The cruise ship, Rhapsody of the Seas, arrived at Ayia Napa Marina with a passenger capacity of 2,100 and around 800 staff members, totalling almost 3,000 on board.
The vessel, spanning 297 meters in length and boasting 12 decks, docked on Thursday.
Guests disembarked and were shuttled via buses to various destinations, including Ayia Napa, Protaras, Larnaca, and the Avgorou Botanical Garden. Some preferred to remain within the marina itself.
A modest ceremonial gathering unfolded at the marina. Notably, the Deputy Ministers of Shipping and Tourism arrived later in the afternoon, their schedules adjusted due to a morning Cabinet meeting.
Reflecting on the significance of the event, Deputy Tourism Minister Costas Koumis highlighted the value of vessels, like Rhapsody of the Seas, choosing to dock at Ayia Napa Marina, affirming its importance for Cyprus and the broader tourism sector.
Costas Fitiris, director of the marina, expressed optimism for an increased influx of cruise ships throughout the current and upcoming years. Fitiris also disclosed an ongoing collaboration with the Deputy Ministries of Tourism and Shipping and their joint participation in exhibitions designed to attract cruise companies to the marina and its surroundings.
Ayia Napa Mayor Christos Zannettou underscored the significance of accommodating 3,000 visitors in the area, foreseeing potential future visits by other cruise ships. He stressed the vital role of cruise tourism and the need for robust support within this sector.