230-Guest Cruise Ship Smashes Ipswich Port Record—Why It Matters
Hapag-Lloyd’s HANSEATIC Spirit becomes the largest cruise vessel ever to dock at the UK port.
The Port of Ipswich achieved a milestone on 3 October when it welcomed the largest cruise vessel in its history. The HANSEATIC Spirit, an expedition ship operated by Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, docked as part of a 13-night voyage from Reykjavik to Hamburg, bringing 230 guests to the Suffolk port.
Built in 2021, the HANSEATIC Spirit is one of three sister ships designed to combine agile exploration with high-end comfort. Certified with the highest passenger ice class (PC6), the vessel operates in extreme environments, from polar regions to the Amazon, without sacrificing luxury. Onboard, an expert team of up to 16 specialists—including biologists, glaciologists, historians, and geologists—enhances the journey through lectures and guided shore excursions.
During its stop in Ipswich, passengers explored the town’s historic waterfront and centre via a walking tour organised by Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. The itinerary also included a cruise along the River Orwell, offering views of one of the UK’s oldest maritime communities.
Hapag-Lloyd
Luxury meets exploration: Cruise
While Ipswich is best known as the UK’s leading grain export port, handling over two million tonnes of cargo annually, the visit highlighted its potential as a cruise destination. Located less than a mile from the town centre, the port provides easy access for passengers to explore Ipswich’s medieval heritage, including its historic ties to the Hanseatic League, a powerful medieval trading network.
Neal Birkett, ABP’s Commercial and Agency Manager, met the ship’s captain, Claas Fischer, who presented the port with a commemorative plaque to mark the occasion.
The call follows another recent visit by the paddle steamer Waverley, which brought around 450 passengers to Ipswich in September. These arrivals reflect a growing trend of cruise operators seeking regional ports beyond traditional hubs.
A port with dual purpose
Paul Ager, ABP’s Divisional Port Manager for the East Coast, underscored the significance of the visit:
“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. Cruise calls bring more than visitors—they support local businesses, showcase places like Ipswich to new audiences, and generate wider economic benefits for the communities they visit.
This visit highlights the role regional ports can play in helping more destinations share in the benefits of the UK’s growing cruise sector. 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.”
Paul Ager·Divisional Port Manager for the East Coast, ABP
ABP, the UK’s largest port operator, is expanding its cruise offerings across its network, with ports in Swansea, Plymouth, and Barrow also welcoming expedition and specialist vessels. Cruise tourism plays a key role in supporting local economies, benefiting hospitality, retail, and transport sectors in regions across the country.
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