QM2 Visists Hamburg

Queen Mary 2, making her 10th call to this port city, brought out the crowds once again yesterday. This time Queen Mary 2 hosted the opening ceremony of the first ever ‘Hamburg Cruise Days’ extravaganza – 5 days centred around the port, showing that Hamburg is one of the key gateways to the world. Over the next 5 days many different ships will be calling in Hamburg including Aida Aura, and several will be taking part in the festivities. In addition there will be concerts and exhibitions around the port and the city.

In a ceremony up on deck under a balmy, clear evening sky, over 100 guests witnessed the moment when actor Til Schweiger (known by some as the Pierce Brosnan of Germany) and a man who needs no introduction – Boris Becker (who looked as sexy as ever – but gosh how tall!)pushed ‘the button’ alongside Captain Chris Wells and Senator Doctor Fritag of Hamburg City, which literally turned the city – and the ship – blue. Then moments later fireworks lit up the night sky. Boris and Til had taken dinner in Queen Mary 2’s Todd English restaurant before the ceremony and were amazed at the size and grandeur of the vessel. Maybe they’ll sail with us next time!

Earlier in the day over 400 guests toured Queen Mary 2 and the ship hosted a concert by chart topping German jazz singer Roger Cicero. It was certainly a day to remember, as the press showed this morning when Queen Mary 2 yet again dominated the papers.

Official Press Release Cunard Cruises dated 31st July 2008.

Aida Get Two New Builds

Aida Cruises, a Germany based company and part of the Carnival Corporation are to receive two new builds, they will be 71,000-ton, 2,174-passengers vessels and scheduled to enter service in April 2011 and May 2012. The cost Euro 380 million each. A third new build has had its design modified to be the same size as the two new orders, this as of yet an unnamed ship will arrive in service in 2010.

Already on order are the AIDAbella, due out in April 2008, and an as-yet-unnamed sister ship in April 2009. AIDAdiva, was introduced earlier this year when Aida Cruises lost AIDAblue to Ocean Village a division of P&O Cruises, which at the time looked good for Ocean Village and yet they would probably benefit more from a new build than Aida Cruises.

Aida Cruises are in direct competition with TUI AG, the other German line that is being bought by Royal Caribbean.