The Cap San Diego was built and launched by Deutsche Werft in 1961 for Hamburg Süd as the last of a series of six ships.

The 159 m, 10000 dwt ship ran a regular schedule between Germany and South America, completing 120 round trips until 1981.

The ship was restored mainly by the labour of enthusiasts and laid-off dock workers, and is kept operational to date.

Most of the time, the Cap San Diego is moored at the port of Hamburg where visitors can access virtually all areas of the ship from the bridge to the engine.

Several times a year, the ship leaves the harbour on her own power for trips mostly on the river Elbe or to Cuxhaven.