Cheers Ahoy! Two Shipshape Celebrations Await in the Port of Malaga
Get ready for a double dose of maritime merriment this week as the Port of Malaga prepares to host not one, but two sensational christening ceremonies. It's a rare treat on the sun-kissed Costa del Sol, where tradition demands the smashing of a champagne bottle against the hull of these majestic vessels.
First up on the celebratory calendar is the magnificent Marella Voyager, set to be christened tomorrow (Wednesday, 31 May). While the ship has already made port and received visits from esteemed local dignitaries, the main event is yet to come. Francisco Salado, the president of Turismo Costa del Sol, Carlos Rubio from the Port Authority, Malaga City Council's tourism councillor Jacobo Florido, and Gemma del Corral, the tourism delegate of the Junta de Andalucía, have joined forces to toast the fact that Malaga is becoming a top-choice destination for such illustrious occasions, creating an immense promotional buzz.
This marks the third time that British shipping company Marella Cruises has chosen the Malaga port area for its christening ceremonies. The Marella Discovery 2 took the honor in 2017, followed by the Marella Explorer 2 in 2019. Now, in 2023, the spotlight shines on the brand new flagship, Marella Voyager. This stunning vessel, stretching an impressive 262 meters in length, boasts thirteen decks, 952 cabins, and a maximum capacity of 2,681 passengers. Come June, it will embark on a series of unforgettable voyages covering the Caribbean, Canary Islands, and the Western Mediterranean.
The ship gracefully docked at Terminal A early this Tuesday morning, all set for its maiden voyage. It will remain in port until tomorrow's midnight departure. The christening ceremony, scheduled for 8:00 p.m., promises a whimsical touch as two seasoned cruise industry professionals, Tatyana Olkhovskova, the chief purser, and Jacqui Nobile, the head of Destination Operations, take center stage. With a combined experience of over forty years, they are the perfect duo to usher in the festivities. A dazzling display of fireworks will conclude the ceremony, bidding farewell to the Marella Voyager as it sets sail for Almeria.
But the excitement doesn't end there! On Saturday, the port will be graced with another grand christening, this time for the opulent Scenic Eclipse II. This exclusive vessel, known for its lavish luxury, made its debut in Malaga last April, teasing passengers with a taste of what's to come. Now, the time has come for the magnificent ship to receive its official christening at the Palmeral terminal. And who better to break the champagne bottle over the hull than the esteemed NASA scientist Kathy Sullivan? Her career dedicated to research and exploration perfectly embodies the values of improvement, adventurous spirit, and curiosity.
A select gathering of eighty specially invited guests and international media members will converge in the city to witness this prestigious event, presenting an excellent opportunity to showcase Malaga as a premier destination. To enhance their experience, they have been treated to exciting excursions to Mijas, Puerto Banús, and the city itself. The Scenic Eclipse II, stretching an impressive 168 meters, can accommodate a maximum of 228 fortunate passengers. It stands as a testament to exceptional engineering, featuring not just one, but two helicopters and a submarine for bespoke excursions.
The shipping company and port are working hand in hand to create a truly unforgettable experience for these discerning travelers. Their focus is on organizing sustainable activities, ensuring a minimal impact on the places they visit while collaborating with local communities. A spokesperson from the Port of Malaga expresses their
enthusiasm for hosting Scenic Eclipse II, highlighting the port's excellent facilities for both passengers and crew. With its convenient proximity to the city and the vibrant atmosphere of its old quarters and open-air restaurants, Malaga proves to be the perfect port for an ultra-luxury Mediterranean cruise, drawing a global audience from the UK, US, Canada, and Australia.
Carlos Rubio from the Port Authority beams with pride as he proclaims that this week's christenings once again put Malaga in the spotlight of international cruise tourism. With the industry sailing at full capacity and aiming to reclaim its pre-pandemic figures, this is a significant milestone. Turismo Costa del Sol's president, Francisco Salado, proudly highlights the undeniable leadership of the province in this field, as Malaga welcomes half of all cruise ships arriving in Andalucía. He emphasizes the remarkable impact of luxury and premium shipping companies, contributing a staggering 50 million euros to the region.
The tourism councillor of Malaga City Council reflects on the importance of such events and commends shipping companies for choosing the area as their base port. Gemma del Corral from the Junta underscores that the cruise industry is vital for the city's trade, solidifying its position as a premier cruise destination in Spain.