Sphinx-class luxury liner makes maiden call at HIP

Hambantota International Port (HIP) marked a significant milestone in its cruise operations, welcoming the Sphinx class AIDAstella, the first vessel from AIDA Cruises to call at the port. The luxury liner, which called at the port during the vesak weekend, is the seventh in a series of Sphinx class ships owned by the Cruise Line.

The AID Astella, which sails under the Genova, Italy flag, arrived from Malaysia carrying 2,000 passengers and 620 crew. At 253.26 metres in length, the vessel is part of AIDA’s global cruise circuit and is currently en route to its next destination, the Maldives. The call was facilitated by local agent Aitken Spence Shipping Ltd., with Lotus DMC managing on-ground excursions for passengers disembarking at HIP.  The excursions included some of Southern Sri Lanka’s most iconic attractions, including Yala National Park, Galle’s historic fort city, and the popular Bird Park in Hambantota, offering a blend of wildlife, culture, and eco-tourism.

This call from AID Astella is part of their global route repositioning from the Far East back to Europe. The fact that they chose to call in Hambantota shows growing recognition of Sri Lanka’s offering.  The AID Astella visit strengthens HIP’s strategic role in Sri Lanka’s maritime tourism map and aligns with the port’s vision to become a multi-purpose, globally connected logistics and tourism hub.