According to official figures, 61 cruise ships called at the Port of Rhodes in July 2026, bringing a total of 83,720 passengers. The figures represent a notable increase compared to July 2025, when 51 cruise vessels arrived carrying 76,507 passengers, and July 2024, which welcomed 49 cruise ships and approximately 80,000 visitors.
The strong performance during the peak of the summer season highlights Rhodes’ enduring appeal to both cruise lines and international travelers. From its UNESCO-listed Medieval Town and picturesque villages to its pristine beaches and renowned hospitality, the island continues to rank among the Mediterranean’s favorite cruise ports.
The picture for the first seven months of the year is more moderate. Between January and the end of July 2026, Rhodes welcomed 194 cruise ships carrying 256,431 passengers, compared with 206 cruise calls and 275,464 passengers during the same period in 2025.
According to industry sources, the decline is largely attributed to geopolitical developments in the wider Middle East, which disrupted several cruise itineraries across the Eastern Mediterranean. As a result, a number of scheduled calls to Rhodes and other regional destinations were affected.
Despite the softer performance during the first half of the year, July’s impressive results have boosted confidence for the remainder of the 2026 cruise season. The Port of Rhodes remains a key stop on many Mediterranean itineraries, offering visitors easy access to the island’s rich heritage, vibrant local culture, exceptional cuisine, and stunning coastline.
Looking ahead, more than 500,000 cruise passengers are expected to visit Rhodes by the end of the year, bringing the island close to last year's record levels and reaffirming its status as one of the Mediterranean’s premier cruise destinations.
