Santorini Welcomes First Cruise Ship After Quakes Rattle Island

Santorini, Greece, celebrated a significant milestone on Sunday as it welcomed its first cruise ship of the year, signaling a hopeful return to normalcy after a series of minor earthquakes. The arrival of the Celestyal Discovery, carrying approximately 1,700 mostly American tourists, comes after the cruise line had previously removed the island from its itinerary due to safety concerns. This event marks a pivotal moment for the island, which has been under a state of emergency following seismic activity earlier this year.

Tourists Return as Safety Concerns Ease

The Celestyal Discovery’s arrival is a welcome sight for both tourists and locals alike. Passengers expressed excitement about visiting the island, with 67-year-old Deborah Terry stating, “It’s exciting to know that the island’s open again and we get to visit first.” Another passenger, Julie Eberly, voiced her confidence in the island’s safety, saying, “We trust the tourism board here, so if they said it was safe to come, we came with open arms.” This sentiment reflects a growing optimism as the tourism sector begins to rebound.

In the wake of approximately 20,000 earthquakes recorded between January 26 and February 22, many residents were evacuated from Santorini and nearby islands, including Ios, Amorgos, and Anafi. The seismic activity, which included quakes measuring up to 5.3 on the Richter scale, prompted local authorities to halt construction, close schools, and deploy rescue teams. Fortunately, despite the tremors, no significant damage has been reported on Santorini, a destination that attracts around 2.5 million visitors annually.

Local business owners are hopeful for a resurgence in tourism. Tassos Kontos, a shop owner, remarked, “We all hope that things will return to normal, that people will come back. The cloud seems to be lifting.” To ensure the safety of tourists, authorities are implementing precautionary measures, including establishing an evacuation port for potential emergencies. Current assessments indicate that the island is safe for visitors, allowing the local economy to begin its recovery.