Port Kiel Germany started cruise season 2021 on the Whitsun weekend (May 22-23). AIDA Cruises' ship AIDAsol was already berthed at Ostseekai Terminal and departed on Saturday evening for a 4-day voyage.
The terminal facilities and technical equipment at the Port were ready for the cruise ships, handling concepts were tested, the safety and hygiene concepts were closely coordinated with the shipping companies and authorities.
Following the departure of AIDAsol, TUI Cruises' ship Mein Schiff 1 moved from Ostuferhafen to the Ostseekai Terminal on Saturday evening to take guests onboard there on Sunday. The liner set sail on Whit Sunday at 7:30 p.m.
The first Baltic Sea cruises will initially take place without shore trips. Until the end of June 2021, AIDAsol will be in Kiel on Wednesdays / Saturdays, while Mein Schiff 1 is expected on Sundays for passenger turnaround.
The 3rd to join the fleet in May is Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ ship Hanseatic Inspiration.
At the end of June, AIDAsol will be replaced by the bigger AIDAprima in Kiel. MSC Cruises will also be present in the Port with MSC Seaview which will sail 7-day cruises from Ostuferhafen from July 3 until the autumn.