Hamburg Sud’s 146-year tradition of carrying passengers on its cargoships is ending abruptly now the German company has become part of Danish group AP Moller-Maersk.
According to travel agents, the edict to end hosting 12 guests on each ship was handed down from Copenhagen to align Hamburg Sud with Maersk Line’s internal policy.
Bookings for 2018 will be honoured but no further reservations will be accepted.
Those who have booked have been warned not to expect a nice bottle of crisp Riesling at dinner, as Hamburg Sud’s ships will become completely dry with immediate effect.
Operating between Europe and South America, Hamburg Sud’s vessels have been popular with freighter buffs and travellers who prefer not to fly.
Once the last passenger disembarks, all that will serve as a reminder of the company’s passenger days will be its former general cargoship Cap San Diego (built 1962), which operates as a floating museum and hotel in Hamburg.
Hamburg-Sud Reiseagentur, the company’s freighter travel bureau, will continue to represent other German shipowners that carry passengers on their containerships.
Maersk Line’s decision to end Hamburg Sud’s passenger trade comes just weeks after CMA CGM revived similar business at its Singapore-based subsidiary, APL.
On Watch is told by agents that, like Maersk Line, APL maintains a strict no-alcohol policy onboard its ships, which is making the cabins a tough sell to those accustomed to a few sundowners on deck.
