Bremerhaven will see a significant traffic increase in 2017, forecasting more than 150,000 passengers. A new 8,000 square-meter parking lot within walking distance of the terminal will be ready for the season.

According to the Columbus Cruise Center Bremerhaven and Wismar, this year will total 68 calls and 96,500 passengers. The last call of the year will be the Saga Sapphire in December as part of its Christmas Markets itinerary.

Highlights of the year included the maiden call of the new Mein Schiff 5 in August and when all four ships of Phoenix Reisen called on July 31.

Other events included the final outfitting of the Genting Dream which berthed at the Columbus Cruise Center Oct. 3 to 12. The new ship was handed over to Hong Kong-based Dream Cruises on Oct. 12.

Next year, Bremerhaven will also host the annual Cruise Europe Convention April 25 to 27.