By
Rebecca Gibson |
This article was first published in the Autumn/Winter 2016 issue of International Cruise & Ferry Review. All information was correct at the time of printing, but may since have changed.
Operating according to the motto ‘small but mighty’, the Hanseatic city of Wismar in northern Germany proves that smaller destinations can attract cruise visitors and play a major role in the Baltic Sea market. Columbus Cruise Center Wismar (CCCW), which is responsible for operating the terminal, promotes Wismar as an ideal destination for companies with cruise ships smaller than 240m in length.
This year, the port will welcome six inaugural visits, including a maiden call from Silversea Cruises’ Silver Wind on 1 July.
“Tourism representatives from Wismar and CCCW collaborate closely to attract cruise calls and this work is supported by both citizens and town fathers of the Hanseatic City,” says Veit Hürdler, a managing director at CCCW. “This cooperation has led to exceptionally high satisfaction levels for both cruise companies and their passengers.”
In fact, notes Hürdler, Fred. Olsen Cruise Line’s passengers ranked Wismar as the second best destination on their Baltic cruise this May.
“This result is a great achievement, particularly because most Baltic cruises take guests to big ports, so Wismar delivers a completely different tourist experience,” comments Hürdler. “In addition to enjoying visits to Wismar’s wonderful old town, guests feel welcomed by our local citizens.”
Wismar has started a €3 million project to expand and upgrade the existing cruise facilities for the winter 2016-2017 season. The scope of work includes constructing a small terminal building and a fixed border that meets International Ship and Port Facility Security requirements, and Wismar’s historic preservation guidelines. Engineers will also make improvements to mooring facilities and make it easier for ships to access fresh water.
Next year, CCCW will work with its partner Columbus Cruise Center Bremerhaven (CCCB) to host Cruise Europe’s major annual conference in Bremerhaven.
“We will take advantage of this opportunity to showcase Wismar as a cruise destination and to maximise synergies with Bremerhaven,” explains Hürdler, who is also responsible for managing operations at CCCB. “Cruise lines that were initially impressed with our services at Bremerhaven have now been cruising to Wismar for several years. We are particularly proud that German cruise lines increasingly include Wismar as a destination on their itineraries.”