950 people, visited Gozo and seized the opportunity to visit the island at its most colourful and picturesque at this time of year

MS Rotterdam the largest cruise liner to dock in Gozo

On the 28th October, 2009, Gozo was the proud host to the largest cruise liner ever to anchor off its shores. The MS Rotterdam, which accommodates 1,256 passengers and 589 crew members, forms part of the Holland America Line fleet. The liner spent the day anchored just off Mgarr Harbour after having left the Grand Harbour early in the morning.

The guests were brought ashore via boats or tenders and, in co-ordination with the Ministry for Gozo, a warm welcome was prepared, with folk music and dancing, together with the presentation of traditional food and artisan-made items. In addition, the Malta Tourism Authority and The Gozo Tourism Association distributed promotional material about Gozo.

A number of passengers took advantage of the tours provided, while others decided to go it alone and a number even set off for Comino. In all 75% of the passengers on board, a total of 950 people, visited Gozo and seized the opportunity to visit the island at its most colourful and picturesque at this time of year, discovering its rich country side, history, heritage and culture.

Captian Henrik Krombeen welcomed the Hon. Giovanna Debono, Minister for Gozo, on a courtesy visit on board the MS Rotterdam; she was accompanied by Mr Karl Gollcher Managing Director of O.F. Gollcher & Sons Ltd, the agents for the Line. Minister Debono expressed her satisfaction about the visit and re-iterated her Ministry’s commitment to promoting Gozo as a cruise stop destination, to exploit the island’s full potential for this tourim niche and for tourism in general.

Dr. Mario de Marco, Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism, stated that this visit was the outcome of many stakeholders working in synergy together, but was brought about especially thanks to the efforts of the MTA which is continuously working to promote Gozo as a touristic and cruise line destination in its own right. He stated that it was worth noting that the MS Rotterdam chose to spend a day in Malta and another in Gozo, whereas usually liners only spend a day in Malta.

Earlier this year the Club Med II and the Royal Clipper also anchored off Gozo’s shores whilst on November 8th the MS Prinsendam also from the Holland America Line, will also be stopping in Gozo.