Euro Exim Bank

Hamburg – Cruise Capital of the North

Hamburg, Germany’s second largest metropolis and biggest port city is continuing to make a name for itself as a major cruise ship destination. In November 2013 Hamburg welcomed its 500,000th cruise passenger for the year, reaching this mark two years ahead of schedule. The city is also planning for the first time in 2015 to hold its bi-annual cruise ship festival, the Hamburg Cruise Days, and Europe’s pre-eminent trade show for the cruise industry, the Seatrade, at the same time. The city that has long had a reputation as Germany’s “Gateway to the World,” is on its way to become the gateway to the world of cruising, too, as these two top-notch events join forces to form a one-of-a-kind cruise week.

It was the 168th arrival of the 2013 season: when the Queen Mary 2 entered the Port of Hamburg on 6 November, it wasn’t just the majestic cruise liner that made this a very special occasion. On board was also the 500,000th passenger of the season – and with him the great news that the city had passed the magic threshold that had actually been set for 2015. For 2014, 191 cruise liners and about 600,000 passengers are expected to call in on the city. For the 2014 season, 22 cruise operators have booked slots in the port for 34 cruise ships.

Beginning in 2015, Europe’s largest public cruise-themed event, will be teaming up in Hamburg with Seatrade Europe, the continent’s leading exposition for the cruise industry.

 

Beginning in 2015, Europe’s largest public cruise-themed event, will be teaming up in Hamburg with Seatrade Europe, the continent’s leading exposition for the cruise industry. The cruise week will bring tourists, service providers and industry representatives to the Free and Hanseatic City.

Hamburg Cruise Days have proven to be the unrivaled magnet for cruise aficionados, drawing over a half million people in 2012. As Europe’s largest conference and trade show for the ocean and river cruise industries, the Seatrade Europe Cruise & Rivercruise Convention presents trends and ongoing projects, and includes a conference for industry professionals. As of 2015, the new cruise week will unite the trade show and cruise event on the following dates: Seatrade Europe will be held September 9 – 11, 2015, and Hamburg Cruise Days will take place September 11 – 13, 2015.

The 2014 Hamburg Cruise Days will not be affected by the change and put the harbor and the cruise world on center stage August 1 – 3, 2014. In 2012, 570,000 people took part in this fascinating festival, experiencing a wide variety of maritime highlights in one of Germany’s most appealing cities. The Hampurg port is all the more unique since it is located in the very heart of the city, which makes it easily accessible to visitors. As usual, the focus of the 2014 event will be on majestic cruise liners and unforgettable entertainment along the harbour. Six stately and luxurious cruise liners will drop anchor in Hamburg, and the waterfront between the city’s two cruise centres will transform into a one-of-a-kind cruise mile with all sorts of culinary delights, charming street artists and entertainment, shopping, maritime markets and culture.

As in previous years, the art installation BLUE PORT will bathe the harbour and striking historic buildings in a magic blue light. The highlights of the event on the water are the Hamburg Cruise Days Parade, where illuminated cruise ships and countless escort ships travel down the Elbe by night, and the Cruise Night, which features a fleet of party ships.

Reeperbahn Festival 2014 in Hamburg

Due to its reputation as a major port and trade metropolis, Hamburg is often underrated with regards to the richness in cultural offerings, e.g. its bustling music and arts scene. In 2014, Hamburg will again host the ReeperbahnFestival, Germany’s largest club festival and meeting place for Europe’s music industry. Taking place from Wednesday, 17 September to Saturday, 20 September, this year’s festival offers once again exciting national and international music acts, as well as a rich support programme. More than Hundreds of gigs with artists from all over the world and countless additional programme events will lure music fans, managers and trendsetters to the Reeperbahn at the heart of the vibrant St Pauli district. Amidst the very special atmosphere of this former red-light district, visitors will experience music, culture, arts and the music industry first-hand.

Germany’s largest club festival has become a fixed date in the calendars of music fans and music professionals from around the world and it’s hard to imagine the global music scene without it. The Reeperbahn Festival, now in its ninth year, will feature a comprehensive programme of events that once again promises to surprise, delight, inform, provoke, pique curiosity, and bring people together for business and celebration. The whole “Kiez” will sway in the harmony of music, art, and business.

The Reeperbahn Festival’s CAMPUS component perfectly completes the music programme. The festival’s CAMPUS segment is unique in Europe and caters for 2,800 professional festival guests from the music industry. The hottest acts from various labels and countries are being presented at numerous showcase events. Panels, talks and discussions that devote themselves to the current trends of the music and creative industries are further important elements of the Campus component. International experts will be assessing recent developments in-depth.

In addition there will be a fine arts segment featuring numerous Exhibitions, installations, book readings, illustrations and sound experiments form the basis of the most versatile and ambitious programme to date. Film screenings and exclusive guided tours provide unique insights into Hamburg and the Reeperbahn Festival.

Be sure to check out http://www.reeperbahnfestival.com/en/ as more details on this year’s festival will be released in the coming months.