A celebration of cruises and a spectacular highlight

Hamburg, 20 August 2022 – A longing for ocean travel and the fascination of cruises: no other event showcases this captivating combination quite like the Hamburg Cruise Days. On the second day of the event, thousands of visitors along the riverside in Hamburg’s port enjoyed an inspiring shore programme as well as a spectacular evening display of two cruise ships accompanied by lights, drones and music on the Elbe River.

A joyful atmosphere and majestic cruise ships, an immersive shore programme and a unique multimedia show in the evening. On the second day, the Hamburg Cruise Days impressively  demonstrated that even in the smaller, boutique version as the Hamburg Cruise Days pur, the event truly remains in a class of its own. In glorious weather, thousands of visitors enjoyed the maritime festival between Landungsbrücken and Kehrwiederspitze in the port of Hamburg on Saturday.

The highlight of the second day was the spectacular meeting of two giant cruise ships – a colourful, spellbinding encounter between the AIDAprima and the MSC Magnifica against the impressive backdrop of the Blue Port Hamburg illuminations. The Pas de deux on blue was one of those uniquely thrilling showcases that make the Hamburg Cruise Days so special.

Saturday evening: an artistic homage to Hamburg, cruises and travel
Even before the highlight of the evening started, guests in the port and along the Elbe were treated to unforgettable sights: the AIDAprima left Steinwerder at around 21:15 to take up her position between the Elbphilharmonie and the Überseebrücke with her bow pointing down the Elbe; simultaneously, the MSC Magnifica arrived “just in time” in the Port of Hamburg, manoeuvring in front of the Landungsbrücken with her bow pointing up the Elbe.

At 22:35, against the backdrop of Blue Port Hamburg, spectators were treated to a breath-taking display with the AIDAprima, which belongs to the fleet of the Hamburg Cruise Days premium partner, AIDA Cruises, and the MSC Magnifica. The two cruise giants were joined by a fire-fighting boat, which played a literally central role: the Branddirektor Westphal, Hamburg’s largest fire-fighting boat, positioned itself between the AIDAprima and the MSC Magnifica and added illuminated water fountains from its fire-fighting pumps to the extravaganza.

The presentation was a combination of a spectacular light show, music, projections onto the side of the AIDAprima – including waves, the signature AIDA kissing lips and a declaration of love to the city of Hamburg – and images drawn into the city’s night sky by 270 drones. In addition to Hamburg’s landmarks like the Elbphilharmonie concert hall, the Michel church and the Gateway to the World, the “pas de deux” naturally featured two dancers. The show ended at 22:50 with a clear message from Hamburg to the world: a peace sign made of drones brought the spectacular evening to a close.

The MSC Magnifica departed for her berth at the Cruise Terminal Steinwerder, where she remains until 19:00 on Sunday. The AIDAprima sailed down the Elbe on her way to Bergen, Norway.

“We are delighted to be part of this impressive light show with AIDAprima. The display not only lit up the sky above the Elbe, but also the faces of the people of Hamburg and all the visitors who have longed to again be part of a thrilling event that celebrates the sheer joy of travel”, said Hansjörg Kunze, Vice President Communication & Sustainability of AIDA Cruises.

Light artist Michael Batz was responsible for designing the show, and technical implementation was handled by Jasper Poensgen of JP Mobile Spaces. “The Pas de deux on blue is the encounter of two divas on the blue element against the backdrop of Hamburg’s iconic landmarks”, explained Michael Batz. “It is an homage to the city of Hamburg and travel – and to togetherness. This show intends to send out a strong message of hope in these turbulent times.”

That aim was certainly achieved – and for all involved it was also cause for special celebration, as the pandemic had made planning this year’s event a particular challenge. “Creating such a bold and inspiring highlight under these difficult circumstances and seeing just how the spectators were captivated and inspired fills us with great joy”, said the organisers Katja Derow (redroses communications GmbH) and Uwe Bergmann (uba gmbh).

The Hamburg Cruise Days pur will run until 20:00 on Sunday, 21 August 2022, giving cruise fans and those who want to dip a toe in the water of cruise holidays the opportunity to find inspiration, to stroll along the riverside and discover the many different facets of cruising. Blue Port Hamburg will continue to light up the waterfront of the port until 28 August.

The second day of the Hamburg Cruise Days also went peacefully and smoothly.

The organisers strongly advise all visitors to use public transport to get to the event on Sunday. Information about road closures due to the Bemer Cyclassics cycle race which takes place on the same day can be found at https://www.cyclassics-hamburg.de/das-event/verkehrsinfo/.