The Europa, sailing for Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, made its inaugural call at the Port of Nanaimo on Friday, berthing at 7 a.m.

It is also the first-ever call for Hapag-Lloyd Cruises in Central Vancouver Island, according to a statement from the port authority.

“We are privileged to host Hapag-Lloyd Cruises with her well-travelled German based passengers on this beautiful luxury vessel,” said Bernie Dumas, President and CEO of the Nanaimo Port Authority. “The MS Europa is an impressive ship and Nanaimo is her first port of call on this two week itinerary. For any inaugural call we present a custom plaque to the Captain onboard to mark this special occasion. It is important that we showcase our customary hospitality, which Nanaimo is known for, to inspire passengers to return to Central Vancouver Island.”

As passengers arrived at the terminal, Travel Counsellors from Nanaimo’s Visitor Centre greeted guests with Nanaimo Bar samplings and pointed the way to photo opportunities with the RCMP in Red Serge, the Big Tub and a miniature tub from the Loyal Nanaimo Bathtub Society.