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MSC Group’s Cruise Division Opens Dialogue on the Future of Cruising in Rhodes

An important step towards strengthening the dialogue around the future of cruising in Greece was marked by the event organized by MSC Group’s Cruise Division on Wednesday 13 May 2026, at the port of Rhodes aboard the luxury cruise ship EXPLORA II, on the occasion of the vessel’s first call at the island.
The event highlighted Rhodes as a key destination for maritime tourism in the Southeastern Mediterranean, bringing together representatives from local authorities, institutional bodies, the shipping and tourism sectors, as well as members of the media.
Among those attending were the President of the Municipal Port Fund of South Dodecanese, Mr. Vasilis Vagianakis, the Vice President of the Dodecanese Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Giorgos Antonoglou, the Director of Communications of the South Aegean Region, Ms. Vasia Papaelia, the Executive Director for Sustainable Development and Tourism of the K2 Development Organization of the South Aegean Region, Ms. Angeliki Chondromatidou, the Deputy Mayor of Lindos Municipal Unit, Mr. Nikolaos Pavlakidis, and the Deputy Mayor of Communications and Acting Deputy Mayor of Culture, Mr. Georgios Pattas.
Representing MSC Group’s Cruise Division were Captain Pietro Sinisi of EXPLORA II, who welcomed guests onboard, Mr. Kyriakos Anastasiadis, Senior Strategic Advisor of MSC Cruises in Greece, Mr. Shant Krikorian, Senior Director Corporate Communications of MSC Cruises, Mr. Elias Tsoukalas, General Manager of MSC in Greece, and Mr. Panagiotis Mitseas, Institutional & Local Affairs Manager of MSC Cruises in Greece.
The event focused on the growth strategy of MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys, as well as on the prospects for further strengthening their presence in the Greek market, with particular emphasis on Rhodes and the Dodecanese islands. The discussion that followed centered on issues related to sustainable development, infrastructure capacity and balanced tourism growth.
During his presentation, Mr. Kyriakos Anastasiadis underlined Greece’s pivotal role within the MSC Group’s Cruise Division strategy, emphasizing that the country is evolving into a major pillar of cruise activity in the Eastern Mediterranean, with an enhanced year-round presence. He also referred to the Group’s dynamic growth and the expansion of its network of Greek destinations, as well as to the complementary positioning of MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys, which cater to different market segments. Particular emphasis was placed on sustainability, investments in new technologies and alternative fuels, and the importance of strengthening local economies through partnerships and open communication.
Justin Poulsen, Head of Itinerary Planning and Shore Excursions at Explora Journeys, stated: “Destination experiences are beneficial for visitors, for the destinations themselves, and for us as well. This is the key message we want to convey as we continue to strengthen our partnerships by enriching our shore excursion portfolio with authentic and immersive experiences.”
The program concluded with a networking lunch onboard, offering participants the opportunity to exchange views in a refined setting, followed by an optional tour of EXPLORA II showcasing the luxury and innovation that define the new generation of cruising.
As part of the event, greetings were also sent by Members of Parliament representing the region. Mr. Manos Konsolas, Member of Parliament for the Dodecanese and Professor at the University of the Aegean, noted that dialogue among institutional stakeholders and the exchange of views would substantially contribute to shaping a strong and sustainable development framework for cruising in Greece.
Mr. Vasilis A. Ypsilantis, Member of Parliament for the Dodecanese, Dean of the Hellenic Parliament and Chairman of the Economic Affairs Committee, stated that “the arrival of a vessel of this category on our island constitutes a particularly positive development for Rhodes, reaffirming its position as a leading cruise destination and as a gateway of hospitality, culture and extroversion in the southeastern Aegean.”
Mr. Giorgos Nikitiadis, Member of Parliament for the Dodecanese and former Deputy Minister, emphasized that “cruising is one of the most dynamic sectors of Greek tourism and, for the Dodecanese, represents a strategic pillar for development, extroversion and the strengthening of the local economy,” while also highlighting the importance of the presence of international groups for the country’s international standing.
The initiative forms part of a broader strategy by MSC Group’s Cruise Division under which similar events have already taken place in Thessaloniki, Kavala and Syros during 2025, reaffirming the Group’s long-term commitment to strengthening its presence in Greece and supporting the development of the cruise sector through meaningful and ongoing dialogue with local communities.