Island Princess Kicks Off Taranto’s Exciting 2025 Cruise Season

The Island Princess made its inaugural visit to Port Taranto, Italy, on April 13, 2025, signaling the beginning of the cruise season for the year. This season is expected to attract around 124,000 cruise tourists from April through October.

The Island Princess, a Coral-class ship operated by Princess Cruises, arrived as part of its extensive world cruise itinerary, which includes stops at 51 ports across six continents and covers 26 countries, featuring several UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This debut marks Taranto’s inclusion in a prestigious global cruise route.

For the 2025 season, Taranto is set to host 35 arrivals from seven different cruise lines, with Costa Crociere leading the way with 16 calls scheduled by the Costa Fascinosa. Other confirmed operators include P&O (7 calls), TUI (6), and Azamara (3). Notably, Taranto will also welcome two new participants: AIDA (1 call) and an unnamed American operator referred to as “Mystery Cruise,” which will announce its identity on April 21st.

The Port Network Authority of the Ionian Sea highlighted the collaborative efforts made over the last decade to enhance cruise operations in Taranto, positioning it as an attractive Mediterranean destination. The consistent growth in passenger handling and operational logistics has boosted the confidence of cruise lines in this port.

Passengers have provided positive feedback about Taranto, especially appreciating its rich cultural, environmental, and culinary experiences. The port’s endorsement by high-end and premium cruise operators emphasizes its increasing importance in the cruise industry.

As the 2025 season unfolds, it is expected that Taranto will solidify its reputation in the cruise market and foster ongoing commercial and tourism growth. The increase in cruise traffic is viewed as a key driver for sustainable economic benefits for both the port and the wider region.

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