On 22-23 May, AIDAsol and Mein Schiff 1 inaugurated the German seaport's 2021 cruise season.

Safety and hygiene measures have been put in place to enable the sailings. However, the first Baltic Sea voyages will take place without shore excursions.

AIDAsol will visit the Port of Kiel on Wednesdays and Saturdays until the end of June, when the larger AIDAprima replaces her.

Mein Schiff 1 is expected at the Ostseekai on Sundays for passenger turnaround.

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises' Hanseatic Inspiration will be the third ship to join in May.

MSC Seaview of MSC Cruises will offer seven-day voyages from the Ostuferhafen from 3 July until the autumn.

"We would like to thank the state government [...] for making cruises possible again under strict conditions. This is an important and right step. Maritime tourism is of great regional economic importance and brings back a piece of freedom to the people," Dr Dirk Claus, Managing Director, the Port of Kiel, underlined.

Photo: Stephen Gergs/Port of Kiel