The Aida Cosma cruise ship made a significant stopover yesterday (Monday) when it docked at the Port of Santa Cruz de La Palma, marking a historic milestone as the largest vessel by tonnage ever to visit there.
The ship, which docked at the main quay at 7:00am, brought with it an impressive complement of 5,809 passengers and 1,405 crew members.
Its next destination is Santa Cruz de Tenerife, which it departed for at 10:00pm last night.
With a gross tonnage (GT) of 183,774, the Aida Cosma surpasses the previous record held by the Freedom of the Seas, which boasts a GT of 156,271, according to the Port Authorities.
A Record-Breaking Ship
Gross tonnage is a measure of a ship's capacity, encompassing the total volume of all its interior spaces, including cabins and living quarters. The Aida Cosma’s arrival highlights Santa Cruz de La Palma’s growing capacity to accommodate larger and more modern ships, enhancing its appeal as a destination for luxury cruises, drawing thousands of visitors and boosting the local economy.
Adding to the bustling activity at the port, another cruise ship, La Belle des Océans, also docked on Monday morning at 7:30am. This smaller vessel arrived with 128 passengers and 73 crew members on board, further demonstrating the port's ability to handle multiple cruise liners simultaneously.
