Press release March 2010

The Columbus Cruise Center Bremerhaven has handled more than 250.000 passengers in the past two years, with a share of 80.000 transit clearances. CCCB was able to obtain unexpected and well above average increases compared to previous years. They show that the promise of the location, to handle large passenger volumes in a professional way, was delivered to the satisfaction of all concerned.

The large incremental share of day visitors shows that the location is a worth a visit in the international context and to international clients: new customers such as e.g. MSC Cruises, P&O Cruises and Cunard Line have also significantly contributed to CCCB’s role in the international market. Another positive aspect is the extension of the season to the months of October and November. Christmas cruises in December have traditionally already been part of the Bremerhaven schedule.

The outlook for 2010 and 2011, particularly in light of this exorbitant growth in the recent years, shows a more moderate profile. The company plans 2010 and 2011 with some 100 calls. "This year, CCCB will be a victim of some unfortunate circumstances," says Veit Huerdler, CCCB’s Managing Director, regarding the booking situation. Due to the insolvency of Transocean Tours, Germany, CCCB has lost ms “Astoria“ and ms “Marco Polo“ completely. Bremerhaven used to be home port for both of them. The first call of ms “Astor“ will be later than usual due to its extensive refurbishment at Lloyd Werft. Another major point is the loss of MSC Cruises: due to road works on the Autobahn between Bremen and Hamburg shore excursions to Hamburg cannot be offered until the end of 2012.

"Nevertheless, there is no reason to doubt the role of Bremerhaven for the cruise industry. We will welcome newbies like Costa Cruises and with an eye on early bookings for 2011 the passenger volume will increase again. We are also happy that Phoenix Reisen being one of Germany’s key players will bring a much larger ship to Bremerhaven in 2011. “

With the opening of the “Climate-House 8 Degrees East“ in Bremerhaven next to the German Emigration Center a second major international attraction is available. More than 450,000 visitors have already taken the walk to escape through the climates of the world since its opening in June 2009. With this opening most areas of the new touristic center “Havenwelten“ are now completed and established as a tourist landmark for Bremerhaven. "The diversity of job opportunities for shore excursions in the combination of Bremerhaven, the City of Bremen and the surrounding areas, such as the “Park of the Gardens” in Bad Zwischenahn are key selling points of Bremerhaven and the CCCB, “summarizes Veit Hürdler.

The Columbus Cruise Center will be taking part in the world's largest cruise fair, "Seatrade Cruise Shipping  Miami" in Florida. From March 16 to March 18, CCCB will be represented in the German Pavilion, Hall B, Stand No. 2059-4, together with the ports of Hamburg, Lübeck, Kiel, Rostock and Sassnitz.