German actress named AIDA newbuild during Hamburg Port Authority's 827th anniversary
By
Rebecca Gibson |
German actress Emma Schweiger christened AIDA Cruises’ AIDAprima in front of approximately 1.6 million people in Hamburg, Germany on 7 May.
Accompanied by AIDAprima’s captain Detlef Harms, the 13-year-old actress named the vessel at the Harbor Piers, where she was berthed alongside AIDAaura. The christening was marked by an onboard music and light show, as well as a fireworks display.
“You beautiful ship, I christen you with the name AIDAprima,” said Schweiger. “I wish you, your guests, and your crew safe journeys and a hand-width of water under your keel at all times.”
AIDAprima, which moored at the new Cruise Center Steinwerder earlier in the day, is designed to operate safely in winter, allowing her to become the first cruise vessel to homeport year-round in Hamburg. The vessel will provide regular seven-day roundtrips from the Cruise Center Steinwerder to Western European cities such as London, UK; Paris, France; Brussels, Belgium; and Amsterdam, Netherlands.
“The christening was an emotional moment for me – I’m very proud of our new ship and the great public interest reflects the fascination for cruising,” said Felix Eichhorn, president of AIDA. “Twenty years ago in 1996, AIDA caused a revolution on the seas with its concept of a relaxed cruise. With AIDAprima and the next three new ships to be built, we are once again charting new territory in the tourism industry, and will continue to drive additional important growth in the German cruise market.
Hamburg Port Authority also marked its 827th anniversary on 7 May.