Monday, July 8, 2019 - 10:41 by ce-press
Meeting with the ship’s captain and crew whether on the bridge or elsewhere on the ship is all part of an inaugural call to Le Havre. Representatives from the port authority, city and cruise club welcome the opportunity to hear views on passenger expectations and feedback as well as feedback on improvements to the facilities and city itself.
On each occasion, a skyline of the destination is offered by the Cruise Club and a commemorative plaque as well as a medal engraved with the captain’s name by the Le Havre Port Authority.
Viking Jupiter began the inaugural lineup on May 4 followed by Norwegian Getaway and Pearl, MSC Orchestra, Viking Jupiter, Celebrity Edge (built in nearby Chantiers de l’Atlantique) on triple call that day with Crown Princess and Mein Schiff 4, Marella Explorer and Norwegian Spirit.
In June Seabourn Ovation arrived with the WW2 Museum of New Orleans on a remembrance cruise as well as Fred Olsen Lines’ Boudicca on a two-day call to take part in the D-Day official commemorations.
The latter call involved an unexpected request to present a veteran on board with a jersey from the HAC rugby team (pictured). Valerie Conan, director, cruise department, Le Havre Etretat Tourism, explained: “The Cruise Terminal team was pleased to respond to this unexpected demand in record time. Rugby made its first steps in France at Le Havre in 1870, when former students from Oxford and Cambridge, who had come to work in trading companies in Le Havre, used to practice the ‘combination,’ the ancestor of rugby and football.”
Silver Wind, Cruise & Maritime Voyages’ recent acquisition, Vasco de Gama, Saga Cruises’ newbuilding, Spirit of Discovery, and MSC Grandiosa will also be calling this season.
On May 26 Sun Princess called with 1,450 Japanese on board who set sail from Yokohama on a world cruise of 31 calls in 98 days. A tasting of Norman specialities (cookies, caramels and apple juice) were organised to greet the passengers.
