hamburg cruise ship london

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Former name: C. Columbus

Cruise line Plantours (Small Cruise Lines)

• Hamburg (Germany)

MS Hamburg current position

MS Hamburg current location is at East Mediterranean (coordinates 36.14851 N / 31.19571 E) cruising at speed of 13.6 kn (25 km/h | 16 mph) en route to Antalya. The AIS position was reported 1 minute ago.

Current itinerary of MS Hamburg

MS Hamburg current cruise is 249 days, one-way from Hamburg to Istanbul , themed as "Easter". Prices start from USD 43246 (double occupancy rates). The itinerary starts on 29 Jul, 2023 and ends on 03 Apr, 2024 .

Specifications of MS Hamburg

•   Itineraries
•   Review
•   Wiki

MS Hamburg Itineraries

Ms hamburg review, review of ms hamburg.

The 1997-built MS Hamburg cruise ship is owned by Conti Holding GmbH (1995-founded investment and shipping company, principal shareholder in various companies) and operated under charter by Plantours und Partner GmbH (Bremen-based cruise company, owner of the travel brand Plantours Kreuzfahrten). Plantours' fleet also includes several chartered riverboats.

The vessel (IMO number 9138329) is currently Bahamas- flagged (MMSI 309908000) and registered in Nassau .

Previously known as "MS Columbus" (1997-2012, via the Bahamas-registered "Columbus Conti 1 Kreuzfahrt Ltd"), the ship was chartered to Hapag-Lloyd and in 2012 was replaced by Columbus 2/now Oceania Insignia .

The vessel has a relatively low draft (5 m / 16 ft) which allows it to also navigate on inland waterways (rivers and lakes) and close to shore, including for scenic cruising along fjords.

Decks and cabins

MS Hamburg staterooms (197 total) accommodate up to 420 guests.

All passenger cabins are equipped with individually controlled air-conditioning, HDTV, radio, direct-dial phone, electronic safe box and lifejackets (in the closet), mini-bar/fridge, writing desk with chair, en-suite bathroom (toilet, single-sink vanity, shower, hairdryer, bathrobes). Five cabins are designed for families, two are balconies and two are wheelchair-accessible (with ground-level entrance, accessible bathroom with fold-out shower seat, WC with holding rails, electronically adjustable bed, pull-out sofabed for the accompanying person).

The boat has 6 passenger decks , of which 5 are with cabins.

Shipboard facilities

The wellness facilities include Sauna, Hair Studio/Friseur, Gym Room/Fitnessraum. The ship has two cafe restaurants (Alsterblick, Lido Buffet) and two bar lounges (Hamburg Lounge, Palmgarten).

Other facilities include Library/Bibliothek, Kartenspielraum (Card Room/E-Mail-Center), Photo Gallery & Shop/Fotogalerie, Boutique (duty-free shop), Arcade Games/Arkaden, Tavern/Wine Bar/Weinstube.

On top-deck are the fore-located the Palmgarten/Palm Garden Lounge & Bar mit Palmgartenbalkon (indoor venue with an outdoor terrace with seating) and the aft-positioned Sonnen-Deck (Sundeck with loungers and deckchairs and Swimming Pool).

Itineraries

Plantours' MS Hamburg itinerary program includes mainly European voyages departing from homeport Hamburg Germany . Mediterranean itineraries often leave out of La Valletta (Malta) and Istanbul (Turkey). Other itineraries are operated in the Red Sea, Asia, Iceland, Greenland, Canary Islands, Africa, South America, the Caribbean.

The boat operates also World Voyages leaving from Hamburg.

During the charter with Hapag-Lloyd, MS Hamburg had scheduled various itineraries in North America, including on the Great Lakes. This destination was operated seasonally between 1997-2011.

MS Hamburg - user reviews and comments

Photos of ms hamburg.

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MS Hamburg Wiki

The vessel (Wismar yard/hull number 451) was constructed by MTW Schiffswerft GmbH (MV Werften Wismar) in Wismar Germany . The physical construction started on September 5, 1995 (with the keel-layin ceremony) and ended on June 17, 1997 (with the delivery ceremony to the Munich -based shipowner Conti Holding GmbH). The ship's launch/float out from drydock was on October 30, 1996.

Between 1997 and 2012, the ship was named "C Columbus" and operated under charter by Hapag-Lloyd Cruises .

The powerplant is based on four Wartsila marine diesel engines (model 6L32) with combined output 10,56 MW. The propulsion system is based on two CPPs/controllable pitch propellers.

MS Hamburg refurbishments review

During drydock refurbishment 2020 (at Lisnave Shipyard, Setubal Portugal), all staterooms and public areas received new carpeting. Redesigned and renovated were Palm Garden Lounge ( deck 6 forward), Lobby Reception ( deck 3 ) and Wine Bar ( deck 5 ), which was additionally expanded by using the Boutique Shop's space. On Lido Deck (deck 6), the sundeck area received new flooring and a new pool bar was installed.

The ship's previous drydock (in 2018) was also at Lisnave Shipyard. During the USD 20 million project Plantours conducted regular technical maintenance works as well as extensive technical modifications and modernization. During the drydocking (April 2 - May 1) were added French Balconies/infinity windows to 42x passenger staterooms. The electric-powered windows are slide-down opening and when lowered open to a glass railing.

During the next scheduled drydocking, the vessel will receive Plantours Kreuzfahrten's new livery and logo (announced in March 2024) introduced to celebrate the company's 35th anniversary.

Plantours World Cruise 2023

Next table lists all ports and destinations of MS Hamburg's World Voyage 2023 (249-day itinerary from Hamburg to Istanbul ). The voyage features cruising the Svalbard Islands (including Spitsbergen Island ), fjord cruising in Iceland and Greenland, lake cruising in Canada and the USA, the Caribbean, Panama Canal transit , South America (including Chilean Fjords/Patagonia ), Antarctica, the UK's Falklands and South Georgia, Africa,  Suez Canal transit , Mediterranean (including Holy Land).

Prices started from EUR 47850 (USD 48540 / GBP 40285) per person with double occupancy.

Plantours World Cruise 2022

Next table lists MS Hamburg's World Voyage 2022 (268-day itinerary roundtrip from Hamburg ) that visits 6x Cuban port cities.

Prices started from EUR 39400 (USD 39980 / GBP 33150) per person with double occupancy.

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2 Night Cruise to the Baltic Sea

• You seek MSC Cruises' next-gen Meraviglia Plus-class ships that are slightly bigger
• You appreciate a wide variety of dining venues and activities, especially well suited for families
• You seek a very good cruise value with lots included for a reasonable price point
• You prefer a different class of ship in MSC's ever growing fleet portfolio
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• You want to cross the Atlantic on the only true ocean liner
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5 Night Cruise to the British Isles & Western Europe

• You want a ship with plenty of balcony cabins and suites
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11 Night Cruise to the Baltic Sea

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5 Night Cruise to the Baltic Sea

14 night cruise to the baltic sea, 4 night cruise to the baltic sea, 18 night cruise to around the world, 12 night cruise to the baltic sea, explore london.

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• London - All

7 Night Cruise to the Baltic Sea

• You seek MSC Cruises' next-gen Meraviglia Plus-class ships that are slightly bigger
• You appreciate a wide variety of dining venues and activities, especially well suited for families
• You seek a very good cruise value with lots included for a reasonable price point
• You prefer a different class of ship in MSC's ever growing fleet portfolio
• You plan to sail beyond Norway and the Mediterranean, where the ship will first navigate
• You like smaller, quieter cruise ships with fewer fellow passengers
• You want a stunning ship geared for an international audience
• You appreciate having plenty of activities and onboard features
• You are looking for a decidedly European cruise experience
• You dislike hearing announcements in multiple languages
• You want an adult-centric cruise; this is designed for families

2 Night Cruise to the Baltic Sea

7 night cruise to transatlantic, 12 night cruise to the british isles & western europe.

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2 Night Cruise to Europe

• You want to cross the Atlantic on the only true ocean liner
• You enjoy vibrant nightlife with plenty of live entertainment
• You like the grandeur and elegance of the transatlantic liners
• You are looking for a true ultra-luxury cruise experience
• You are looking for wacky activities, amenities and pool games
• You dislike formality; dressing up is part of the experience

7 Night Cruise to the British Isles & Western Europe

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4 Night Cruise to the Baltic Sea

5 night cruise to the british isles & western europe.

• You want a ship with plenty of balcony cabins and suites
• You enjoy sailing on the latest-and-greatest ships in the fleet
• You want a classy cruise experience with lots of big ship fun
• You don't enjoy lines; queuing up is a reality on big ships
• You like ships with plenty of open observation deck space

18 Night Cruise to Around the World

5 night cruise to the baltic sea.

• You wish to sail on the latest generation of Cunard vessels
• You appreciate the style and traditions of old school ocean liner voyages
• You seek a slower-paced cruise with premium accommodations and dining
• You prefer a more casual ship as Cunard tends to be more formal
• You are turned off by suite exclusives separate from public amenities
• You desire more contemporary cruise activities and entertainment

8 Night Cruise to the Baltic Sea

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• You appreciate little touches like white-gloved afternoon tea
• You want a classy cruise experience that won't break the bank
• You want a true luxury experience at every accommodation level
• You dislike dressing up in your finest clothing for dinner

12 Night Cruise to the Baltic Sea

30 night cruise to canada & new england, explore london.

Hamburg to London (Greenwich)

• Get inspired by the possibilities.
• Build your ideal trip.
• Visit Hamburg, the "Venice of the North"
• Discover the splendor of Scotland and tour Edinburgh
• Explore the state-of-the-art Titanic Museum in modern Belfast
• Experience the architecture, traditions and flavors of Dublin
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Full Itinerary

Day 1: hamburg, germany | embark, day 2: hamburg.

• 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

Day 3: At Sea

Day 4-5: edinburgh, scotland.

• 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners

Day 6: Kirkwall, Orkney Islands

Day 7: lerwick, shetland islands, day 8: stornoway (isle of lewis), scotland, day 9: belfast, northern ireland, day 10: liverpool, england, day 11: dublin, republic of ireland, day 12: fishguard, wales, day 13: falmouth, england, day 14: at sea, day 15: london (greenwich) | disembark.

• 1 Breakfast

Silver Whisper

Dates & prices, my preferred start date.

Initial deposit is 25%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.

Final payment is due 130 days prior to departure by Check, VISA, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover Card

See our general terms and conditions:

• Adventure Life Terms & Conditions

We are an agent for one or more providers on this trip with specific cancellation policies and terms:

• Silversea - Terms & Conditions - Silversea Cruises

For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.

• 14 Breakfasts, 13 Lunches, 14 Dinners
• 14 Nights Accommodations
• Accommodations as listed
• Ground transportation as listed
• Activities as listed
• Meals as listed
• Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
• Personalized Service with a Butler for all Suites
• One hour free WIFI per day for all guests. Unlimited free WIFI for guests sailing on select suite categories.
• In-suite dining and room service
• Guided Zodiac, land and sea tours, and shoreside activities led by the Expeditions Team
• Onboard gratuities
• Beverages in-suite and throughout the ship, including champagne, select wines and spirits
• Complimentary transportation into town in most ports
• Travel Insurance
• Personal Expenses
• Flight costs (please request a quote)
• Additional excursions during free time
• Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
• Some champagne, premium wine and spirit selections, caviar, cigarettes and cigars are not included in your fare.
• Meals ashore
• Laundry or Valet services
• Casino gaming

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Giant cruise ship leaves for Hamburg on historic first trip from London

It's been over 10 years since the last new UK based cruise line

• 22:19, 20 APR 2022

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The first new UK cruise line in a decade launched its maiden voyage today as Ambassador Cruise Line's flagship the Ambience set off down the Thames on its way from its homeport in Tilbury to Hamburg. The inaugural cruise has proved popular with passengers as 900 flocked to book their tickets on the 1,400 guest capacity cruise ship which boasts 798 separate cabins.

As the brand new cruise liner set off from sunny Tilbury today those lucky passengers aboard the ship could be seen waving off those staying ashore as the Ambience began its maiden voyage, a welcome sight for those in the cruise industry after business was hit particularly hard by the pandemic.

This particular cruise is only a short one, with the entire trip set to last four days as it crosses the North Sea before stopping at the German port city of Hamburg. This is set to be the only stop of the trip before the Ambience heads back to port at Tilbury.

READ MORE: easyJet passengers spend first night of break at airport after 11 hour flight to nowhere

As well as the passengers, the ship also carries 650 crew members and creates 100 UK jobs at its headquarters in Purfleet as well as shoreside. Cruises have been growing in popularity for decades but the launch of the Ambience marks a big moment for the UK cruise industry as the first based in the country to set sail for a decade.

Whilst this first cruise is a fairly modest one, Ambassador has grand plans for its cruises and plans to serve destinations around Europe, Scandinavia, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, and even the Arctic. In order to meet these ambitions, they're also expecting a second cruise liner to enter their fleet next year which will be appropriately be called Ambition.

Ambassador is also taking the initiative when it comes to environmental awareness, with many guests on cruises choosing to do so to avoid the environmental impact of flying. The cruise line says it is the first of its kind to launch an anti-whaling campaign, in partnership with ORCA, and plans to host ocean conservationists on 11 sailing trips, as well as encouraging guests not to consume whale meat and not visit aquariums when visiting destination ports while cruising.

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Port Guides

Exploring hamburg: a guide to hamburg cruise port and the city’s top attractions.

Discover the top things to see and do while visiting Hamburg cruise port. From visiting the city’s top attractions to exploring further afield, my guide will help you make the most of your stop in this vibrant city.

Hamburg, located in Northern Germany, is one of the largest cruise ports in the world. As well as being a popular destination on many Northern Europe cruise itineraries, it is a homeport and turnaround port for several cruise lines.

While the city may not be the first place that springs to mind when you are planning a European cruise, Hamburg has a lot to offer. It is perhaps one of the more underrated cities in Europe. 

If you have Hamburg on your cruise itinerary, whether that is for a day stop or a start or finish point, read on for more information on the port and for things to do and see in Hamburg.

A little bit about Hamburg

Hamburg is Germany’s second-largest city. Sitting on the banks of the Elbe River, the port city is known as the ‘Gateway to the World’.

The bustling port city is also renowned for its culture, history and nightlight. It is also packed with more attractions you could possibly visit in one trip, including a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Perhaps the most surprising thing that Hamburg is famous for is the number of bridges it has. With over 2,500, it has more than Amsterdam, London and Venice combined!

Whether you are interested in art, culture, or history or just want to visit the city where The Beatles spent their early days, Hamburg is a fantastic city to visit. 

Hamburg cruise port

The Port of Hamburg is the largest seaport in Germany and the third largest in Europe. It plays an important role in the distribution of goods around Europe and the rest of the world. 

It is also a popular destination for cruise ships, offering both day visits and overnight stops. As well as being a stop on many Northern Europe cruise itineraries, the port is a starting (and finishing) point for transatlantic crossings and world voyages.

Over 280 ships are expected to call into Hamburg during 2023.

There are three places where cruise ships can dock at the Hamburg Cruise Centre.

Steinwerder

To find out where your ship will dock, check with your cruise line. You can also view the Port of Hamburg’s cruise sailing schedule to see if your ship is listed. 

Many cruise lines will offer a shuttle bus from the Hamburg cruise port to the city centre. Check with the cruise company you are travelling with for further information.

Located on the Elbe River, near the city’s famous fish market, the Hamburg Cruise Centre Altona accommodates ships up to 300m in length.

The city centre is around 15-20 minutes away by public transport. Options include a public ferry which will take you from the Hamburg cruise terminal to city centre.

Facilities at the glass-fronted terminal include a cafe.

Tip: If you get a chance, pop up to the roof terrace for a panoramic view of the Port of Hamburg. 

Hamburg’s waterfront has been transformed over the years thanks to a large redevelopment project. 

Part of the port area has been regenerated as Hafencity, a European city for the 21st Century and one of the largest urban regeneration schemes in Europe.

As part of this, a new terminal is currently being built at the Hamburg Cruise Centre HafenCity. 

Due to open in 2024, the modern terminal will be part of a hotel and shopping complex. Two berths will be available which can accommodate up to 3, 600 simultaneously.  

While this is being built, a temporary terminal at Baakenhoft is being used, which is in the eastern part of HafenCity.

The Cruise Center Steinwerder is where many of the newest (and largest) cruise ships dock. 

It can handle ships more than 400 meters in length so if you are cruising on a large cruise ship (think mega ship style) there is a good chance you will dock here.

There are two terminal buildings that can accommodate 8,000 people embarking and disembarking.  

Hamburg’s city centre is less than 20 minutes away. Shuttle buses may be offered by your cruise line.

You can check the schedule for ship arrivals on the Port of Hamburg’s website. 

Things to do in Hamburg

Some popular Hamburg attractions and experiences include…

• Take a boat tour around the Speicherstadt warehouse network, a UNESCO World Heritage site. 
• Marvel at Miniatur Wunderland – the world’s largest model railway system (and includes a mini Hamburg)
• Tour the impressive Elbphilharmonie Building , a spectacular looking concert hall on the waterfront
• Do some retail therapy at Jungfernstieg, a popular shopping street
• Take in the view of the city from the top of the tower of St Michael’s Church, one of the most beautiful baroque churches in northern Germany
• Get an insight into the government of Hamburg during a tour of the town hall
• Enjoy the view of the harbour and explore historic waterfront buildings (and maybe grab an ice cream or coffee!) at St Pauli’s Landungsbrucken.
• Take in the art at Hamburger Kunsthalle, one of the largest art museums in Germany.
• Visit the St Nikolai Memorial – much of the church was destroyed in World War II, however the ruins have been turned into a museum and memorial (photos below). There is also an observation deck at the top of the tower.

Popular shore excursions

Hamburg is a port you can explore on your own. It is a very walkable city and has an extensive public transport network. 

However, you may wish to let your cruise line take care of the logistics and book a shore excursion . This takes some of the hassle out of figuring out what you want to see and how to get there. You will also have the benefit of knowing the cruise ship won’t leave without you. 

Some of the shore excursions offered on a cruise to Hamburg include

• Touring the highlights and most popular attractions (by foot, boat or both)
• Exploring the city on a guided bike tour
• Taking a day trip to Berlin
• Visiting nearby medieval towns of Luneburg and Lubeck, a World Heritage site.

Tip: If there is an excursion you really want to do, book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Things to know about Hamburg

• The city is known for its maritime heritage
• It is one of Germany’s wealthiest cities
• It has the second largest red light district in Europe – the Reeperbahn
• Hamburg is sometimes referred to as ‘The Venice of the North” due to its many waterways
• The Beatles learned their trade in Hamburg, playing over 270 shows between 1960 and 1962.

The last word

Whether you are a culture lover, history buff or just want a great day in port, Hamburg is a super destination to visit.

From its modern architecture and vibrant cultural scene to its rich maritime history, Hamburg is a city that has it all.

With a little planning in advance of your stop at Hamburg cruise port, you can have a great day in this fabulous city.

You may also like…

• What are shore excursions?
• What to pack in your cruise carry-on bag

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A list of the cruise ships visiting London in 2024

Xa list of the cruise ships visiting london in 2024.

Sea-faring leviathans will be visiting central London this summer, giving us landlubbers a chance to see them up close from the riverside.

Viking Star visiting Greenwich (c) ianVisits

Most cruise ships stop at the London Cruise Terminal in Tilbury , but some will come further upriver, stopping at either Greenwich or passing through Tower Bridge to spend time in the centre of London.

The ships arriving closer to town also give bystanders the excitement of seeing Tower Bridge open and a larger than usual boat passing through.

The arrival dates are below – times of arrival and departure dates are usually confirmed a few days beforehand, so keep an eye on the events calendar for details. Data from the Port of London Authority , and naturally, details can be amended by the cruise ship operator.

Subject to last minute changes and the like, the currently known dates of cruise ship arrivals are:

Many other interesting boats also arrive in London, but the list only covers cruise ships – I flag up others as and when I know about them.

Be the first to know what's on in London, and the latest news published on ianVisits.

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This website has been running now for over a decade, and while advertising revenue contributes to funding the website, it doesn't cover the costs. That is why I have set up a facility with DonorBox where you can contribute to the costs of the website and time invested in writing and research for the news articles.

It's very similar to the way The Guardian and many smaller websites are now seeking to generate an income in the face of rising costs and declining advertising.

Whether it's a one-off donation or a regular giver, every additional support goes a long way to covering the running costs of this website, and keeping you regularly topped up doses of Londony news and facts.

If you like what you read on here, then please support the website here .

There’s nothing to be happy about these ugly environmental disasters cluttering up the Thames. They are not welcome.

I quite agree – keep them at sea.

Other than, of course, it saves those on board from flying in and getting taxis – and anywhere downstream of Tower Bridge is hardly scenic treasure!

Thanks for this post. These large vessels are not boats – they are ships (that carry boats on board).

Yes, it says several times in the article that they are ships. No one thought they were boats. The only time the word boat is used, is to refer to other vessels. As in, not the ones listed. 🙄 Mansplain fail.

Moor them up at Tilbury and bring the passengers in by train! There is a siding close to the Terminal at Tilbury that could be repurposed for this.

The Greenwich mooring is totally unsuitable. Passengers and luggage have to be off-loaded by boat right into the clogged-up centre of town. They then have to be bussed into London.

No RCI Icon of the Seas?

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Tragic final text sent by tourist, 24, feared dead after falling off cruise ship to his wife who says ‘he’s just…gone’

• Jonathan Rose , News Reporter
• Published : 9:32, 24 Mar 2024
• Updated : 9:32, 24 Mar 2024

A SCOTS tourist who is feared dead after falling from a cruise ship sent his wife a tragic final text.

Liam Jones, 23, from Dundee, vanished from the MSC Euribia cruise sailing from Southampton to Amsterdam, Netherlands, last Saturday.

It has now emerged the social work student sent his wife Sophia Mcphee a poignant last message.

In his final text, he complained to Sophia, who lives in Dundee with Liam, that he was feeling seasick.

Liam was last seen on deck by his sister on March 16 on the MSC Cruises ship.

He was on a seven-day trip for his mum's birthday going to Hamburg, France , Belgium , and Amsterdam.

Read more News

Brit tourist feared dead after falling from cruise ship in the North Sea

Major hunt after man 'fell overboard' on cruise ship off coast of Ramsgate

His tormented wife, 20, previously shared her agony amid the frantic search for him .

She told the Daily Record: "I have so many questions, and I'm not getting any answers to what's happened.

"I'm never going to see him again. I'm devastated."

Sophia last saw her husband on March 14 when he travelled from Dundee to Glasgow to meet his family before boarding the ship in Southampton.

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She then received a message from Liam's sister to say there had been an accident on board.

Sophia continued: "I was first contacted by his sister on Sunday. She said there had been an accident and Liam 'wasn't coming back'.

"She then said she had seen CCTV and he'd gone overboard. I've not had any contact from anyone since."

A spokesperson for MSC Cruises said: "A passenger on board MSC Euribia went overboard on March 16 as the ship was sailing to Hamburg.

"This was reported to the authorities. The police in Southampton boarded the vessel yesterday and investigated."

The spokesperson added that the company's customer service team had been in "continuous contact" with the family.

A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary said: "Officers boarded the vessel today following a report that a man had gone overboard. 

"The man's family are aware and police are investigating this on behalf of the coroner."

• missing person

NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

British tourist’s final text before falling overboard on cruise ship

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The final text sent by a Scottish tourist feared dead after falling overboard from a cruise ship has been revealed.

23-year-old Liam Jones was last seen on the deck of the MSC Euribia on March 16 as it set off from Southampton to Amsterdam in The Netherlands.

It’s now been revealed Liam messaged his wife Sophia Mcphee to say he was seasick that same day – and that was the last time his devastated wife heard from her.

Sophia told the  Daily Record that the last time she saw her husband was March 14 when he travelled from their home to Glasgow to meet his family.

She said: ‘I feel so lost. He’s just… gone. I’m never going to see him again. I’m devastated.

‘I have so many questions, and I’m not getting any answers to what’s happened.’

The cruise operator, MSC Cruises, has confirmed a passenger disappeared and police have since boarded the vessel after it returned to Britain.

The cruise, set to make pit stops in Germany, France and Belgium, was on its way to Hamburg when Liam texted Sophia.

She said Liam’s sister messaged her the following day, saying there had been an ‘accident’ and Liam ‘wasn’t coming back’.

CCTV footage, Liam’s sister told her, showed Liam going overboard.

‘I’ve not had contact from anyone else since,’ Sophia added.

According to its itinerary , the Euribia would have docked in Hamburg on March 27 before going to Rotterdam on Tuesday, Bruges on Wednesday and Le Harve on Thursday before arriving back in Southampton on Friday.

A spokesperson for MSC Cruises said: ‘A passenger on board MSC Euribia went overboard on 16 March as the ship was sailing to Hamburg.

‘This was reported to the authorities. The police in Southampton boarded the vessel on 22 March and investigated on behalf of the coroner.

‘We are deeply saddened by this news and our thoughts are with the family at this very difficult time. Out of respect for the family’s privacy, we will refrain from disclosing any additional information.’

Hampshire Constabulary added: ‘Officers boarded the vessel on Friday 22 March following a report that a man had gone overboard.

‘The man’s family are aware and police are investigating this on behalf of the coroner.’

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected] .

For more stories like this, check our news page .

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MSC Cruises Faces Sixth Man Overboard Incident in Just Four Months

• March 24, 2024

A passenger has gone overboard and is presumed deceased from an MSC Cruises ship. The guest was named Liam Jones, 23, from Dundee, Scotland, who was aboard MSC Euribia for a seven-night Northern Europe sailing.

He went overboard last weekend as the ship was headed for Hamburg, Germany. According to family members on the ship, CCTV footage confirmed the man overboard incident , although there have been conflicting reports about whether it was deliberate or accidental.

What the Cruise Line Said

It said police recently boarded the ship to begin an official investigation when it docked in Southampton. Jones’ wife, who was not on the cruise, criticized the cruise line for a lack of communication.

Several Overboard Incidents in Recent Weeks

The cruise line has suffered a spate of man overboard incidents recently. There have been six in the past five months and the third of 2024. This includes the death of an elderly US passenger who fell into the water while the MSC World Europa was in port at Valetta, Malta.

MSC Euribia was sailing week-long seven-night Northern Europe cruises from several departure ports, including Hamburg, Southampton, and Rotterdam.

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Baltimore bridge collapse latest: Six missing workers 'presumed dead'; satellite images reveal scale of bridge damage

Officials say they are transitioning from a search and rescue mission to a recovery operation "based on the length of time" and the "temperature of the water".

Wednesday 27 March 2024 00:36, UK

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• Major bridge collapses in Baltimore after being struck by a cargo ship
• Six people still missing as two pulled from water
• Company says six workers are presumed dead
• Ship issued mayday before crash | Vessel appeared to lose power and start smoking
• Video of collapse | Satellite images reveal scale of damage
• Dali vessel involved in separate incident in 2016
• What is this bridge?
• Listen:  Expert view on the Baltimore bridge collapse

Thank you for following along. 

You can scroll down to catch up on the latest updates as happened during the day.

We'll be back with more news tomorrow. 

Officials say they are transitioning from search and rescue operation to a recovery operation.

US Coast Guard and Maryland State Police officials say that based on the frigid temperature of the water and the length of time that had elapsed since the bridge came down there was little if any chance that the six missing could be found alive.

Maryland's senator has praised the work of first responders, saying their heroism is a "ray of light on this dark day". 

Emergency workers managed to stop traffic along the Francis Scott Key Bridge after the Dali container ship put out a mayday call.

Chris Van Hollen said their actions "saved lives" and he was "thankful for them". 

A team of construction workers were repairing potholes along the bridge at the time it collapsed. 

Eight people were initially reported missing, but two people were found, with one suffering serious injuries. 

A short while ago, we heard from the executive vice president of construction company Brawner Builders, who confirmed the six workers still unaccounted for are presumed dead.

Six workers missing after the Baltimore bridge collapsed are presumed dead, the executive vice president of Brawner Builders has confirmed. 

Jeffrey Pritzker told our US partner site NBC News that there was one survivor. 

The company is not releasing names at this time.

Eight people, who were working on the bridge at the time it was struck by the Dali cargo ship, were initially reported missing. 

Two of them were found, with one suffering serious injuries. 

The other six have been missing for more than 12 hours. 

Maryland's emergency management department has raised its state activation level. 

It is now registered as 'full' - meaning an incident has occurred that may require significant resources. 

As a result, the state's emergency operations centre has been "fully staffed". 

The state's activation levels change based on a variety of factors.

The most influential factor is the occurrence of a significant incident, which is a term used to describe a single or multi-jurisdictional incident. 

A construction worker has said he was told his missing colleagues were on a break when the Dali ship crashed into the Baltimore bridge. 

Jesus Campos told the AP news agency some members of staff were sitting in their trucks when the bridge collapsed. 

The Brawner Builders employee said he learned about the disaster from a co-worker and immediately worried about colleagues he knew were working on the bridge. 

"When he told me that, they came to mind and I was praying to God that nothing had happened to them," he added.

"It is so hard for me to describe. I know that a month ago I was there, and I know what it feels like when the trailers pass.

"Imagine knowing that it is falling. It is so hard, one would not know what to do," he said. 

One person involved in the Baltimore bridge collapse has been discharged from hospital, an official at the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Centre has told AP. 

Dr David Efron did not comment on the nature of the patient's injuries, and the hospital has not released their name. 

Eight people were initially reported missing after the collapse. 

Two people have been found - one was said to have serious injuries, while the other did not require hospital treatment. 

Search and rescue operations are continuing this evening to find the six construction workers still missing. 

The US transportation secretary has said the path to rebuilding the collapsed Baltimore bridge will not be quick or easy. 

Pete Buttigieg described the bridge as "one of the cathedrals of American infrastructure". 

"It has been part of the skyline for this region for longer than many of us have been alive," he said.

He has also taken the time to thank first responders and offered comfort to those "who woke up today to the news that no one wants to receive". 

"This is an excruciating day for several families," he said. 

Clearer satellite images have emerged of the moment the Dali container ship hit the Francis Scott Key Bridge.

The vessel crashed into the structure after issuing a mayday call and losing power.

Earlier, Maryland governor Wes Moore said the ship was travelling at a speed of eight knots at the time it sent out its distress call.

Within minutes of departure on Tuesday, the faltering container ship crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge.

Here is a timeline of the Singapore-flagged vessel's collision, in local time (four hours behind British time).

1.04am: Loaded with shipping containers, Dali departs from Baltimore's port, heading to Colombo, Sri Lanka.

1.24am: Dali slowly approaches the Key Bridge, according to video captured by StreamTime Live.

1.24am and 33 seconds: The ship appears to suffer a total power failure as all its lights go out.

1.25am and 31 seconds: About a minute later, the ship's lights flicker back on. Black smoke starts rising from somewhere aboard the ship.

1.26am and 37 seconds: The ship's lights go dark again.

1.27am: Dali appears to be colliding with one of the Key Bridge's piers. The US Coast Guard receives the first report of a collision.

1.27am and 10 seconds: The ship's lights come back on.

1.28am and 48 seconds: The roadway of the Key Bridge begins collapsing.

1.29am: Most of the bridge's span has plunged beneath the water.

1.40am: Baltimore City Fire Department has dispatched rescue teams for the Patapsco River, with reports of multiple people in the water.

1.50am: The first fire unit arrives on the scene.

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Baltimore bridge collapse wasn't first major accident for giant container ship Dali

P ropulsion failed on the cargo ship that struck the Francis Key Bridge in Baltimore early Tuesday as it was leaving port, causing it to collapse into the frigid Patapsco River. Its crew warned Maryland officials of a possible collision because they had lost control.

“The vessel notified MD Department of Transportation (MDOT) that they had lost control of the vessel” and a collision with the bridge “was possible,” according to an unclassified Department of Homeland Security report. “The vessel struck the bridge causing a complete collapse.”

An official speaking on condition of anonymity confirmed to USA TODAY that the DHS’ Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency is working with federal, state, and local officials “to understand the potential impacts of this morning’s collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge.”

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Clay Diamond, executive director, American Pilots’ Association, told USA TODAY power issues are not unusual on cargo ships, which are so large they cannot easily course correct.

“It’s likely that virtually every pilot in the country has experienced a power loss of some kind (but) it generally is momentary,” Diamond said. “This was a complete blackout of all the power on the ship, so that’s unusual. Of course this happened at the worst possible location.” 

The ship in Tuesday's crash, Dali, was involved in at least one prior accident when it collided with a shipping pier in Belgium.

That 2016 incident occurred as the Dali was leaving port in Antwerp and struck a loading pier made of stone, causing damage to the ship’s stern, according to VesselFinder.com, a site that tracks ships across the world. An investigation determined a mistake made by the ship’s master and pilot was to blame.

No one was injured in that crash, although the ship required repair and a full inspection before being returned to service. The pier – or berth – was also seriously damaged and had to be closed.

VesselFinder reports that the Dali was chartered by Maersk, the same company chartering it during the Baltimore harbor incident.

The 9-year-old container ship had passed previous inspections during its time at sea, but during one such inspection in June at the Port of San Antonio in Chile, officials discovered a deficiency with its "propulsion and auxiliary machinery (gauges, thermometers, etc)," according to the Tokyo MOU, an intergovernmental maritime authority in the Asia-Pacific region.

The report provided no other information about the deficiency except to note that it was not serious enough to remove the ship from service.

Follow here for live updates: Baltimore's Key Bridge collapses after ship strike; construction crew missing: Live Updates

Why did Dali crash into the Baltimore bridge?

Officials said Tuesday they’re investigating the collision, including whether systems on board lost electricity early Tuesday morning, which could be related to mechanical failure, according to a U.S. official who was not authorized to speak publicly.

Accidents at sea, known as marine casualties, are not uncommon, the source told USA TODAY. However, “allisions,” in which a moving object strikes a stationary one with catastrophic results, are far less common. The investigation of the power loss aboard the Dali, a Singapore-flagged vessel, will be a high priority.

In a video posted to social media, lights on the Dali shut off, then turned back on, then shut off again before the ship struck a support pier on the bridge.

Numerous cargo and cruise ships have lost power over the years.

The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea requires all international vessels to have two independent sources of electricity, both of which should be able to maintain the ship's seaworthiness on their own, according to a safety study about power failures on ships , citing the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea.

The Dali's emergency generator was likely responsible for the lights coming back on after the initial blackout, Diamond said.

“There was still some steerage left when they initially lost power,” he said. “We’ve been told the ship never recovered propulsion. The emergency generator is a diesel itself – so if you light off the generator, that’s also going to put off a puff of exhaust.”

Under maritime law, all foreign flagged vessels must be piloted into state ports by a state licensed pilot so the Dali's pilot is licensed by Association of Maryland Pilots .

Diamond described the incident based on information from the Maryland agency that licensed the pilot aboard the ship. His organization represents that group and all other state piloting agencies in the US.

“The pilot was directing navigation of the ship as it happened,” he said. “He asked the captain to get the engines back online. They weren’t able to do that, so the pilot took all the action he could. He tried to steer, to keep the ship in the channel. He also dropped the ship’s anchor to slow the ship and guide the direction.

“Neither one was enough. The ship never did regain its engine power.”

How big is the Dali ship?

The Dali is a 984-foot container vessel built in 2015 by Hyundai Heavy Industries in South Korea. With a cruising speed of about 22 knots – roughly 25 mph. It has traveled the world carrying goods from port to port.

The ship, constructed of high-strength steel, has one engine and one propeller, according to MarineTraffic.com.

The Dali arrived in Baltimore on Sunday from the Port of Norfolk in Virginia. Before that, it had been in New York and came through the Panama Canal.

It remains at the scene of the collapse as authorities investigate.

Who owns and operates the Dali?

It is owned by the Singapore-based Grace Ocean Pte Ltd but managed by Synergy Marine Group, also based in Singapore. It was carrying Maersk customers’ cargo, according to a statement from the shipping company.

“We are deeply concerned by this incident and are closely monitoring the situation,” Maersk said in the statement. 

Synergy, which describes itself as a leading ship manager with more than 600 vessels under its guidance, issued a statement on its website acknowledging the incident and reporting no injuries among its crew and no pollution in the water. There were two pilots on board and 22 crew members in all, according to Synergy, all of them from India.

USA TODAY reached out to Synergy on Tuesday, but the company did not immediately return a call seeking comment.

Contributing: Josh Susong

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Baltimore bridge collapse wasn't first major accident for giant container ship Dali