News

15/09/2025

Saaremaa gains popularity

Today marks the end of this year’s cruise season at the Port of Saaremaa with the visit of the Norwegian cruise company Vestland Classic’s ship Nordstjernen. The vessel arrived from Pärnu and will continue its journey to Stockholm. Nordstjernen, whose name means North Star, was built in 1956 and is one of the classic vessels of the Norwegian fleet. With its ice-class hull and preserved retro-style atmosphere, the ship offers passengers an authentic seafaring experience reminiscent of the golden age of ocean travel. The tourism company Arensburg Reisid has arranged an excursion for the mostly German passengers, taking them to discover the Angla Windmill Hill, the Kaali meteorite crater and museum, as well as a guided walk through Kuressaare. This season, six different mainly small vessels from five cruise lines called at Saaremaa a total of seven times, bringing 1,227 passengers to Estonia’s largest island. Most visitors came from the United States, followed by France, Canada, Germany, Australia, and the United Kingdom. In total, passengers of 39 different nationalities visited the island, making Saaremaa a truly international meeting place. Saaremaa as an unique cruise destination Among Baltic Sea ports, Saaremaa stands out for its untouched nature, distinctive cultural heritage, and warm, welcoming atmosphere. With its seaside Kuressaare Episcopal Castle, authentic rural architecture, and unique natural landmarks – such as the Kaali crater – Saaremaa is a valued destination for cruise travelers. Adding to the experience are the island’s culinary traditions, relaxed pace of life, and genuine hospitality, which together create a memorable impression and entice cruise guests to return again and again.

12/09/2025

Hamburg Opens New Cruise Center HafenCity: A New Benchmark for Urban Cruise Infrastructure

Hamburg, September 11, 2025 – Cruise Gate Hamburg (CGH), the operator of Hamburg’s cruise terminals, will officially inaugurate the new Cruise Center HafenCity, on Friday, September 12. Located in the heart of the HafenCity district, the state-of-the-art terminal strengthens Hamburg’s position as a leading cruise destination. Attended by distinguished guests from the global cruise community, tourism, politics, business, and civil society, the opening ceremony marks a significant milestone in the city’s cruise development. The celebration is enhanced by the presentation of the Kreuzfahrt Guide Awards, hosted by the Hamburger Abendblatt, and concludes with the ceremonial departure of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises´ MS Europa from the new terminal. Following a soft opening phase, the terminal is now fully operational. It features two berths (345m and 230m) and offers space to process both smaller and larger ships. The vertically organized building spans 10,300 m² across four levels – including two underground levels for taxi, car, and bus access, and two above-ground levels for passenger operations. Cruise Center HafenCity offers a unique arrival experience. Ships sail past the historic Landungsbrücken and the iconic Elbphilharmonie before docking in the heart of HafenCity, offering a scenic and memorable entry into the city. Seamlessly integrated into the vibrant Westfield Hamburg-Überseequartier, the terminal provides direct access to a dynamic mix of retail, dining, and cultural attractions. Highlights include the immersive art experience Port des Lumières, the newly opened LEGO Discovery Centre, and close proximity to Hamburg’s most famous landmarks such as the UNESCO-listed Speicherstadt and Miniatur Wunderland. As part of HafenCity’s multimodal mobility concept, the terminal benefits from excellent public transport connections – including its own dedicated subway station. This significantly reduces private vehicle traffic and ensures convenient, sustainable access to the city center and beyond. Hamburg’s First Mayor Dr. Peter Tschentscher: “Cruise passengers can access the heart of our city directly through the Cruise Center HafenCity. In just a few minutes, they can reach the downtown area and historic sites by subway, bus, or on foot. Thus, cruise tourism stimulates both HafenCity and the city center, which offer visitors a wide range of restaurants, retail outlets, cultural attractions, and entertainments. Using shore power at the cruise terminals makes cruise ships' stays in the Port of Hamburg climate- and environmentally friendly. I wish Cruise Gate Hamburg every success with the new terminal and hope all cruise guests have a wonderful time in Hamburg!” Iris Scheel, Managing Director of CGH, “Hamburg’s approach challenges the notion that cruise infrastructure must be pushed to the periphery. Instead, it demonstrates how a well-planned urban integration can create value for both the city and the industry. Building this terminal in the city centre was possible through close collaboration with stakeholders and strong support from the local community and political leadership. It is a statement proving how deeply rooted cruise tourism is in Hamburg. We extend our sincere thanks to everyone involved who made this vision become a reality.” Simone Maraschi, Managing Director of CGH, “With the Cruise Center HafenCity, Hamburg continues to strengthen its position as a leading cruise hub in the European market. As the city’s third permanent terminal, it reflects our strong belief in the continued growth and relevance of cruise tourism as an integral part of Hamburg’s maritime economy. The terminal supports Hamburg’s long-term strategy of generating added value for the city with the cruise sector – through premium passenger services, meaningful integration into the urban environment, and a clear commitment to sustainable growth and innovation.” Dr Andreas Kleinau, Chairman of the Management Board of HafenCity Hamburg GmbH, “Together, the HafenCity Cruise Center and the vibrant Westfield Hamburg-Überseequartier complete central HafenCity in a fitting way. Here, Hamburg’s expanded city centre, complemented by a unique mix of functions, touches the shores of the River Elbe for the first time. We are very happy to see this innovative city district become a place for everyone to enjoy, enriching urban life at HafenCity.” With the Cruise Center HafenCity, Hamburg continues to be a European pioneer in developing shore power infrastructure in its port. By 2026, the new terminal will be equipped with shore power technology, enabling vessels to connect to clean electricity while docked. This development aligns with Hamburg’s strategic goal of providing shore power at all permanent cruise terminals – a target the city will meet four years ahead of the EU-wide mandate. Already today, there is high acceptance of shore power usage, with binding agreements in place with major cruise line operators. From 2027 onward, the city expects shore power-capable vessels calling at Hamburg to make consistent use of the technology wherever technically feasible. In 2025, a total of 48 cruise calls are scheduled at the new Cruise Center HafenCity – including 18 during the test phase prior to the official opening and 30 additional calls by year-end. For 2026, the number is set to nearly double, with 94 calls already confirmed. Across all three terminals – HafenCity, Steinwerder, and Altona – Hamburg expects approximately 300 cruise ship arrivals this year. The new facility also reinforces the economic and tourism relevance of the cruise industry for the city. As a recognized growth sector, the cruise industry plays a vital role in Hamburg’s economy and tourism sector – supporting 4,490 jobs in the service industry and contributing €419.7 million to gross value added according to an official study based on pre-pandemic data from 2018. In response to Hamburg’s dynamic development as a cruise destination in recent years, a new economic impact study is currently conducted by the Ministry of Economy and Innovation of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg together with CGH and Hamburg Cruise Net. Key figures of the new Terminal Total Area: Approx. 10,300 m², including around 4,000 m² on the operational ground level. Terminal Layout: Vertically organized with one operational level (ground floor) for boarding and disembarkation, and two lower levels for access by taxis, private vehicles, and buses. Berths for different ship sizes: Two berths measuring 345m and 230m in length, with a maximum draught of 10.3m. Parking Facilities: 1,500 parking spaces within the Westfield Hamburg-Überseequartier. Seamless Mobility: Directly connected to the Hamburg public transport network via dedicated underground station, bus and taxi terminal. Shore Power Infrastructure: Available from 2026, two power points (high voltage) for simultaneous supply of two vessels (one large and one smaller vessel), according to norm IEC/IEEE 80005-1, Power output: up to 14 MVA (Megavoltampere) from 100% renewable energy Architects: Hillmer und Richter Architekten GmbH, Hamburg. Event Venue Availability: Distinctive waterfront setting with excellent transport links and nearby amenities available for corporate events About Cruise Gate Hamburg GmbH Cruise Gate Hamburg GmbH is a subsidiary wholly owned by Hamburg Port Authority AöR. As the operator of Hamburg’s cruise centres Altona, Steinwerder, and HafenCity, CGH is the single point of contact for all cruise liner companies. CGH strives to provide transparent “one-stop services to the cruise shipping industry” at all of Hamburg’s cruise terminals.

21/08/2025

Cruise Center HafenCity brings passengers to Hamburg’s heart

The new Cruise Center HafenCity integrates cruise operations into a vibrant urban quarter in the heart of Hamburg, offering passengers a unique arrival experience into the port.   On April 26, 2025, Hamburg celebrated a major milestone in its cruise development with the inaugural call of Fred Olsen Cruise Line’s Balmoral at the brand-new Cruise Center HafenCity. This marked the beginning of a soft-opening phase, during which operations are being gradually scaled up and optimised. Approximately 45 calls are scheduled for this year, with around 40 still to come in the remaining season. A deliberate decision was made to start with a manageable number of calls in 2025. From 2026, the number of calls is expected to double to around 100, with larger vessels and more extensive turnarounds planned.   What sets the Cruise Center HafenCity apart is its integration into the Westfield Hamburg Uberseequartier: a vibrant urban development that offers cruise passengers an unparalleled arrival experience. Unlike cruise terminals that are located on the outskirts of cities, this terminal places passengers right in the heart of Hamburg. Ships sail past the historic Landungsbrucken and the iconic Elbphilharmonie before docking in HafenCity, offering a scenic and memorable entry into the city. The terminal is surrounded by a dynamic mix of retail, dining, and entertainment options. Passengers can explore the immersive art experience, Port des Lumieres; enjoy family-friendly attractions like the new LEGO Discovery Centre, or simply stroll through the UNESCO-listed Speicherstadt, just minutes away on foot. The Elbphilharmonie concert hall is also within easy walking distance, while excellent public transport connections ensure access to the rest of the city.   Simone Maraschi, managing director of Cruise Gate Hamburg (CGH), emphasises the collaborative spirit behind the project: “Unlike many other cruise destinations, Hamburg has successfully managed to build a terminal right in the city centre, thanks to the close collaboration with stakeholders and the strong support from political leadership and the local community. “Especially in today’s climate of growing criticism toward cruise tourism in many destinations, this achievement demonstrates the exceptional level of broad and sustained support cruise tourism enjoys in Hamburg, both politically and among the public.”   Sustainability is a key focus with this new terminal, too. Like Hamburg’s other terminals in Altona and Steinwerder, Cruise Center HafenCity will be equipped with an onshore power facility. Both berths will feature state-of-the-art shore power technology, aligned with the standards already in place at Steinwerder. Initial commissioning tests with ships are planned for later this year, with the goal of supplying all compatible ships with shore power from 2026 onwards: a response to the growing demand from cruiselines for greener port infrastructure.   The entire Uberseequartier, including the integrated terminal, is also part of a broader vision to create shared cultural experiences for tourists and locals alike. As part of the Westfield opening celebrations, international pop star Rita Ora performed a waterfront concert on the quay just in front of the terminal in June - a preview of future events designed to bring the port and city closer together.   With its central location, modern infrastructure, and commitment to sustainability, Cruise Center HafenCity is well-positioned to set new standards for urban cruise terminals, in Hamburg and beyond. The terminal complex spans 10,000m2 across four levels, with two levels dedicated to passenger processing and two for traffic (one for buses, one for cars and taxis).It features two berths: Berth 1 is 345m in length and Berth 2 is 230m in length. Both quays have a draught of 10.3m, allowing them to accommodate cruise ships with an average capacity of 2,500 passengers. Depending on ship size and operational requirements, the terminal can handle one large ship or two smaller vessels simultaneously.   In terms of OPS, the connections will be via mobile units. The converter technology is provided by Power Con, and the connection system comes from Stemmann Technik/Wabtec. The shore power operator is the Hamburg Port Authority, and the energy supplier is Trawa, delivering green electricity in line with Hamburg’s climate goals. Once completed, the facility will be part of Hamburg’s broader strategy to offer shore power at all three cruise terminals, enabling 70 to 80 percent of cruiseships calling at Hamburg to use sustainable electricity while at berth.   The terminal will be 100% refinanced through CGH´s revenue generated from ongoing cruise operations.

21/08/2025

CE holds its first port exchange & educational programme in Belfast

Belfast Harbour (BH) and Visit Belfast hosted Cruise Europe’s first Port Exchange & Educational Programme in mid August. A group of 13 CE members, from as far afield as Gdansk and Reykjavik, came together to hear about how Belfast operates and engages with the cruise industry. The visit began with an overview of the port’s business, followed by a tour of the cruise terminal and the wider Belfast Harbour Estate, before guests enjoyed lunch and a visit on board Norwegian Dawn. In the afternoon, the group divided into two teams to design their vision of the ideal cruise berth and terminal, before heading to the Titanic Belfast experience and finishing the day with the chance to pour their own pint of Guinness. Before departure the following morning, an open-top bus tour offered a final opportunity to take in the sights and a stories of this historic city. Gary Hall, commercial executive, BH, says: “We truly couldn’t have asked for a more enthusiastic or engaging group of professionals, and it was a real pleasure and privilege to host you all. Your energy, curiosity, and willingness to immerse yourselves in the programme made the event such a success.” David Browne, business development support manager, Port of Cork Company, comments: “The way in which Belfast has grown and diversified its business is nothing short of inspirational. You truly couldn’t have selected a better cohort for the programme, the good fun, genuine engagement, and openness made it both highly enjoyable and valuable. “The close collaborative working relationship between Belfast Harbour and Visit Belfast is also something that all regions could learn from and seek to replicate.” While Marthe Andersen, commercial manager, Port of Bodo, says: “[It was] Fascinating to learn about the extensive role that Belfast Harbour has in the city. In many ways the harbour is ‘a city within the city’, with an extensive real estate business, large areas, various businesses and even with its own harbour police etc. This is very different compared to smaller ports such as here in Bodo, Artic Norway, but still, we can all learn from each other, seek inspiration and develop the various ports’ unique role - both in a city, regional, national and an international perspective.” Finally, port operations manager at A&P Falmouth, Jonathan Winnan says: “It is great to see how Belfast Port, Ruth and her team engage with Visit Belfast and are always actively looking at and promoting local attractions for visitors. Getting the message across to cruise operators is important so having people who are passionate and knowledgeable is a great asset.”

21/08/2025

Bilbao is on track for 2027 OPS as bio monitoring plan is extended

Bilbao’s onshore power supply (OPS) remains on track for delivery in 2027. Part of the overall project is a platform to produce and maintain renewable energy systems to power the OPS system in the port itself, such as an array of photo voltaic (solar panel) plants. This €11.5 million contract is a joint venture awarded to four companies which are experienced in the field. OPS will not only be available to cruiseships, but ferries and container vessels too, with 11 connection points being installed around the port. The cost of the overall project is around €58 million. Looking at those Cruise Europe ports that have onshore power, Bilbao represents another option for ships turning around in Southampton or Portsmouth, both of which have OPS, with the recent addition in Le Havre a possibility en route to Bilbao. In a separate move, the Bilbao Port Authority has extended a 30-year agreement with the University of the Basque Country to monitor the effects of port activity on the biological communities in and around the port for another four years. Two divisions at the university, the Department of Plant Biology and Ecology and the Department of Zoology and Animal Cell Biology, work with the port to provide technical assistance in carrying out the port’s bio monitoring plan and to help ensure the protection of the aquatic systems in and around the port. As part of this activity, the development of flora and fauna communities is closely monitored in the harbour area, together with any trends from analyses of changes in composition and relative abundance of species. In addition, the physical and chemical characteristics of the water column are characterised by measuring parameters such as light extinction coefficient, salinity, water clarity, suspended solids and organic and inorganic matter. A new feature of the extension agreement is the inclusion of the study of phytoplankton with a view to understanding the structure and dynamics of phytoplankton and identifying any presence of any potentially harmful and/or toxic species. Overall, there are 21 monitoring stations in and around the port, including close to the cruise terminal. Overall, the results of the bio monitoring plan indicate that in recent years there has been a positive trend in the maturity of biological communities, and that port activity and expansion works have not had a widespread negative impact on their growth. Bilbao expects to welcome over 150,000 passengers in 2025. In other news, it has also been announced that Athletic Bilbao’s San Mames Stadium will be a host venue for the 2030 FIFA World Cup commencing June 8, and the port expects significant interest for cruiseship bookings especially for the occasion.

21/08/2025

Klaipeda begins construction of its new terminal

The first materials for the new Cruise Ship Terminal in Klaipeda have been delivered and contractors have begun quay construction. Once completed, this project will not only open up new opportunities for the port and boost cruise tourism, but will also create a waterfront space for residents and visitors alike.   “This terminal will become a new gateway between the city and the sea - a place where cruise passengers get their first impression of Lithuania, and where Klaipeda’s residents can rediscover their port as an open, vibrant space full of life. We are creating a terminal that will bring economic value, while also becoming a symbol of a modern, welcoming, and growing city,” says Algis Latakas, ceo Klaipeda State Seaport Authority.   The metal piles for the terminal’s quays arrived by sea to Klaipeda from Antwerp, Belgium, hence avoiding any disruption to daily life on the city’s streets.   Installing piles is a crucial stage in quay construction. They serve as the foundation that supports, stabilises, and ensures the resilience of the future quays against weather conditions. Before these works commenced, barges operated at the quay sites to carry out dredging.   The terminal’s construction has been entrusted to Tilsta which won the public tender. The contract was signed in 2024 when the company committed to completing the works within three years.   The new terminal is being built on land owned by the port authority. The project involves reconstructing existing quays and constructing new ones. Once completed, the terminal will feature an amphitheatre opening towards the water, pedestrian and bicycle paths, leisure areas, and spaces for events.

21/08/2025

Stavanger: working actively together as a destination is key

In 2023, the Port of Stavanger, the city and Region Stavanger joined forces to create the cruise network, Visit Region Stavanger (VRS). Line Murphy, cruise manager VRS, says: “It is important for the three parts of the community to work together if we want to create a sustainable cruise destination, not just for the environment but for the local inhabitants and also for local value creation”. In two years, the network, which brings together 42 local businesses ranging from waste management services to cafes, has established itself as a collaborative platform for sustainable growth. Its main goals are to raise awareness, gather and share data, increase local value creation and develop sustainable practices. In terms of the latter, VRS began working on a project to achieve the national Sustainable Destination label within two years, which is recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. Certification consists of 100 indicators, 16 of which directly concern cruise tourism. After certification the destination will be audited every three years. A key part of the work is building strong, coordinated cooperation between the port, cruise operators, local authorities, and tourism businesses. This close collaboration is essential not only to address environmental concerns, but also to ensure cruise tourism creates real value for the local community and economy. As part of this, from 2026 cruise traffic in Stavanger will be limited to a maximum of 8,000 passengers a day, with a maximum of two ship calls a day and no more than seven calls a week. In addition one vessel of up to 600 passengers a day will be permitted. In 2024, VRS reported a revenue of NOK225.5 million (€18.9 million), which Murphy says is not the total value creation from cruise tourism in Stavanger as it does not include all the income that comes from retail, such as restaurants and shops, from businesses not member of the network, and from ship purchases and services such as cherry picker rental and mooring personnel. “For example, there are clothing stores that get up to 40 percent of their revenue from cruise tourism, and kiosks with up to 80 percent,” she explains. In discussions with Murphy and Odd Bjorn Bekkeheien, ceo, Port of Stavanger, it is clear that working together as a destination is seen as the only way forward. “The network is a platform to discuss various challenges and also, much more important, raise opportunities for businesses to help each other and, not least, to spread facts and stories about the cruise industry within the whole community.” Just one example that has arisen from the three-way cooperation is an improvement in the security of passengers. Bekkeheien says: “Together, we have improved the logistics for passengers leaving the port and going into the city. It is now a much smoother operation.” Improved and extra signage has been a part of this. In terms of the local residents, the network has invited them to join local tours, as well as a special visit on board a cruiseship. “We have also developed guidelines that highlight how cruiselines and their passengers can engage respectfully and positively while in Stavanger. This has encouraged dialogue within the local community,” says Murphy. A recent challenge has been the use of outside PA systems on board the ships causing noise disturbance in the city. This use is against port regulations but certain cruise lines have been breaking the regulation. VRG and the port have worked closely to solve the issue. As Stavanger continues in its mission to create a sustainable cruise destination, Murphy believes that it cannot be truly successful unless everyone follows the same path. “It’s important that destination organisations that receive cruiseships work actively with cruise tourism. Tourism encompasses many different segments and cruise is one of them. We need everybody on board if we are to be able to communicate more facts, increase local value creation and be more sustainable.” She mentions there are still bigger cruise ports in Norway where the port and destination organisation do not work together, or the destination organisation does not work with cruise tourism at all. In addition, the cruise lines are a crucial part of successful sustainable destinations. “We would like more shareable facts, access to more onboard visits and information on how much value they create when calling,” says Murphy.

21/08/2025

New member: Lysekil

The Port of Lysekil had its first cruise call in 2014. This year passenger numbers almost doubled from 2,786 in 2024 to 5,611. Newcomers to the Swedish port this year are SeaDream II and Seven Seas Voyager with Crystal Serenity, Insignia and Explora III due to call next year. Whilst the port is a traditional cargo port with no special fixed facilities for cruiseships, it does offer free shuttle buses from the one quay which is 1.3km from the city centre. Named Groto rev 7-8, it is 190m in length and can accommodate a maximum draught of 8.4m. Vis ISPS, the gate is manned with security staff during cruise calls. At present, anchorage is not offered but the port is exploring the possibilities of installing new bollards to facilitate vessels up to 300m in length. In terms of waste disposal, there are containers on shore solid waste, a fixed installation for grey water and tank trucks for sludge. Volumes generated during a recent voyage were included in harbour dues. For sludge only, up to 11 m3 is free. On cruise call days, a mini market is set up at the quay and tourist guides with city maps are on hand to advise passengers of what can be seen. These include city walks and seal safaris in the archipelago. Bus tours to rock carvings at Backa or a boat trip to the old fishing village Smogen are also among the popular choices. The top three attractions are the church of Lysekil built in 1901, the old town where the settlement began in the 16th century and the 1,100m boardwalk overlooking the sea with areas to swim and Stangehuvud nature reserve, explains Peter Eriksson, operations manager, SDK Shipping. The latter is an area of pristine granite landscape with an amazing history, from being saved from the increasingly widespread stone quarrying back in the early 1920s to now being forever preserved as a monument to nature. 

21/08/2025

The CE Cruise Cast: Episode 6 is out now

During Episode 6 of The Cruise Cast, chair of Cruise Ireland Conor Mowlds takes us on a journey through a couple of challenges Ireland has faced over the years - including the effects of Covid and Dublin withdrawing from cruise - and how collaboration has been key to recover, grow closer and come to solutions together. He tells Sonia Limbrick: “Every organisation has to solve its own issues but we are thriving because of the regional support from Cruise Europe [CE], from the regional partnerships with Cruise Britain. Advice, change, support … I couldn’t speak highly enough of it. It’s there for all members of CE.”

21/08/2025

CE is looking forward to seeing you at Seatrade Europe in September

Cruise Europe (CE), together with its co-exhibiting partners - The French Atlantic Ports, Cruise Finland, North Atlantic Agency, Cruise Faroe Islands, Adelte, Port of Tallinn and Port of Klaipeda and partners - is exhibiting at stand number 334 at Seatrade Europe in Hamburg. For those with conference passes, there are a couple of standout sessions for CE. Chair Simone Maraschi will be taking part in the State of the European Cruise Industry: Future Forward on Wednesday morning, September 10. He will also be joining fellow European port and destination associations on the Thursday morning to discuss the coalition’s quest to deepen community engagement. As has become a tradition, the CE invitation-only reception will be held at Cafe Schone Aussichten from 1800 on Tuesday September 9.