By
Rebecca Gibson |
Cruise & Maritime Voyages’ Magellan returned to Aalborg in Denmark for the first time in 30 years on 16 July.
Built over the course of three years and delivered by Aalborg Shipyard in 1985, the ship was originally christened Holiday and her completion marked the end of the yard’s shipbuilding tradition. Able to accommodate 1,800 passengers and 600 crew, the nine-deck ship had ten restaurants, a hospital, a fitness centre and several swimming pools, making it Scandinavia’s largest new passenger ship. At a cost of DKK1.5 billion, she was also the result of a record-breaking contract for a single vessel.
Magellan was welcomed to the quayside with a salute from Aalborg’s Cannon Society and many of the 3,800 workers who built the ship. Around 100 of these workers boarded the ship to attend a Plaque and Keys ceremony and enjoy a tour and dinner in one of the restaurants.
When Magellan returns to Aalborg this October, more shipyard workers will be welcomed onboard.
“There is no doubt that Magellan is very important to Aalborg – she is the pride of the city and its former shipyard,” said Ole Brøndum, sales and marketing manager at Port of Aalborg. “This is clear from the crowds that were at the quay to welcome her back, and not least from the enthusiastic response to the exclusive onboard event. We’re so excited that Cruise & Maritime Voyages has brought her back to give the many people and ship yard workers the great experience of a reunion with one of the yard’s most extraordinary achievements.”
During the event, CMV’s commercial director Christopher Coates was presented with the ‘Aalborg Hot Dog of Honour’ for his work to increase the line’s calls in Aalborg and for bringing Magellan back to the city.
Local bronze sculptor Lene Steffensen created the award, which is inspired by the port’s tradition of offering free Danish hot dogs to every visiting cruise passenger. It is awarded to cruise industry figures that have made a difference to Aalborg and has only had five recipients to date.
“Giving Christopher Coates the Aalborg Hot Dog of Honour was the obvious thing to do. Our teamwork is second-to-none, as testified by his frequent visits to Aalborg with both the Marco Polo and the Ocean Countess,” said Brøndum. “That said, the award should also be seen as a token of our gratitude for bringing the Magellan back to Aalborg, thereby giving the city, its people and not least the former workers of Aalborg Shipyard the great experience of a reunion with one of the yard’s most extraordinary achievements.”
This year CMV will make four calls in Aalborg - a partner of the Cruise Baltic Network - making it one of the port’s most loyal customers.