Hambantota International Port (HIP) welcomed TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff 6 on its maiden call on 3rd December, marking a significant milestone in the port’s emergence as a premier South Asian cruise destination.
The 2017-built, Malta-flagged vessel, measuring 295.17 metres, arrived from Colombo carrying 2,289 passengers and 950 crew. After its stop at HIP, the ship is scheduled to continue its journey to Port Klang. The call was managed locally by Hapag-Lloyd, with Aitken Spence Travels curating shore excursions for the guests.
“We are delighted to welcome Mein Schiff 6 for the very first time,” said Tommy Yang, COO of Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG). “Each maiden call reinforces the confidence global cruise lines place in HIP’s growing capabilities, passenger services, and our commitment to delivering a seamless cruise experience.”
The visit strengthens TUI Cruises’ engagement with HIP, following multiple successful calls by Mein Schiff 5 in previous cruise seasons. “TUI Cruises has been an important partner in showcasing southern Sri Lanka to international travellers,” added Mindaka Dassanayake, General Manager of Hapag-Lloyd Lanka (Pvt) Ltd.
HIP is renowned for its cruise readiness, combining deep-water berths and efficient maritime services with some of the highest international standards. It is the first port in Sri Lanka to achieve ISO certifications for quality, environmental management, and health & safety, reflecting its strong operational discipline.
The port is also recognised for its environmental stewardship, with initiatives including the Green Port Policy, large-scale Green Zone tree-planting programme, and the Coral Reef Protection Project, which has confirmed significant live coral coverage within the port’s breakwaters. “Sustainability is at the heart of our operations,” highlighted HIPG’s COO, noting that environmental achievements make Hambantota an attractive and responsible call for cruise lines.
The maiden call of Mein Schiff 6 further cements HIP’s reputation as a safe, clean, and future-ready cruise gateway to Sri Lanka’s deep south, contributing to the growth of the country’s maritime tourism sector.