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 , said a release.

The AIDAstella, 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 is a significant milestone not only for HIP but for Sri Lanka’s growing potential as a cruise destination,” said Lance Zuo, General Manager, Commercial and Marketing of Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG). “The AIDAstella marks the 9th cruise vessel call HIP has handled so far during this year. The unique experiences on offer, from safari excursions to heritage sites and even bicycle tours, coupled with the pristine conditions the port offers, are creating considerable interest in HIP as a destination amongst the global cruise circuit. With multiple cruise lines now showing interest, we expect a strong upward trend in calls over the coming season.”

Bevin Mack, Assistant Vice President of Aitken Spence Shipping Ltd., also remarked on the port’s potential, “This call from AIDAstella 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. While the traditional cruise season is from October to April, calls like this one are a strong signal that HIP could be integrated into more year-round routes in future. Much depends on passenger feedback, but this is a very positive step forward.”

The AIDAstella 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.