The Hanseatic Spirit became the largest cruise ship to visit Ipswich, according to Associated British Ports (ABP).

Built for expedition cruising, the 230-passenger vessel made its maiden visit to the port on October 3, 2026.

The call was part of a 13-night cruise sailing between Iceland and Germany, visiting destinations in Northern Europe and the United Kingdom.

A gift exchange ceremony was held onboard to mark the maiden call, with Neal Birkett, ABP’s commercial and agency manager, meeting Captain Claas Fischer to present an ABP plaque.

“The arrival of Hanseatic Spirit is a significant moment for the Port of Ipswich and demonstrates the growing appeal of regional destinations within the cruise market,” said Paul Ager, ABP’s divisional port manager for the East Coast.

“Cruise calls bring more than visitors. They support local businesses, showcase places such as Ipswich to new audiences and help generate wider economic benefits for the communities they visit,” he continued.

Ager said the Hanseatic Spirit’s visit “highlights the role regional ports can play in helping more destinations share in the benefits” of cruise operations.

“We were delighted to welcome passengers to the town and look forward to continuing to work with cruise operators and local partners to attract further opportunities in the future,” he added.

ABP said passengers on the Hanseatic Spirit were able to explore the town and its surrounding areas, with shore excursions that included a walking tour of historic Ipswich.

The itinerary also gave passengers the chance to cruise along the River Orwell and experience the town’s historic waterfront.

ABP noted that in addition to its established cruise operations in Southampton, it welcomes smaller and specialized vessels in Swansea, Plymouth and Barrow.

The company said these ports allow cruise lines to access destinations beyond the U.K.’s traditional cruise gateways.