands poised for a substantial year in 2025. When combining summer and winter programs, the cruise line is expected to surpass 400 port calls across Greece. This scale of operations highlights the country’s strategic importance within the company’s global deployment and cements Greece as one of the central pillars of its Eastern Mediterranean activity. Such an extensive schedule is anticipated to generate steady visitor arrivals throughout the year, further supporting Greece’s ambition to maintain itself as a top-tier maritime tourism hub.

The cruise operator maintains a prominent global footprint, with its headquarters in Switzerland and a fleet that spans continents. Its 23 modern ships serve more than 100 countries and provide access to over 300 destinations worldwide. The company continues to be a leading force in European cruising and is steadily expanding its presence within North America, where demand for Mediterranean voyages has grown significantly in recent years.

Within Greece, the cruise line’s products and itineraries are made widely accessible through several established travel agencies that serve as national sales representatives. These partners ensure smooth distribution, customer support, and seamless booking options for both domestic and international travelers planning their Mediterranean journeys through Greece.