Cruise aficionados and maritime strategists alike turned their eyes to southern Sri Lanka this week as the majestic AIDAstella glided into the calm waters of Hambantota International Port (HIP) on May 24, 2025—its very first call on Sri Lankan soil. This Sphinx-class marvel, flying the Genova, Italy flag, carried 2,000 eager passengers and a loyal crew of 620, marking a new chapter in Sri Lanka’s ambitions to forge itself into a premier cruise destination.
Built in 2013 by Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany, AIDAstella stretches an impressive 253.26 meters—longer than two football fields laid end to end—and boasts endless amenities, from a surf simulator and climbing wall to an ambient “Four Elements” spa. The ship’s distinctive giant red lips and eyeglass motif, a tribute to AIDA Cruises’ playful branding, greeted port officials and local dignitaries as they welcomed its precious human cargo.
For many on board, Hambantota was their first glimpse at Sri Lanka’s untamed beauty. Day-trip excursions whisked passengers into the heart of Southern Sri Lanka’s most iconic landscapes. A safari through Yala National Park, a biodiversity hotspot renowned for its high density of elusive Sri Lankan leopards, sharply highlighted conservation efforts for international visitors. Here, guests caught fleeting glimpses of the “Big Five” and learned about local initiatives to protect endangered elephant corridors.
A swift change of scene saw throngs of travelers wander the cobbled streets of Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site fortified by the Portuguese in 1588 and later enhanced by the Dutch. Its ramparts echo centuries of colonial intrigue, while chic cafes and boutique shops reflect a modern reinvention that has made Galle one of the Indian Ocean’s most celebrated coastal towns.
Closer to the port, the Hambantota Bird Park offered intimate encounters with painted storks, grey pelicans, and endemic waterbirds that congregate along the edge of the Menik and Godawaya lagoons. Here, expert guides explained the delicate balance between tourism and habitat preservation, underscoring Sri Lanka’s dual commitment to ecological stewardship and economic growth.
This maiden voyage by AIDAstella is more than a picturesque day trip. It signifies HIP’s rapid transformation from a deep-water general cargo terminal—initially a $1.3 billion project backed by international partners—into a multi-purpose hub that seamlessly integrates logistics, energy, and tourism. Located at the intersection of the East-West shipping lane, Hambantota is strategically positioned to seize a growing portion of the global cruise market, expected to reach 32 million passenger voyages by 2030.
“Today’s call by AIDAstella cements Hambantota’s emergence on the world cruise map,” said a spokesperson for the Hambantota International Port Group. “We’re not just moving ships; we’re opening doors to cultural exchange, wildlife conservation, and sustainable development.” The port’s vision extends beyond docking; plans are already underway for a waterfront promenade, boutique hotels, and an eco-marine research center that capitalizes on the region’s rich marine biodiversity.
As AIDAstella cast off for its next port of call in the Maldives, passengers disembarked with more than just postcards and photographs. They carried memories of Sri Lanka’s epic landscapes, centuries-old forts, and vibrant ecosystems—an invitation to return, dive deeper, and explore beyond the well-trodden tourist trails.
For Sri Lanka, the ripple effects are clear: increased foreign exchange earnings, job creation in tour operations and hospitality, and strengthened international partnerships. Travelers experience an island magic that surpasses the typical stereotypes associated with beach resorts. And for the Hambantota International Port, a bold statement: the world’s great liners have arrived, and Sri Lanka’s southern gateway is ready for many more.
