Harwich International Port welcomed the inaugural call of the Grand Mistral on Monday 27th August 2012. This call marks the first ever call of the Iberocruceros cruise line at the Essex port.
The ship has been deployed in the Norwegian Fjords during the summer months and arrives at Harwich International from Copenhagen. The Spanish cruise line, which is owned by Carnival Corp, has chosen Harwich for one of only two calls on its UK itinerary this year. The ship, which is 48,200 gross tonnes and 216 metres in length, has a capacity for nearly 1,700 passengers and departed early evening en route to Amsterdam.
Commenting on the call, Paul Davey, Head of Corporate Affairs for Hutchison Ports (UK) Ltd which owns Harwich International Port , said:
“ The decision by Iberocruceros to include Harwich International on its itinerary is evidence of the interest in the UK cruise market and the importance of Harwich as a destination in its own right. As well as providing a welcome boost for the local economy, cruise passengers will be able to enjoy the very best of Britain, both locally and further afield, with convenient links to traditional countryside towns and vibrant cities, and a historic maritime town right on the doorstep . ”
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World Maritime News, August 24, 2012; Image: HARWICH INTERNATIONAL PORT