Thursday, September 9, 2021 - 17:31 by ce-press
August 17 was an exceptional day for Klaipeda, marking the resumption of cruiseshipping after the Covid-19 pandemic caused a halt. Phoenix Reisen’s Artania was the first cruiseship to call after a break of almost 18 months. A welcome ceremony was hosted for passengers, Captain Morten Hansen and the crew.
All 660 passengers were fully vaccinated, which meant there were no restrictions on shore excursions for groups, individuals or crew members visiting Klaipeda. The excursions, however, were organised as outdoor activities and in smaller groups to ensure zero risk to passengers.
Several more confirmed cruise calls are expected this autumn and the prospects for 2022 cruise are positive, with cruise registrations so far reaching 55, according to Kristina Gontier, international relations manager Klaipeda State Seaport Authority.
“Effective collaboration and comprehension among the destination and the cruiselines has helped a lot to improve the situation and re-start the cruise business in the world and the region,” she said.
