On 28 May 1966, exactly 60 years ago, the first excursion ship named after the then 12-year-old Princess Marie-Astrid was christened in Grevenmacher. This week, the beloved Moselle vessel celebrates a big birthday, and RTL looked both back and ahead with the outgoing president of the Entente Touristique de la Moselle Luxembourgeoise, Steve Reckel.
The Marie-Astrid carries a long history, and it remains a major fixture on the Moselle, something Reckel hopes will continue.
The idea of offering cruises on the river took root early. According to the chronicle, hoteliers from the city became involved, and the canal system opened the way for passenger ships. At first the ships were borrowed, but it soon became apparent that owning a vessel would be the better solution. On this day 60 years ago, the first MS Princesse Marie-Astrid was christened, with room for 350 passengers.
There were certainly ups and downs along the way, but Reckel does not take the success story lightly. He said that simply reaching 60 years is itself evidence the ship's success, and that people who were involved in earlier days still hold the ship close to their hearts, describing it as an important part of their lives.
The evolution has been striking, and comfort for passengers has grown with each new ship inaugurated. Reckel noted that the change becomes clearest when visiting the Europa, the ship on which the 1985 Schengen Agreement was signed, now at Schengen. He said the sizes simply cannot be compared, from the kitchen to the number of guests the vessel can carry, calling the difference between the early generations and today's ship something entirely different.
Reckel said he takes pride not only in the ship itself but also in the team that runs it. He described the crew of 24 as remarkably well coordinated, made up of people who genuinely love their work. He pointed out that the work is seasonal, with the crew taking three winter months off before working through the summer and much of the year with real passion, which he called fantastic.
The vessel travels the Moselle and the Saar, welcoming many visitors from abroad. Reckel said large numbers of tourists arrive from Germany, while others come by bus from Belgium to Grevenmacher, adding that a varied programme of offerings matters greatly. Countless family and business celebrations have also been held on board over the years.
As for whether the 60th anniversary itself will be celebrated, Reckel said that 60 years is the kind of anniversary no one really makes a fuss over, which led the organisers to plan something out of the ordinary instead. He explained that they invited Austrian celebrity chef Johann Lafer to host a gala dinner aboard the ship on 28 November, seating 200 guests, where the anniversary can be celebrated in a smaller circle.
Princess Marie-Astrid, the elder daughter and eldest child of Grand Duke Jean, was personally present at every christening of the ships entitled to bear her name. Perhaps on this occasion too, the Princess will be a part of the 60th anniversary event in November.
