Pleasure on the promenade and captivating moments: the second day of the Hamburg Cruise Days 2025

Cruises exert a truly magical appeal: on Saturday, tens of thousands flocked to the port in glorious late summer weather to enjoy the relaxed maritime atmosphere and experience one of the highlights of the 10th Hamburg Cruise Days 2025: the Grand Hamburg Cruise Days Parade.

An elegant promenade featuring cabaret performances, irresistible culinary delights and travel information, an opportunity to enjoy the vibe in the port and soak up some of the magic of cruises: the second day of the Hamburg Cruise Days attracted tens of thousands of people to the waterfront to experience one of the highlights of the festival: the Grand Hamburg Cruise Days Parade in the evening.

Thrills in the illuminated port

Eight ships called in on Hamburg during the three days of the 10th Hamburg Cruise Days, five of which lined up in the evening for the Grand Hamburg Cruise Days Parade: Mein Schiff 4 (TUI Cruises), AIDAperla (AIDA Cruises), MSC Preziosa (MSC Cruises), VASCO DA GAMA (nicko cruises) and MS Sans Souci (PLANTOURS Kreuzfahrten).

Against the stunning backdrop of the Blue Port Event illuminations, accompanied by music, a commentary and joined by a fleet of 16 escort ships headed by three Hadag ferries, the parade sailed down the Elbe River. Visitors gathered in the port hours before the parade started, eager to secure the best spots to watch the unique spectacle and see these giants carefully manoeuvre into position. The crowning highlight of the evening was a spectacular firework display over the Elbe. Three of the five cruise ships – Mein Schiff 4, AIDAperla and VASCO DA GAMA – also departed the port with the parade and are now heading for their next destinations.

Only one day left to experience the magic

A special treat awaits cruise and ship enthusiasts at the finale of Hamburg Cruise Days on Sunday: the simultaneous departure of two cruise ships. At around 7 pm, the MSC Preziosa will set sail from Steinwerder and meet the Norwegian Dawn at the Elbphilharmonie. Accompanied by music and commentary, both ships will then head out to sea amid a farewell of waving and cheers from the spectators on land. The promenade between Landungsbrücken and the Elbphilharmonie will be open on Sunday from 11 am to 8 pm, and Blue Port Hamburg will remain illuminated until 21 September.