Newsletter July 2006
01.07.2006
Four Vessels at Columbus Cruise Center Bremerhaven
On June 02, June 14 and July 01, all four flagships of Phoenix Tours of Bonn had the same destination - the Columbus Cruise Center in Bremerhaven. The "Albatros“, "Maxim Gorki“, "Alexander von Humboldt“ and the "Amadea“ were expected in Bremerhaven on the same day.
On these days, about 4,500 passengers started or ended their cruise at CCCB. By early evening, more than 9,000 suitcases had been moved before the well-stocked ships set off from the Columbus Quay for Norway, Sweden and Denmark. This logistical masterpiece was rounded off by loading about 380 tons of provisions on board the vessels. For those in charge at the Bremerhaven terminal, it meant a high degree of flexibility and professionalism.
Benjamin Krumpen, Managing Director of Phoenix Tours, praised the swift and competent handling at the terminal. Oliver Krüss, Captain of the "Amadea“, echoed this: "It's a little like Formula One racing here: our ships rush in for a boxstop, thousands get on and off, and a few hours later, we're back at sea."
Jubilee Celebration
To celebrate the third anniversary of the new CCCB, the terminaloperating company invited guests from business and politics to a reception on July 07. The modernised cruise terminal was inaugurated in May 2003 after an investment of 21 million Euros and it is still the most modern facility in Europe. The Bremen Senator for Ports and Economy, Jörg Kastendiek, spoke of a "success story“.
CCCB Managing Director Veit Hürdler thanked the many people involved personally. He is convinced that the combination of first-rate tourist services and modern facility is a concept which will ensure that CCCB remains a favourite not only with its own customers, but also with its customers' customers.
First Calls of MS "Arielle“ and MS "Amadea“
On June 02, Artur Beneken, President of the Bremerhaven Parliament, welcomed Captain Krüss of the MS “Amadea“ on the vessel's first visit to Bremerhaven and presented him with a Bremerhaven wall plate. On behalf of the town of Bremerhaven, Beneken thanked Phoenix Tours of Bonn for its commitment to Bremerhaven in bringing all four vessels to the Columbus Quay.
Just ten days later, on June 12, MS "Arielle“ of the Bremern operators Transocean Tours also moored at Bremerhaven for the first time. To commemorate the event, Mayor Jörg Schulz handed over the coat-of-arms of Bremerhaven to Captain Psarrakis, who was very impressed by the modern passenger terminal. Transocean Tours also uses CCCB for its whole fleet.
Thoughts on the 2006 Miami Convention
Columbus Cruise Center had a successful presentation at the world's largest cruise convention in Miami, this time in cooperation with the German Emigration Centre (the new museum in Bremerhaven) and the Bremen and Bremerhaven Tourist Agency. All together they campaigned for a visit to the River Weser. The German Emigration Center was of particular interest to the Americans. Peter Cox of Seabourn Cruises also indicated that the center could be a real magnet for US tourists in Europe. All parties involved were more than satisfied with the response at the convention.
Big Demand for Events
The cruise terminal is becoming more and more popular for different kinds of events. The modern rooms and maritime atmosphere offer a unique backdrop for fairs, congresses or corporate events.
