For four days, more than 500 seafaring vessels, among them tall sailing boats, traditional ships, and majestic cruise liners, presented a varied program on Hamburg’s waterfront, at the annual port anniversary. Highlights included the opening and closing ship parades and the “Tugboat Ballet” on Saturday, during which tugboats “waltzed with each other” on the water to the tune of Johann Strauss.
Very special birthday gifts were the christening ceremony for the world´s most luxurious cruise liner EUROPA 2, the visits of more than 13 cruise ships over the weekend, including the Queen Mary 2, and a spectacular fireworks display in the heart of Hamburg’s port. The event once again demonstrated that Hamburg has found its place as a top cruise liner destination in Europe.