HAMBURG - It all started on 1 May with the MSC Splendida from MSC Cruises. At 333 metres long, 37 metres wide and with 1,637 cabins for up to 4,300 guests, it is the largest passenger ship that will set sail from the Hanseatic city this summer. On 1 May, at the maiden call in Hamburg, MSC Splendida expected a gala reception with the traditional handing over of the plaque between captain and port captain. At the ceremony, Hamburg's Senator for Economics, Frank Horch and MSC-executive chairman Pierfrancesco Vago were also on board, to exchange the symbolic gifts. At the HafenCity Cruise Centre, in addition to the on board official ceremony, there was a festival for the whole family, for visitors and boat enthusiasts alike. On offer was a colourful stage show with live music, exciting acts and entertainment for both young and old.
On the following weekend from 8 to 10 May 2015, the festivities were focused on the 826th Port anniversary. For the port anniversary, six cruise ships made their appearance (‘AIDAbella’, ‘AIDAsol’, ‘Amadea’, ‘Artania’, ‘Europe 2’, and ‘Queen Elizabeth’). The ‘Amadea’ and ‘Europe 2’ made multiple visits to the port during this time. The highlight was Saturday night, when the traditional AIDA fireworks lit up the night sky over Hamburg. Despite the stormy weather, hundreds of thousands of onlookers flocked to the jetties to take part in the 826th Hamburg Harbour anniversary celebrations. On the river Elbe, the AIDAbella cruise ship presented a laser show. This year, AIDA Cruises is also the main sponsor of the biggest maritime folk festival.
Further first maiden calls in this packed month were ‘Ocean Diamond’ on 12 May, Poseidon Expeditions’ ‘Sea Spirit’ on 16 May, followed by TUI Cruises ‘Mein Schiff 4’ on 22 May.
To ensure the success of the maiden calls, the Hamburg Cruise Centre (HCC) is on hand for cruise lines. A welcome with a sea shanty: not something you get on every cruise. But on 30 April, for the approximately 3,500 guests of the ‘Regal Princess’, the HHLA shanty choir belted out loud and clear - a gift from the HCC in honour of the first point of call of the Princess Cruises shipping company’s newest fleet member. To celebrate a ship’s launch in a fitting manner, the HCC offers cruise companies a whole range of services, such as support for PR activities, or even a welcome with a firefighter boat. And if you have something else in mind - no problem: The HCC sees itself as a creative partner for everything connected to the ship’s visit.
"It is important to us, that a ship’s maiden call, or even a first visit by a cruise line to our Hanseatic city, is a special experience. After several years of working on acquisitions, receiving the ship in the port of Hamburg is the crowning glory and will be attended to by us with all means at our disposal," stated Nadine Palatz, HCC e.V management.
In May, the HCC expected around 40 ports of call with an accompanying passenger volume of over 100,000.
