Greek cruise operators hope vaccinations will help save summer season

Greek cruise lines hope a swifter vaccination rollout and the government's proposed vaccine certificates scheme can help get ships out of the docks where they have been idling empty for the past year and back to sea for the vital summer season.

With international travel now at a near-standstill, saving at least part of the summer season will be vital, said George Koumpenas, Chief Operating Officer for Celestyal Cruises, a medium-sized operator that offers trips to the Aegean and eastern Mediterranean.

Celestyal's ships have been docked at the cruise terminal of Piraeus port in Athens since February last year and while it has sent crews home, daily maintenance fees just to keep the vessels operational run to 15,000 euros ($18,016.50).

"It's crucial for the company to get its vessels sailing again by August, by September," Koumpenas told Reuters from the bridge...