The 177th navigation season on Lake Balaton has begun – photos

Continuing the dynamic modernisation launched last year, Balaton Shipping Company (BAHART) is renewing its fleet and bringing on board new graduates in the spring.

The design of the ferry and passenger boat harbours will continue, as will the preparation of the newly opened and rebranded sailing harbours for the season. BAHART will continue to offer its passengers a varied programme of activities, a varied timetable and digital solutions during the 177th sailing season, the press release said.

On board the ship Szent Miklós, on Easter Saturday – traditionally the first day of the Balaton cruise season – the Balaton Shipping Company held its season-opening press conference. The first boat traditionally departed from the port of Siófok and docked at the port of Balatonfüred with the press.

Gábor Veigl, CEO of BAHART, said that

the shipping season started earlier than usual this year in some ports and on priority routes, such as Siófok-Tihany or Balatonboglár-Révfülöp. From 1 May, the most popular Fonyód-Badacsony route will have hourly departures.

Passengers can also reach Tihany, Balatonfüred and Balatonföldvár more frequently. Thanks to the popularity of the area, more pleasure boats will also be leaving the ports in the summer: 176 party boats and 100 magic boat trips will leave the ports. From Siófok, Balatonfüred and Balatonalmádi, pleasure boats will also depart more frequently, on average every hour and a half. In addition, special emphasis will be placed on the sunset cruises, which will offer passengers a truly special experience, where they can admire Lake Balaton from the middle of the lake, sipping a prize-winning champagne or soft drink, at the most magical moment of the day.

The development of BAHART services will also continue. The buffets will continue to offer a selection of wines from renowned Balaton wineries and local craft beers. The Company continues to place great emphasis on online ticketing, with a promotion in the spring offering online customers discounted tickets.

In addition to the rebranding, the marinas are also undergoing ongoing technical improvements. Szigliget and Balatonföldvár harbours are starting the new season with a new pontoon, Siófok harbour with a more modern and energy-efficient heat pump system and Balatonföldvár with a new service unit and harbour master’s office.

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