The record set by Columbus Cruise Center Bremerhaven in 2018 has been broken again in 2019
An exceptionally successful and exciting cruise year at the Columbus Cruise Center Bremerhaven (CCCB) came to a close on October 9, 2019 with the final visit of the “ms Artania”. Looking back on the season at Columbus Cruise Center Bremerhaven (CCCB), we were able to welcome a total of almost 120 cruise vessels.
Records had already been set at CCCB in 2017 and 2018, with about 170,000 passengers welcomed in 2017 and approximately 240,000 last year. In 2019, these figures have been surpassed once again by a grand total of roughly 250,000. Similar numbers are expected next year.
The highlights of season 2019
The traditional meeting of the Phoenix fleet is and remains a highlight at the Columbus Cruise Center Bremerhaven. On August 4, 2019, the time had come again for the four cruise vessels “ms Amadea”, “ms Albatros”, “ms Artania” and “ms Deutschland” to create a spectacular maritime event, which will be remembered in Bremerhaven for many years to come.
The season also included some special celebrations. The “ms Vasco da Gama” and the “ms Amera” were both christened in Bremerhaven accompanied by much media attention. On Whit Sunday, in the middle of the River Weser, the 220 metres long cruise vessel “ms Vasco Da Gama” was officially given its new name. Throngs of interested spectators were able to follow proceedings via a live broadcast to open-air screens on Willy-Brandt Square in Bremerhaven. The festivities included a fireworks display and live music, as well, of course, as the breaking of the champagne bottle on the side of the ship by the sponsor, singer Annett Louisan.
On Friday August 16, 2019 the “ms Amera” was christened at the CCCB quayside. The sponsor on this occasion was Petra Kaiser, an employee at Phoenix Reisen with over forty years of service. The “ms Amera” was welcomed into the Bonn-based tour operator’s fleet in an intimate and distinguished ceremony before setting out on its maiden voyage.
The “ms Berlin” made a total of three visits to Bremerhaven this season! A highlight for all those involved as well as many spectators was the processing of the “ms Berlin” by CCCB for the tour operators FTI Cruises – right in the middle of town! And, of course, everything was done professionally and in compliance with all security standards. A car crane stood ready at the quayside to heave the fifty tonnes of provisions and baggage on board.
This season also saw the premieres of four ships at CCCB – the “ms Mein Schiff 2”, “ms AIDAcara”, “ms Amera” and the “ms Vasco da Gama”.
The closing of this season will coincide with the farewell of a highly esteemed colleague. Wilfried Probst (Manager Ship Operations) will go into well-deserved retirement after 15 years of loyal service at CCCB. Over many years, he has made an enormous contribution to the success of our terminal. We thank him for his dedication during his time at CCCB and wish him all the very best in this new chapter of life.
(Columbus Cruise Center – Bremerhaven)
