Port of Hamburg Sets a New Record with 280 Calls

Cruise Gate Hamburg (CGH) set a new record with 280 calls in the 2022 cruise season, ending it with a positive outlook.

According to a press release, so far Hamburg has received 280 calls by 49 different ships from 20 cruise lines, ten maiden calls, one christening and roughly 750,000 passengers as well as 41 calls by river cruise ships.

“After two years of pandemic-related restrictions, cruise shipping in Hamburg has made a strong comeback,” commented Simone Maraschi, managing director of CGH.

“At 280 calls the 2022 cruise season has seen the most calls ever at Hamburg, surpassing even pre-pandemic levels (2019: 210 calls). We are very happy about the high demand for cruises departing from Hamburg. For us, it is proof that the enormous efforts and the adaptability demonstrated by the entire industry during the COVID-19 pandemic are truly appreciated.”

CGH is expecting an even better cruise season in 2023. The port expects another record number of calls (283) and a further 37 calls by river cruise ships.

Apart from that, cruise fans in Hamburg can look forward to multiple entertainment events including eight maiden calls scheduled for 2023 as well as a celebration of the 834th port anniversary. 

Hamburg is also working on strengthening its position as one of Europe’s most sustainable ports. 

Jens Meier, CEO of the Hamburg Port Authority AöR, said: “Ports play a crucial role in decarbonization and keeping the air clean. Shore-side electricity enables us to significantly reduce ships’ emissions while they are docking at the Port of Hamburg.

“By rapidly expanding its shore power facilities, the Port of Hamburg shows its commitment to protecting the environment and takes account of the expectations Hamburg’s citizens have of a city port. We are looking forward to being one of Europe’s first ports to offer both cruise ships and container vessels shore-based power at the berth in 2025.”

In 2022, 30 cruise ships relied on the Altona shore power station. In 2023, 12 more ships will undergo integration tests so they can become certified and use the shore power station while they’re docked. 

AIDA Cruises to Offer World Cup Live Action Across Its Fleet

Carnival Corporation’s AIDA Cruises has announced that the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar will be broadcast on all twelve ships of its fleet, according to a press release.

The German cruise line will place an emphasis on games with German participation, which guests will be able to watch live on LED screens in the Theatrum, pool deck, and Four Elements area. World-class experts and a football show team comprised of freestyle athletes will add to the World Cup atmosphere onboard on select sailings, according to AIDA Cruises.

The AIDAprima’s metropolitan voyage will feature an impressive football program with ball acrobatics, while football fans can learn tricks and juggle at upcoming workshops. The 7-day voyage departs from Hamburg on November 19, 2022, with the big event starting the next day.

The freestylers will also be onboard the AIDAbella during World Cup match days, offering an entertaining program in their trick camps on both the “Great Winter Break Canaries” and “Great Winter Break Caribbean” sailings.

Pedro Gonzalez will be a guest onboard the AIDAdiva as World Cup host during the Caribbean voyage “Antilles & Mexico.” A sports scientist, the DFB fitness trainer has coached world champions such as André Schürrle, Toni Kroos, and Thomas Müller, as well as Olympic champions in cycling and boxing. During the World Cup, he will report from the field and host the round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final on December 18, 2022.

Moreover, the AIDA crew’s expert panel will provide entertainment and enhance the football atmosphere during the live broadcasts. The onboard program further includes public viewing events, a “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” football and World Cup special, fan talk rounds, betting games, and football quizzes.

MSC Euribia to sail from Southampton in 2023


MSC Cruises has revealed that the new ship MSC Euribia will offer sailings out of Southampton from October 2023 and throughout winter 2023/24.

Itineraries will include visits to destinations such as Amsterdam, Bruges and Paris. There will be five-night options, from £359pp, seven-night cruises starting at £499pp and a 21-night itinerary departing on 5 January 2024 and calling at Casablanca, the Canary Islands and Lisbon, with prices starting at £2,399pp.

Launching in 2023, MSC Euribia is set to be “a truly sustainable ship”, the line said.

It will be the second ship in the MSC fleet to be powered by liquefied natural gas. The hull artwork, designed by artist Alex Flämig and called#SaveTheSea, was chosen to represent “MSC Cruises’ message of dedication to helping protect the marine ecosystem”, according to a statement.

MSC Euribia ‘leading sustainability’

MSC Cruises UK & Ireland managing director Antonio Paradiso said: “We are committed to offering the best possible experience for our guests from the UK and Ireland and that is why our newest ship, MSC Euribia, will be in the UK during 2023 and 2024.

“Since our first full ex-UK season back in 2018, we’ve seen a huge demand for stress-free, no-fly cruises from Southampton on board MSC Virtuosa.

“Basing MSC Euribia in the UK will help us to build on this success by offering our UK customers the chance to experience one of the most impressive cruise experiences offering leading sustainability technology and cutting-edge design features.”