Cruise liner Crown Iris resumes voyages between Haifa and Larnaca

The cruise liner Crown Iris will resume regular voyages between the port of Haifa and Larnaca at the end of the month. The route was suspended due to the escalation of conflict in the Middle East, but is now returning following the stabilization of the situation and a ceasefire agreement among regional crisis participants.

According to company representative Andreas Michaelis (Louis), the first voyage was planned for March but was canceled due to hostilities. The new schedule provides for weekly voyages departing from Haifa on Thursdays, arriving in Larnaca on Fridays, and returning on Saturdays.

The liner can carry up to 1,800 passengers and is expected to operate at high capacity. The main flow of tourists will consist of Israelis, as well as citizens of the USA, Canada, and Russia living in Israel. The route is traditionally considered important for tourist exchange between Israel and Cyprus.

Passengers will have access to excursions to popular places in Cyprus, including Ayia Napa, Lefkara, and Choirokoitia, as well as walks and shopping in Larnaca. Experts note that cruises support the local economy and contribute to the development of the region's tourism sector.

At the same time, the tourism industry is recording a decrease in bookings by about 30% for the summer season. Regional instability and rising airfares are cited as reasons, which are dampening the flow of tourists.