This year 13 out of 38 calls are from newcomers to Klaipeda. Happy Cruises’ Gemini calls five times, Kristina Cruises’ Kristina Katarina calls once as does P&O Cruises’ Adonia while Seabourn’s Seabourn Pride calls six times.
Total passenger numbers are expected to reach 35,500 according to Kristina Gontier, head of marketing department Klaipeda State Seaport Authority. She adds: “This year’s biggest guest is Costa Pacifica that will call three times with over 3,000 passengers on board.”
During the 2011 season, the Lithuanian port has placed emphasis on the welcome ceremony. Personalised greetings are organised with passengers being offered souvenirs - local mineral water or tiny amber necklace - and folk groups perform on the quays.
For those not going on an excursion, the port has organised amber or crafts markets. The most popular shore excursions are Palanga resort with amber museum, UNESCO Curonian Spit National Park and Vente Cape with ornithological station.
