November is an excellent month for cruise traffic in the Port of Malaga. Proof of which is the first call of two new ships on just one weekend: Saga Ruby on Saturday 24th and Voyager of the Seas on Sunday 25th.
Representatives of the Port and the Town Council welcomed the ships and their captains, together with the ships’ shipping agents. Passengers had plenty of time to enjoy our city and visit some of the most famous places in it (Picasso Museum, Arab Fortress, Cathedral, shopping area, Alhambra in nearby Granada) before going to their next destination: Casablanca.
Saga Ruby
Saga Ruby, belonging to Saga Shipping, is 191 metres long, is composed by 390 of crew and has the capacity to host about 668 passengers, mainly British.
The cruise ship has an elegant line, with a traditional style. Moreover, it is one of the most renowned ships because of the high level of its services: the low number of passengers makes possible a personalised attention for the passengers who look for relax on their voyage.
Before becoming Saga Ruby in 2005, after refurbishment, the name of this ship was “Caronia”. Caronia could already be seen in Malaga when she belonged to Cunard. One of the most interesting elements aboard is a bell, located on the ship bridge, where it is possible to see all three names the ship has had over the years: “Vistafjord”, “Caronia” and “Saga Ruby”.
Voyager of the Seas
This 311m-long cruise ship has a capacity for 3,838 passengers and 1,176 crew members. The cruise ship brought 85% of its capacity in her first visit to Malaga, which was evident in the affluence of tourists that filled the city that day.
The main feature of Voyager of the Seas is its huge central street, Royal Promenade, near half the ship’s lenght. Restaurants, pubs and shops on both sides, its lighting changes depending on the time, imitating real streets.
On the other hand, the cruise ship has a big theatre, with a capacity of 1,350, as well as an ice skating rink, in which the passengers can practise this sport and enjoy shows.
More first calls
The port of Malaga will receive a total 14 inaugural calls in 2007, with two more still to come:
• 15th May: Navigator of the Seas
• 17th May: Amadea
• 23rd May: MSC Orchestra
• 11th June: Grand Princess
• 29th June: Spirit of Adventure
• 23rd September: Aidadiva
• 29th September: Star Princess
• 14th October: Royal Princesa
• 30th October: Norwegian Gem
• 1st November: Carnival Freedom
• 24th November: Saga Ruby
• 25th November: Voyager of the Seas
• 5th December: Costa Serena
• 26th December: Queen Victoria
Total passengers expected for 2007 are 290.000 (from 230.000 in 2006). The new Passenger Terminal, which will soon be inaugurated, will help the Port of Malaga keep rising figures in this type of traffic.
