Cruise ships form floating athletes’ village for Taranto 2026

Aroya and MS Romantika have reached the naval base in Taranto, where they will provide accommodation for athletes and delegations attending the 2026 Mediterranean Games.

Organisers expect approximately 4,000 athletes representing 26 Mediterranean countries to participate in the event, which is scheduled to run from August 21 through September 3. The two vessels are intended to address one of the Games’ principal accommodation requirements.

The International Committee of the Mediterranean Games previously said Aroya was scheduled to arrive on August 16, followed by the second vessel on August 17. According to the committee, the athletes’ village was due to open on August 18.

Together, the ships create a floating athletes’ village within the Mar Grande naval station, the main base of the Italian Navy. The temporary ship-based arrangement will accommodate thousands of competitors and delegation members during the Games.