The Hambantota International Port (HIP) achieved a major milestone by welcoming the luxury cruise ship AIDAstella, marking the first visit by an AIDA Cruises vessel.
AIDAstella, a Sphinx-class cruise liner sailing under the flag of Genova, Italy, arrived from Malaysia with 2,000 passengers and 620 crew members on board.
The 253.26-metre-long vessel is part of AIDA’s global cruise network and is currently heading toward the Maldives, according to a statement from the Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG).
During their stop at HIP, passengers disembarked to explore key attractions in Southern Sri Lanka, including Yala National Park, the historic Galle Fort, and Hambantota’s popular Bird Park.
HIPG stated that the arrival of AIDAstella enhances the port’s position in Sri Lanka’s maritime tourism sector.
The visit is in line with HIP’s strategic vision to transform into a globally connected, multi-purpose hub for logistics and tourism.
