The Hambantota International Port (HIP) has marked a significant milestone in its cruise operations, welcoming the Sphinx class AIDAstella, the first vessel from AIDA Cruises to call at the port.The AIDAstella, which sails under the Genova, Italy flag, arrived from Malaysia carrying 2,000 passengers and 620 crew.
At 253.26 metres in length, the vessel is part of AIDAs global cruise circuit and is currently en-route to its next destination, the Maldives, a statement by the Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG) said.Passengers disembarked at HIP and visited some of Southern Sri Lankas most iconic attractions, including Yala National Park, Galles historic fort city, and the popular Bird Park in Hambantota, the statement added further.The AIDAstella visit strengthens HIPs strategic role in Sri Lankas maritime tourism map and aligns with the ports vision to become a multi-purpose, globally connected logistics and tourism hub, according to the Hambantota International Port Group.