Santorini Earthquakes Update: Cruise Ships Change Course, Scientists Warn of Uncertain Outlook

With the seismic activity in Santorini continuing into its third week, the travel industry is not taking any chances.

Earlier this month, Greece declared a state of emergency in Santorini, Amorgos, and Anafi due to swarms of undersea earthquakes. Since Jan. 31, 2025, over 12,000 tremors have rocked the Aegean Sea region.

The Santorini earthquakes worsened last week, with the most severe tremors on Monday, Feb. 10 exceeding 5 magnitudes. On Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025, more tremors were felt in the region, with a 5.1 magnitude quake hitting northeast of Oía (via UNESCO).

Already thousands of residents and workers have evacuated the island. On Monday, Feb. 17, Civil Protection Minister Vassilis Kikilias announced plans to construct an emergency escape port to be used in the case of a wide-scale evacuation (via Independent).

According to seismologist Costas Papazachos, who spoke to state-run ERT radio on Monday, the outlook for Santorini is hard to predict.  

“We are monitoring not only seismographs but also numerous other systems that track ground deformation, gas emissions, and satellite data,” said Papazachos. “At this moment, I can honestly say we do not have a definitive forecast, as it is too early to assess the current slight de-escalation of seismic activity. We have encountered many surprises” (via AP).

How the Travel Industry Is Responding to the Santorini Earthquakes

While there has been no major damage to the popular tourist destination, the unprecedented seismic activity is concerning for scientists—and travelers. 

The Hellenic Coast Guard is currently enforcing traffic limits in the port of Athinios, the port of Ammoudi bay, the port of Fira bay, the port of Korfos of Thirassia and the bay of Armeni.  

Despite the uncertainty around Santorini, demand for Greece in general remains strong. Petros G. Zissimos, managing director of Greece-specialist Hellenic Holidays, said his business has so far been unaffected by the earthquakes.

“Certainly, clients with upcoming trips are concerned,” he told TMR. “We are walking them through the process with the emphasis on safety first.”

The Travel Lifestyle Specialist Rey Alton (Almeda Travel) told TMR that he also hasn’t had any cancellations yet, but is monitoring the situation closely.

“Santorini remains a top choice for our honeymoon clients, despite some concerns about recent earthquake activity,” Alton told TMR. “Our honeymooners are especially committed. Santorini isn’t just a trip, it’s their dream. We’re keeping travelers informed and working with partners to ensure a smooth experience.”

Cruise Lines Change Course to Avoid Santorini Seismic Activity

While this is the off-season for Santorini, there were cruise lines planning ports of call in the Aegean this month and next.

Viking Star was scheduled to be Santorini’s first cruise ship of the season. Viking canceled the stop, instead docking at the port of Souda in Crete on Feb. 10. The cruise line also canceled its Feb. 15 port of call, diverting to Kuşadasi (Ephesus), Turkey.

Viking’s next scheduled call in Santorini is March 11.

A Viking representative told TMR the cruise line “is continuing to monitor the situation and will make changes if necessary, notifying any impacted guests and their travel advisors directly.”

Celestyal has replaced its stops in Santorini with an extended call to Crete for its Iconic Greek Sailings.

‘‘We continuously monitor our global operations, including the recent seismic activity recorded in the Aegean. In line with recent Greek government advice, we will be updating our itineraries, proactively replacing Santorini for sailings departing in March and April this year,” a Celestyal representative told TMR. 

“We are in the process of informing all affected customers and partners and have also advised them that we are committed to return to the island as soon as the government advice changes. Therefore, if the situation improves and we can ensure the safety and enjoyment of our guests and crew, we will return to Santorini during this time.”

While tour operator G Adventures does not have any current itineraries in the affected region, the company was set to launch trips around the Greek islands in April. G Adventures announced new yachts for these itineraries back in October.

“The experience and safety of our travellers is our top priority and we are currently developing contingency itineraries, should operations in Santorini not be possible. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and, should itinerary alterations be necessary, we will notify our travellers and agent partners accordingly,” G Adventures said in a statement.