The imposing ocean liner, which is making its first stop in the city today with 4,235 passengers and 1,600 crew members, hosted a welcome reception on board attended by representatives of various institutions.
The ship boasts the most advanced technology of current fleets, and its entertainment offering marks a new era in the cruise industry.
Belonging to the world's leading cruise line, Royal Caribbean, it was launched in April and offers everything from an articulated capsule to get sea views at 90 meters high to skydiving and surfing simulators or a bumper car track.
The Port of A Coruña today welcomed the largest ship ever to dock at its piers: the Anthem of the Seas. Measuring 347 meters in length and 41 meters in beam, it arrived at the Transatlantic Pier at 11:30 a.m., escorted by tugboats' water cannons. The 4,235 passengers on board, along with the 1,600 crew members, represent another record, as no ship with such a large number of passengers has ever docked in the city before.
This was evident in the city center, which was bustling for several hours due to the presence of cruise ship passengers. British were the most numerous nationalities, although there were also large groups of German travelers and even some from Latin America and Asia.
The Anthem of the Seas stands out not only for its sheer size but also for being considered the most modern ship in the world's transatlantic fleets. It belongs to Royal Caribbean, the international leader in cruise traffic, and boasts the most advanced technology currently available for leisure vessels. With a futuristic design and automated systems for all types of services, the ship's technological range extends from high-speed internet to robotic waiters, virtual balconies, and home automation systems for interior cabins, and above all, an impressive array of entertainment activities that marks a turning point in the cruise industry. This was the sentiment expressed today by the captain of the Anthem of the Seas, Norwegian Clans Andersen, who hosted a reception on board to mark its maiden call in A Coruña. “The ship itself is the destination,” the captain emphasized, noting that the state-of-the-art attractions offered on board can only be found in the world’s great entertainment meccas such as Los Angeles or Las Vegas.
The ceremony held on board was attended by various representatives of local institutions, including the Government Delegate in Galicia, Santiago Villanueva; the Maritime Captain, Gustavo Ortega; the Director of the Port Authority, Juan Diego Pérez Freire; as well as representatives of the State Security Forces and Corps and the shipping agent Bergé. Following this reception and the welcome activities held on the dock and in the Marina, the ship is scheduled to depart for Southampton around 7:00 p.m.
Those attending the reception were able to witness the spectacular amenities of the ship, whose most unique feature is the giant glass capsule with an articulated arm that offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the sea from a height of 90 meters. It also boasts a skydiving simulator, consisting of a tunnel that generates wind capable of simulating a freefall at over 150 kilometers per hour. Among the activities offered on this amazing vessel are a bumper car track, ice and roller skating rinks, a basketball court, a circus school, a zip line, and a surf simulator over 12 meters long. The pool area features a 20-square-meter outdoor screen and a solarium with glass capsules.
The Anthem of the Seas marks the sixth first-round call of the year at the Port of A Coruña. Another major arrival is expected on June 27th, this time from the Explorer of the Seas, also part of the Royal Caribbean fleet, which will be visiting the city for the first time. This ship has a capacity for more than 3,000 passengers, as does the Ventura, from the P&O company, which will dock at the Transatlantic Pier on the 22nd.
