Helsingborg revealed as the mystery destination
Helsingborg’s first and only cruise call of the season turned out to be something out of the ordinary. When Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Borealis arrived at the South Harbour on 20 October, Helsingborg had been a well-kept secret from the more than 1,000 passengers on board. The port and city officials, however, knew exactly what was coming and had been able to plan the welcome together, in the strictest confidence.
Borealis visited Helsingborg as part of a Mystery Cruise, where passengers set off without knowing the destinations on their itinerary. Only the Master, senior officers and a small number of other crew members knew which ports the vessel would call at. It was only as Borealis approached each destination that passengers discovered where they were destined.
For the Port of Helsingborg and the City of Helsingborg, the circumstances were rather different. Behind the scenes, the port, the city officials, the agent and other partners had been planning for some time to ensure that the vessel and its guests received a well-organised and welcoming reception.
A joint welcome from quay to city
Once Borealis was alongside, the secret could finally be revealed. Representatives from the port and the city went onboard the vessel to welcome the Captain and crew and take part in the traditional plaque exchange marking a vessel’s first call to a given port, known as a Maiden Call.
The visit also provided an opportunity for a tour of the vessel and meetings with both crew and passengers.
“Every cruise call is a team effort, with many different partners working together to make the whole experience run smoothly, from the vessel’s arrival to the guests’ first encounter with Helsingborg. Together with the city representatives, we have worked to create a welcoming and seamless reception, with the Hospitality Desk playing an important part in that,” says Sune Norup Christensen, CCO at the Port of Helsingborg.
With a Mystery Call, the personal welcome becomes particularly important. The passengers had not been able to research Helsingborg in advance or plan what they wanted to experience during the day. Two representatives from Destination Development therefore staffed a Hospitality Desk on board, answering questions, providing information and offering inspiration about what Helsingborg and the surrounding region have to offer.
“We want cruise guests to feel welcome in Helsingborg from the very first moment. The Hospitality Desk gives us the opportunity to meet visitors in person, answer their questions and inspire them to discover experiences both in the city and across the surrounding region. It is hospitality in practice and an important part of our work to further develop Helsingborg as a cruise destination,” says Anette Lindstrup, Business Developer within Destination Development at the City of Helsingborg.
From the South Harbour into Helsingborg
Buses were waiting on the quay for passengers who had booked organised excursions and for those heading into the city centre. At city centre, additional destination representatives were available to provide tips and guidance to guests who wanted to explore Helsingborg independently.
The excursion programme included visits to Sofiero Palace and Råå, sightseeing tours of Helsingborg and guided city walks. Guests could also travel across the Sound to visit Helsingør and Kronborg Castle. Many passengers chose to explore Helsingborg independently, braving the rainy October weather to discover the city.
Mystery Calls are a rare occurrence in Helsingborg. The last time the city welcomed a cruise vessel whose destination had been kept secret from its passengers was in 2012.
When Borealis departed Helsingborg, the voyage continued towards the next mystery destination. For Helsingborg, however, the day was about something more long-term: giving guests a welcome and an experience that makes an unexpected destination worth returning to.