MSC Cruises today marked the maiden call of the MSC Splendida in Hamburg, making it the biggest ship to homeport in the German city.

The MSC Splendida will homeport in Hamburg for the summer season, making 13 sailings to northern Europe, calling in the British Isles, the Norwegian fjords and Iceland.

MSC Splendida’s arrival in Hamburg was marked by a ceremonial crest exchange between the ship’s Captain, Giuseppe Maresca, and the Harbourmaster of Hamburg, Jörg Pollman, with MSC Cruises Executive Chairman, Pierfrancesco Vago, Hamburg Senator, Frank Horch, and a large international media contingent in attendance.

Addressing the event, MSC Cruises Executive Chairman Pierfrancesco Vago said: “Homeporting MSC Splendida – one of our largest and finest ships – here is a natural progression for us, following four years of increasing investment in Hamburg.”

He added: “MSC Cruises has already brought around 350,000 vacationers through Hamburg. And this summer MSC Splendida will make 13 sailings – adding more than 100,000 to that total. Our decision to bring MSC Splendida here is rooted in a concrete commitment to this world-class destination.”