MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys hosted an event aboard the luxury cruise vessel EXPLORA II in Rhodes, marking the first of a total of 12 scheduled calls by the Group’s vessels to the island in 2026, with a focus on the sustainable development of the cruise sector and the further strengthening of their presence in the Greek market.
The event brought together representatives of local authorities, tourism bodies and industry professionals, with discussions centering on the growth prospects of cruise tourism in Rhodes and the Dodecanese, as well as on challenges related to infrastructure, destination carrying capacity and the need for balanced tourism development.
Kyriakos Anastasiadis, Strategic Advisor of MSC Cruises in Greece, described Greece as a market of strategic importance for the MSC Group, emphasizing that the country is evolving into a key operational hub in the Eastern Mediterranean.
As he noted, the Group continues to invest steadily in strengthening its presence across Greek destinations, with the objective of expanding itineraries throughout the year.
Particular reference was also made to the complementary positioning of the two brands, MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys, which cater to different passenger profiles, while highlighting the Group’s investments in lower-emission technologies and alternative fuels.
On his part, Justin Poulsen, Head of Itinerary Planning and Shore Excursions at Explora Journeys, underlined that the development of authentic destination experiences constitutes a core pillar of the company’s philosophy, noting that local partnerships make a substantial contribution to creating added value for both visitors and local communities.
The event concluded with a networking luncheon and a guided tour of the EXPLORA II, during which attendees were presented with the luxury and innovation features defining the new generation of cruise travel.
The initiative forms part of the broader strategy of the MSC Group to expand its footprint in Greece, following similar events recently held in Thessaloniki, Kavala and Syros.
Source: Naftemporiki