Santorini Seismic Activity 2025: Impact on Cruise Shipping and Safety Concerns

Introduction
In February 2025, a series of earthquakes affecting Santorini Island and its surrounding areas disrupted cruise operations, raising significant safety concerns for the maritime tourism industry. As one of Greece’s most iconic destinations, Santorini attracts over 1.3 million cruise passengers annually, making it a cornerstone of the region’s economy. However, the recent seismic activity has forced cruise lines to alter itineraries, redirecting ships to alternative ports such as Chania and Heraklion in Crete, as well as Syros and select islands in the Dodecanese. The Santorini seismic activity has not only impacted immediate cruise operations but also highlighted vulnerabilities in the island’s infrastructure and emergency preparedness, sparking debates about long-term solutions to ensure the safety of visitors and crew.

Details of the Incident
The seismic activity began two weeks prior to February 17, 2025, with ongoing tremors affecting Santorini and nearby islands. While no major casualties or structural damage were reported, local and national authorities implemented precautionary measures to protect residents and tourists. Access to sections of the island’s caldera—a primary attraction for cruise visitors—was restricted due to the potential risks posed by unstable geological conditions.

These restrictions directly impacted cruise operations, as many operators opted to bypass Santorini altogether to mitigate safety risks. The absence of a conventional deep-water berth on the island further complicated matters, as tenders and cable cars are the primary means of transferring passengers between ships and the shore. Both methods are highly sensitive to seismic instability, creating additional challenges for embarkation and disembarkation procedures.

Theodoros Kontes, President of the Union of Cruise Ship Owners and Shipping Agents (EEKFN) and Director of Majestic International Cruises INC, emphasized the heightened concerns among passengers and insurers. He noted that the island’s volcanic nature makes it particularly vulnerable during periods of increased seismic activity. Furthermore, the lack of a designated safe harbor or “port of refuge” capable of accommodating ships in emergencies has compounded these concerns.

Response and Impact
In response to the Santorini seismic activity, several major cruise lines swiftly redirected their vessels to alternative ports. For example, ships originally scheduled to dock at Santorini instead called at Chania and Heraklion in Crete, as well as Syros and select islands in the Dodecanese. These changes allowed operators to maintain their schedules while prioritizing passenger safety.

Local authorities and industry stakeholders have also taken steps to address the situation. Precautionary measures, including restricted access to the caldera, aim to minimize the risk of accidents during this period of heightened geological activity. Additionally, discussions are underway to assess the island’s preparedness for future incidents.

Kontes has called attention to long-standing issues, such as labor shortages and infrastructure constraints, which have exacerbated the challenges posed by the seismic activity. He argued that stricter visitor management policies and infrastructure improvements are urgently needed to enhance the island’s resilience. For instance, developing a deep-water port or improving existing transfer systems could significantly reduce operational risks.

The financial implications of the seismic activity are also a growing concern. With Santorini’s economy heavily reliant on maritime tourism, prolonged disruptions could have severe consequences for local businesses and the broader Greek tourism sector. Industry stakeholders are closely monitoring developments as the summer cruise season approaches, evaluating the potential long-term impact on tourism and port operations.