Under glorious spring sunshine, the Port of Ajaccio was delighted to celebrate, on Thursday 7 May 2026, Marella Cruises’ 30th anniversary.
This was a significant occasion for the British company, part of the TUI Group, which chose to organise simultaneous celebrations in Ajaccio and Dubrovnik, two iconic cruise destinations that have featured on its itineraries for over 20 years.
In Ajaccio, the majestic Marella Discovery 2 and Marella Explorer were together for a festive occasion open to passengers and crew members, as well as Port Community representatives and partners who had come together for the occasion.
From the early hours of the day, a joyful atmosphere took hold in the Port of Ajaccio; the traditional excursions were scheduled for the morning, so that everyone could take part in the entertainment on their return, whether on board or on shore.
The official launch of the celebrations was scheduled for 1.00 pm in the presence of representatives from Marella Cruises, shipping agents, the EPCIC Port Services, local service providers and partners… All united by a single goal : to make this anniversary day an unforgettable highlight.
During the opening ceremony, Captains Holmberg and Ziolkowski joined Ms Dominique Di Menza, Deputy Chairman of the EPCIC, accompanied by the Harbour Master of Ajaccio, Jacques Jonot, to greet and thank the nearly 4,000 people gathered on the quays, in a warm and friendly atmosphere that reflected the bonds of friendship and trust forged over the years between Marella Cruises and the Port of Ajaccio.
Participants were treated to a programme of entertainment with an authentic flavour: a parade and show by the Imperial Guard’s Changing of the Guard, tastings of the Corsican beer Pietra, concerts and musical performances by the group Les Zinzins, dedicated photo spots, and opportunities for everyone to mingle on the quays… An experience centred on meeting people and sharing.
The blue sky, the elegant ships moored in the heart of the Imperial City, Corsican music echoing along the quays, the interactions between the teams and the smiles of the visitors gave the event a sense of warmth and conviviality ; a wonderful day that will remain etched in everyone’s memories.
This success is the result of extensive preparatory work carried out in advance, through close collaboration between Marella Cruises, the Cruise Department of the Port of Ajaccio, and the shipping agent Intercruises and the Tour Operator Medacruises, to plan every detail in terms of technical coordination, logistics, hospitality, safety and entertainment, so that everyone could enjoy the event to the full.
A truly wonderful occasion that perfectly illustrates the power of harmonious cooperation, to which the port agents and local service providers contributed greatly through their commitment and professionalism.
The Management of the Port of Ajaccio has expressed its deep gratitude to Marella Cruises for choosing Ajaccio’s imperial port of call to celebrate this wonderful anniversary, and extends its thanks to all staff and service providers for their contribution to the smooth running of the event.
