In April 2015 the cruise liner Europa of HAPAG-LLOYD CRUISES opened the cruise season in Odessa Sea port . The vessel has been visiting Odessa constantly from 2002 to 2007. The last cruise ship call was in 2013. Previous year the vessel quite with the same name, but of luxurious class Europa 2, called at Odessa Sea port.
The Europa was long-awaited. It is not a secret that because of the political situation a lot of companies cancelled ship calls at Odessa seaport. That is why this first cruise call was welcomed with a solemn ceremony and traditional Odessa songs.
On April 24 the vessel left Odessa to Istanbul.
Also the passengers shared their impressions about Odessa:
- We have visited a lot of cities within this cruise, but Odessa, it goes without saying, has impressed us most of all. It may be said roughly – but the cities, we had visited before were dirty, and emotions were only negative. Odessa is a very clean and green city, and of course it astonished us with its architecture. We walked for more than 3 hours, and we hope to see even more with our “second attempt”. Also we saw 3 weddings today, which impressed us a lot, and made a lot of pictures of a bride in a carriage, and a couple in the Cadillac!
- As I am a writer, I can say that I know what I will write in my new book. I have never been in Ukraine, and I couldn’t even imagine that Odessa can be so beautiful. The Opera and Ballet House nearly took my breath, though there are analogues of Opera Houses in different countries, this one is unique. Also, I cannot but say about people, they are so smiley, kind, I didn’t notice any people in bad humor. It is perfect. The whole city smells with joy. I hope that all cities in Ukraine will bloom like Odessa.
- We prefer walking together, and not to depend on the group, that’s why we have chosen a city tour by foot. And, of course, we are to underline that it is extremely convenient that the passenger terminal is situated in the very center of the city. We saw a lot, but old Odessa impressed us most of all. It is used to maintain old building in Germany, and not to build new-builds, and we hope that your government will maintain also such an astonishing, amazing architecture. We look forward to return here, not on cruise, but with our friends and family.
