The German cruise market is the fastest growing in Europe and one of the fastest growing in the world, according to recently-released information. The Hamburg Cruise Centre expects the number of German ocean cruise passengers to exceed two million in 2015 and 2.5 million by 2020.
In anticipation of the arrival of AIDAprima next spring, a third terminal will be built on the south bank of the river Elbe, incorporating separate terminal buildings for incoming and outgoing passengers, parking for 1,500 cars and a dedicated ferry berth for the local ferries to connect with the city centre.
Aidaprima will be based in Hamburg year-round and will operate from the city every week on various Norwegian and English Channel itineraries. Aida Cruises is by far the largest player in the German market, with ten ships at present, carrying an estimated 764,000 passengers in 2013, an increase of 20 per cent on 2012.
