For the first time a ship of the French luxury shipping company, Ponant Yacht Cruises, was welcomed in the Port of Hamburg. Following its maiden voyage in May 2010, Le Boréal is making 13 trips in all with a view to making itself known in European ports. Hamburg too was favoured with a visit – on the way from Honfleur to Copenhagen the superyacht arrived at the Elbe metropolis on 1 July, before continuing on the following day to Lübeck by way of Kiel.

In the 2010 cruising season, Le Boréal is already the fifth new ship to arrive in Hamburg; one more maiden call is scheduled for Christmas time.

On the occasion of its arrival on the morning of 1 July, Hamburg received the superyacht jubilantly with a fire brigade boat and chorus of sea shanties, giving the passengers an instant taste of the city’s unique maritime atmosphere.

Onboard the ship Andreas Brummermann, Assistant Harbour Master, handed over in a ceremonial atmosphere the admiralty plaque of the Port of Hamburg to the ship’s Captain Etienne Garcia. Also present were Frank Horch, chamber of commerce president of Hamburg, Reinhard Peschel, Managing Director, CMA CGM (Germany) GmbH and Dr. Stefan Behn, Chairman of the Hamburg Cruise Center. Ponant Yacht Cruises is a subsidiary of CMA CGM GmbH which operates in the Port of Hamburg still for a long time.

Before the ship left the port in the evening, passengers had the opportunity of discovering Hamburg either in organised tours or independently. The sun shone from a practically cloudless sky, and the city showed itself in its very best light.

The new ship has been given a classification for the Antarctic by the International Maritime Organisation. This makes it the most modern ship, with the most balcony cabins, that is permitted to navigate the waters of this sensitive ecosystem. After its introductory tour of the European ports, in November Le Boréal will set a course for the unique waters of the Antarctic, promising its passengers unforgettable experiences in breathtaking scenery.