Cowes Harbour welcomed the first cruise ship visit of the year on Friday (22nd April), when HANSEATIC Inspiration made her maiden call to the Isle of Wight.
To mark the occasion, a traditional plaque exchange took place on Cowes Parade. The captain of HANSEATIC Inspiration, Captain Ulf Wolter, was presented with a commemorative plaque by Gary Hall, Cowes Harbour Commission chief executive. In return, Captain Wolter presented Gary Hall with the ship’s name plaque, which will be displayed in the Harbour Office.
Made of carbon fibre, steel and aluminium, the Cowes Harbour Commission plaque represents the shipbuilding and maritime heritage of the twin towns of Cowes and East Cowes.
After disembarking at Trinity Landing, cruise guests from Germany, Netherlands and Belgium enjoyed exploring Cowes in the spring sunshine while others took a scenic coach tour of the Island.
Julian Pfitzner, CEO of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises said:
“Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is honoured to be making the first international cruise ship call this year at Cowes Harbour. It is a very special occasion for us since our expedition vessel the HANSEATIC inspiration has never called at the Isle of Wight before. After stops on the Isles of Scilly and Fowey, our guests enjoyed the beauty of the Isle of Wight and the town of Cowes. We would like to thank all our partners who have given us such fantastic support with the preparations on-site.”
Gary Hall, Cowes Harbour Commission chief executive, said:
“It is our pleasure to welcome HANSEATIC Inspiration to Cowes, and we look forward to welcoming her and her sister Hapag-Lloyd Cruise ships back to Cowes later this year.”
Article continues below this advertisement “Cruise ship visits are an excellent way to share the beauty and hospitality of the Isle of Wight with more visitors, and we are working hard to make Cowes a call of choice for the smaller luxury cruise ships.
HANSEATIC Inspiration is the first of 15 cruise ships due to call in Cowes this year. The next vessel due is the Sea Cloud Spirit, a 136m modern sailing windjammer, which arrives on 10th June.
Be fantastic if there were regular visits from small cruise ships and even perhaps the opportunity to to board from the Island and actually join the cruise!