By
Rebecca Gibson |
Fifteen cruise ships visited the Port of Kiel in Germany as part of the Kieler Woche sailing regatta between 17 and 25 June 2017.
Visitors included Phoenix Reisen’s Albatros, Fred. Olsen’s Cruise Line’s Black Watch, MSC Cruises’ MSC Fantasia, TUI Cruises’ new Mein Schiff 6, and four AIDA Cruises’ vessels – AIDAvita, AIDAcara, AIDAluna and AIDAbella. On 21 June, Cunard Line’s Queen Elizabeth and P&O Cruises’ Arcadia also berthed side by side at the Ostseekai Cruise Terminal.
“The Kieler Woche – with its sailing competitions and cultural programme and even as a marine meeting opportunity – has always been an international event,” said Dirk Claus, managing director at the port. “The cruise ships fit into this context very well and also provide their guests with a unique visitor experience.”
Four river cruise ships spent several days in Kiel during the regatta, while passenger ferries from Color Line, DFDS and Stena Line also made calls.
“The Kieler Woche is one of the biggest highlights of the cruise shipping season, both as far as the number of ships and the passenger totals are concerned,” said Claus. “During peak periods, more than 15,000 travellers embark or disembark from ships at the port’s different terminal facilities.”
This year, more than 28 cruise ships are scheduled to make a total of 142 calls in Kiel. More than two million passengers are expected to board or leave a ferry or cruise ship, with around half a million of these being cruise travellers.