Management and executives of Piraeus Port Authority, headed by the General Manager Mr. Stavros Hatzakos, welcomed to the port of Piraeus the newly built cruise ship “CARNIVAL VISTA” and handed honorary gifts to the captain Rocco Lubrano.
The ceremony was attended by the Secretary General of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy Mr. Christos Lampridis, representatives of Customs, Shipowners Union of Cruise & Maritime Institutions, maritime agencies and other stakeholders, while Carnival was represented by Vice-President Mr. Michel Nestour and Director of Commercial Ports of Call & Government Relations (Caribbean, Europe) Mr. Leon Sutcliffe.
The 324 m. long cruise ship was carrying 3,700 passengers and 1,500 crew members, while she began her maiden voyage in Trieste. During the summer Carnival Vista has chosen Piraeus as a homeport for the Mediterranean itineraries and, thus, will visit the port five (5) times with about 50,000 passengers in total.
This cooperation with Carnival that is expected to contribute to the further development of homeporting in Piraeus, is the result of the Management efforts during Seatrade exhibition in Miami to attract major cruise companies and reinforce the national effort for development. This agreement provides enormous potential in the cruise business and enhances the promotion of the Greek tourist product.
On the occasion of the ship arrival Chairman & CEO of PPA S.A. Mr. Ioannis Kouvaris stated: “With great pleasure we welcome the Carnival Vista which marks a new era of homeporting development in Piraeus. PPA can serve any cruise ship in capable facilities, providing high quality services in accordance with international quality standards ISO 9001: 2008 and environmental ISO 14001: 2004 and is emerging as the most secure and attractive destination in the Eastern Mediterranean “.
