World's Largest Ship Baptism: 1.4 Million People Experience Parade of AIDA Ships

The newest cruise ship of the AIDA fleet - Aidamar - on the evening of the May 12, 2012 was baptized in a lavish production, accompanied by three sister ships in the port of Hamburg. A total of 1.4 million people visited the 823rd PORT BIRTHDAY HAMBURG.

"The PORT BIRTHDAY HAMBURG has set the world's largest Aidamar baptism of new standards. Hundreds of thousands were in attendance on the evening of the baptism between Grasbrookkai and the fish market there. Saturday was also thanks to the spectacular christening ceremony of one of the most visited Aidamar days in the history of the PORT BIRTHDAY HAMBURG ", in the opinion of Dietrich von Albedyll, CEO of Hamburg Tourismus GmbH.

The voyages aboard the four ships of the AIDA fleet were fully booked long in advance. After the baptism, a spectacular fireworks display lit up the night sky above the port of Hamburg.

"Hundreds of thousands of people attended the baptism of Aidamar in Hamburg and have seen how fascinating and attractive cruises are. The huge interest of the public underlines the excellent prospects for the future growth of our industry, "says Michael Thamm, designated CEO of the Costa Group and spokesperson for the international cruise industry in Germany.

Over two large LED screens in Hamburg, the visitors experienced first hand the Taufshow. Hundreds of thousands of spectators witnessed the baptism of the world live on the Internet.