MS Hamburg World Cruise 2025: Start Relocated to Genoa Due to Storm Darragh

Bild: Plantours Kreuzfahrten
Everything was actually set for the grand farewell at the Hamburg Landungsbrücken. On St. Nicholas Day 2025, the MS Hamburg was supposed to depart, festively illuminated, on her "Grand Voyage of Your Life." But instead of drizzle and the Elbphilharmonie, the approximately 400 passengers were greeted with espresso and Mediterranean sun. The ship, belonging to the Bremen-based shipping company Plantours Cruises (Ligabue Group), relocated its start over 1,000 kilometers south to Genoa at short notice. The reason for this unusual measure was not a whim of the shipping company, but pure meteorological necessity.

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A look at the weather charts left those in charge with no other choice. Storm "Darragh" had developed rapidly over the North Atlantic. Meteorologists warned of a so-called "rapid cyclogenesis"—an explosive deepening of the low-pressure area. For the Bay of Biscay and the English Channel, this meant wave heights of over 10 meters and hurricane-force winds.

With a length of 144 meters and a maximum of 400 passengers, the MS Hamburg is a wonderfully intimate ship that even boasts an E2 ice class. However, even the best technology cannot defy physics. With waves 10 meters high, a safe and comfortable journey would have been simply impossible. To avoid damage to the ship and injuries to guests and crew, Plantours decided to flee forward—or rather: southward.

A Logistical Tour de Force

Within less than 72 hours, the shipping company organized a complete relocation of the trip's start. An enormous effort that nevertheless functioned smoothly:

  • Air Bridge: Two special charter flights brought the majority of guests from Hamburg directly to Italy.
  • Buses: Those who could not or did not want to fly were chauffeured south in comfortable coaches, including an overnight stay.
  • Luggage: Solutions were also found for the numerous suitcases of the world cruise guests, so that all passengers were able to go on board safely on December 6th.

The shipping company covered the entire cost of this massive intervention—a clear signal from the new owners, the Ligabue Group, that service and safety are the top priority.

New Route: Dolce Vita Instead of Atlantic Storm

Anyone standing at the railing now and looking to starboard sees the picturesque Riviera instead of the gray Atlantic coast. The original ports of Brest, Vigo, and Lisbon, which were directly in the storm's path, were cancelled.

Instead, guests are now enjoying an exclusive tour through the western Mediterranean:

  • Genoa & Nice: A start with Italian flair and French chic.
  • Sète & Palamós: Smaller ports that are often inaccessible to the huge vessels but fit the size of the MS Hamburg perfectly.
  • Valencia & Cádiz: History and culture await here before the ship sets course for the Atlantic.

From December 14th, when the ship arrives in Portimão, Portugal, the schedule will resume as originally planned.

Outlook: 132 Days of Adventure

Despite the turbulent start, a dream journey lies ahead for the guests. The route leads to Brazil over Christmas, where New Year's Eve will be celebrated off the Copacabana. In the new year, real highlights are on the agenda: The MS Hamburg will set course for Antarctica. Thanks to the onboard Zodiacs, genuine landings are possible here, not just passing by.

Via the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and the remote Tristan da Cunha, the journey continues to South Africa and through the Indian Ocean back towards Europe. When the ship docks in Hamburg again on April 17, 2026—hopefully with calm seas on the Elbe—the guests will have circumnavigated the globe. The start in Genoa will then surely be remembered as one of the most exciting anecdotes of this voyage.