Hamburg is captivated by cruises: The 10th Hamburg Cruise Days celebrate the city’s maritime soul

With a late summer mix of sun, wind and clouds, incredible displays on the water and a real passion for cruises, the 10th Hamburg Cruise Days came to an end on Sunday evening – a summary of a brilliant weekend.

The 10th Hamburg Cruise Days, held from 12 to 14 September 2025, offered a maritime mood that only Hamburg can conjure up. Eight impressive ships, spine-tingling performances on the Elbe River, a promenade with visitors flocking to the cruise lines’ information stands, music, dance, culinary delights and activities for young and old: the varied programme attracted large crowds to the port over the weekend.

“Our guests enthusiastically embraced the shore programme and thousands of spectators came to the waterfront in the evenings to watch the incredible displays”, said organiser Uwe Bergmann. “We achieved our target of 250,000 visitors to the event area alone, and around half a million people visited the port of Hamburg over the three days of the event.”

Michael Otremba, Managing Director of Hamburg Tourismus GmbH: “The Hamburg Cruise Days and Blue Port Hamburg again impressively demonstrated the aspects that define our city’s maritime identity: people coming together to experience the fascination of ships and the unique atmosphere in the port. This event is so much more than a tourist highlight – it is a celebration of togetherness that reflects the pride of the people of Hamburg as well as the international appeal of our city.”

The port at such close quarters – only in Hamburg

The evening highlights of the Hamburg Cruise Days in particular drew enchanted crowds to the riverside: a showcase featuring the VASCO DA GAMA with fireworks on Friday evening, the Grand Hamburg Cruise Days Parade with a large firework display on Saturday evening, and the double departure of the MSC Preziosa and Norwegian Dawn which closed the festival on Sunday evening.

Co-organiser Katja Derow, redroses communications: “The Port of Hamburg is not only synonymous with trade, it has always very much been associated with arrivals, departures and exploring the world. The Hamburg Cruise Days, with atmospheric highlights like the Grand Hamburg Cruise Days Parade, allow people to soak up this special magic. There are very few other cities worldwide where people can experience the port and the deeply authentic maritime atmosphere at such close quarters.”

Co-organiser Uwe Bergmann, uba GmbH, was also highly satisfied: “It’s something truly special when so many people from Hamburg, Germany and around the world come together harmoniously to experience and celebrate cruises. Our concept aims to bring a relaxed cruise feeling ashore, and the atmosphere and the positive feedback show that we have succeeded in doing so. We are delighted that the entire event went off peacefully and without incident. We would like to thank everyone involved on land and at sea, and of course the participating cruise lines: they all contributed to this wonderful event and allowed our visitors to experience unforgettable moments.”

A total of eight cruise ships came to the port for the event weekend: AIDAperla and AIDAsol (AIDA Cruises), EUROPA (Hapag-Lloyd Cruises), Mein Schiff 4 (TUI Cruises), MSC Preziosa (MSC Cruises), MS Sans Souci (PLANTOURS Cruises), Norwegian Dawn (Norwegian Cruise Line) and VASCO DA GAMA (nicko cruises). For the first time, the organisers departed from the concept of a single premium sponsor; for this year’s event, three major cruise lines – AIDA Cruises, MSC Cruises and TUI Cruises – were secured as equal main sponsors.

The final highlight on Sunday, Blue Port Art – and ahoy Harbour Birthday!

Early on Sunday evening, visitors to Hamburg Cruise Days were invited to pull out their handkerchiefs or phones and wave goodbye to two ships at the double departure, which was accompanied by music and a commentary. Hamburg Cruise Days officially ended at 8 pm.

Blue Port Hamburg will continue to shine until 21 September, creating a very special evening atmosphere in the port as Blue Port Art. This year, its magical blue illuminations were even more spectacular thanks to the involvement of HHLA: the Hamburg port and logistics group celebrated its 140th anniversary with the light-up of the Blue Port on 10 September.

The next Hamburg Cruise Days are scheduled to take place in two years’ time: from 17 to 19 September 2027, the port will once again be celebrating the magic of cruises.

However, fans of Hamburg and its port only have to wait until next year for the next maritime event: from 8 to 10 May 2026, Hamburg celebrates the 837th birthday of its harbour. The event will feature numerous ships, a colourful harbour mile and the grand arrival parade (8 May 2026 at 1:30 pm) to start the party.