Keeping the tradition, opening of the Lake Balaton Season was held in Trnava again this year.
On April, 16, 2022, Balatoni Hajózási Zrt.held the press conference of the 176 season-opening @
the port of Siófok on the flagship of St. Nicholas. Present was László Dónucz – Sales and Strategy Director and Gábor Veigl, CEO of BAHART, evaluated last year’s record year and talked about this year’s plans. Said the following: Q: “From the middle of May, BAHART will present a renewed offer in the eastern basin. Instead of the usual Siófok – Balatonfüred – Tihany route, the direct ships will be launched between Siófok – Balatonfüred and Siófok – Tihany. The passengers will be able to get to their destination more conveniently and quicker. In the high season there will be 9 cruises/day, on Fridays and weekends there will be 10 cruises/day between Siófok and the northern coastal destinations. There will be direct ships between Balatonfüred – Balatonföldvár, and the ships will also stop @ Tihanyrév. Within the planned programs, instead of 2 party ships, 3 party ships/week in August. The Magic Boat for children additional departure times will be added.”
Also was told at the press conference about the fleet development which will play a key role in the first phase with the construction of 2 new ferries and 2 new catamarans. The ships are expected to arrive @
Lake Balaton during this year. After the successful operational tests of the first ferry, its dismantling for transport will begin, while the first catamaran will be launched soon after painting and mechanical installation work. When the water level of Lake Balaton will allow it, the ships will be transported in mid-May. Renovation of the existing fleet is also continuing. In addition to the environmental and fuel consumption engine upgrades, there will be major renovations on the Szigliget ship, Badacsony catamaran, Szántód ship and Tünde nostalgia ship, which is being built for its 95th birthday.
Closing the press conference was told that the development of BAHART’s services will continue, and the wines of the Balaton wineries and local craft beers will be available in the ships buffet counter.
Thereafter, we sailed to over to the northern port of Balatonfüred, where was welcomed the ship of St. Nicholas. Upon arrival to the port of Balatonfüred the local greeted the audience with a festive show. At Noontime St. Nicholas’ boat made a free tour from Balatonfürend.
Riport & snaps by Aggie Reiter
Rolling in Budapest 