12.11.2023
Hamburg, 13 November 2023 – For the first time Hamburg has passed an historical milestone in its cruise shipping history. On 12 November 2023 Hamburg welcomed the one-millionth cruise passenger when the MSC Euribia docked in the Hanseatic city. The happy winner and his family were greeted at the Cruise Center Steinwerder by the management and the team of Cruise Gate Hamburg GmbH (CGH) and other leading figures of the city as well as from the political and media worlds.
Simone Maraschi, Managing Director of CGH, emphasised just how important the event was. "Welcoming the one-millionth guest is a very special moment that is not only important to us as the operators of the city’s cruise terminals but to our partners and the city of Hamburg as well. The cruise industry has quickly recovered from the pandemic, and Hamburg has become an attractive all-year-round cruise destination, in particular due to winter cruising. Trips to appealing destinations beginning from the Port of Hamburg offered by the shipping companies in the cold months are highly popular. We wish the one-millionth guest and all future visitors unforgettable cruise trips to and from Hamburg.”
Dr Peter Tschentscher, First Mayor of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg: "One million cruise passengers within one year - this number demonstrates how attractive Hamburg is for international cruises and tourism. The industry is an important pillar for the economy and the attractiveness of our city. Many cultural, sports and leisure activities are made possible by tourism and are equally attractive for both, the local residents of Hamburg, as well as our guests from abroad. The Senate and the cruise lines are committed to more climate and environmental protection. Cruise ships are equipped with modern, more environmentally friendly propulsion systems and are increasingly using shore power during their stay in port. Hamburg is the leading port in Europe in the installation of shore-side power technology. All cruise and large container terminals are being equipped with shore power connections."
The lucky four-member family - the parents travelled with their two little children - were waiting at the terminal to board the newest MSC ship, when they were surprised by Iris Scheel and Simone Maraschi, Managing Directors of CGH, who congratulated the family together with Dr Peter Tschentscher, First Mayor of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, Christian Hein, Managing Director of MSC Cruises Germany, and other stakeholders, and were presented with an adventure holiday package in Hamburg.
The MSC Euribia, which recently celebrated her maiden call at Hamburg on 8 October 2023, is the second LNG-powered vessel of the MSC fleet. The ship can be connected to shore power. Hamburg is firmly committed to expanding its shore power infrastructure and will continue this strategy. It is currently building a new alternative marine power station at Cruise Center HafenCity, which is expected to start operations in the spring of 2025. From 2025, Hamburg will be one of the first European ports that offer environmentally-friendly shore power at all permanent terminals.
On the occasion of welcoming the one-millionth cruise passenger CGH presented a list of the calls planned for 2024. After the 2023 season, which at 280 calls by the end of the year will be the season with the most calls so far, 2024 is currently expected to see 270 calls. Among others, ten cruise ships will be on their maiden voyages to Hamburg (Azamara Onward, COSTA Favolosa, Mein Schiff 7, National Geographic Explorer, Ocean Albatros, Queen Anne, Seabourn Quest, Sirena and Sky Princess), including one from Disney Cruise Line whose `Disney Dream´ is scheduled to call at Hamburg for the first time on 3 September 2024.
The cruise schedule 2024 is available at: https://www.cruisegate-hamburg.de/en/expected-vessels/
