The 10th Hamburg Cruise Days: Hamburg celebrates the fascination of cruises

From 12-14 September 2025, Hamburg will be hosting the 10th Hamburg Cruise Days as the city again becomes a hotspot for cruise and travel fans from across Europe. The stars of this year’s event are eight cruise ships, breathtakingly presented on the river and flanked by a varied programme on the waterfront and the magic blue lights of Blue Port Hamburg.

The Hamburg Cruise Days are widely considered the world’s most beautiful cruise event: every two years, its unmatched maritime vibe attracts hundreds of thousands of spectators to the waterfront in Hamburg. In 2025, the Hamburg Cruise Days celebrate their tenth anniversary, and eight fabulous cruise ships will be there to celebrate this milestone in style (in alphabetical order): AIDAperla and AIDAsol (AIDA Cruises), EUROPA (Hapag-Lloyd Cruises), Mein Schiff 4 (TUI Cruises), MSC Preziosa (MSC Cruises), MS Sans Souci (PLANTOURS Kreuzfahrten), Norwegian Dawn (Norwegian Cruise Line) and VASCO DA GAMA (nicko cruises).

Michael Otremba, managing director of Hamburg Tourismus GmbH: “The Hamburg Cruise Days are a truly unique experience – they bring together maritime culture, a joyous festival mood and a stunning artwork in an event that shines far beyond the city. Together with Blue Port Hamburg, they put Hamburg firmly on the map as a global cruise destination, delighting cruise operators and visitors alike. The event is also a driving force behind future trends in cruise tourism.”

The highlights of the event weekend from 12-14 September include several glittering showcases on the River Elbe: On Friday evening, the VASCO DA GAMA will be spectacularly staged, followed on Saturday evening by the Grand Hamburg Cruise Days Parade, which this year features five ships, and finally, on Sunday evening, spectators can look forward to an extraordinary double departure (s. Events on the water).

From 10 September, artist Michael Batz will be transforming the port of Hamburg into the magical Blue Port Hamburg: since 2008, this magical illuminated artwork has been an integral part of the Hamburg Cruise Days and will continue to shine after the Hamburg Cruise Days are over, bathing the port and its many landmarks in a magical blue light until 21 September.

The waterfront – welcome to the captivating world of cruises
In 2025, the Hamburg Cruise Days again invite spectators to enjoy some shore leave and enjoy a brilliant programme and gastronomical delights at the heart of the port. Highlights of the shore programme along the event site from Landungsbrücken to Elbphilharmonie include showcases by the participating cruise lines, which will be providing a wealth of information and entertainment plus great special offers. A wide choice of food and drink stalls invite visitors to linger and relax, while a lively mix of cabaret, crafts and activities promises fun and entertainment for all age groups.

“The Hamburg Cruise Days are a uniquely immersive event that allow people to experience the magic of cruises, Hamburg as a destination and our port close up and at first hand”, says co-organiser Katja Derow (redroses communications). “For the event’s 10th anniversary, we invite everyone to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, watch the majestic ships and showcases on the River Elbe and experience the entertaining programme on land. Above all, we encourage our visitors to rediscover the sheer joy of deceleration, which is such an essential part of cruising on the rivers and seas of the world – and the polar opposite of the stress and hectic pace of our everyday lives.”

One licensor and three main sponsors
For the first time, organisers uba gmbh and redroses communications have moved away from the concept of a single premium sponsor. For this year’s event, alongside Hamburg Tourismus GmbH as the licensor and other partners and supporters, three major cruise lines – AIDA Cruises, MSC Cruises and TUI Cruises – have been secured as equal main sponsors. They are represented at the event with one or more ships and will also be presenting their services and destinations on the promenade. “This union of three cruise lines represents a paradigm shift in the ten-year history of our event”, says organiser Uwe Bergmann, managing director of uba. “These key players have joined forces to inspire people to discover the fascinating world of cruises. With its unique atmosphere and highly entertaining programme, the Hamburg Cruise Days offer the ideal stage.”

Also actively involved in the Hamburg Cruise Days 2025 are Cunard Line with a special anniversary show truck and nicko cruises with a spectacular ship display (s. Events on the water) and a presentation of the cruise line on the promenade.

Cruise Week: Seatrade Europe trade fair open to cruise fans for the first time
This year, the Hamburg Cruise Days and Seatrade Europe – Europe’s leading trade fair and conference for ocean and river cruises – are more closely interlinked than ever before: on Friday, 12 September, the trade fair will open its doors to non-trade cruise enthusiasts for the first time with “Destination Discovery Friday”. From 10 am to 2 pm, visitors can discover new cruise destinations, ranging from Europe to the Caribbean, gain exciting insights into modern on-board technology and innovations, and gather inspiration for their next dream trip. The ticket shop has been open since 15 August 2025. For only €5 per person, the 400 tickets available are valid for admission to the exhibition and an entertaining stage programme.

Official opening of the new Cruise Center HafenCity
To coincide with Hamburg Cruise Days, terminal operator Cruise Gate Hamburg will officially open the new Cruise Center HafenCity in Westfield Hamburg-Überseequartier on the evening of 12 September 2025. Guests can look forward to a festive evening in the presence of Hamburg’s First Mayor, Dr Peter Tschentscher. The event will also feature the presentation of the highly coveted Cruise Guide Awards 2025, one of the industry’s top accolades.

HAMBURG CRUISE DAYS 2025: THE EVENTS ON THE WATER

Friday evening, 9 pm – showcase with VASCO DA GAMA and a firework display
The Hamburg Cruise Days officially open on 12 September in the afternoon, the perfect time to schedule a relaxed stroll along the waterfront and get in the mood for the evening. The evening’s highlight is the showcase of nicko cruises’ elegant VASCO DA GAMA, which can be admired on the Elbe River from 9 pm, along with a spectacular firework display.

Saturday evening, from 9 pm – the Grand Hamburg Cruise Days Parade
A parade of ships, gracefully sailing down the river in formation with Blue Port Hamburg in the background: the Grand Hamburg Cruise Days Parade, which starts at 9 pm, is the highlight on Saturday evening. It’s worth getting there early to see these majestic ships manoeuvre into position. The parade will be accompanied by music and a commentary – and will end with a spectacular firework display over the river.

These ships will be taking part (in the following order): Mein Schiff 4 / TUI Cruises – AIDAperla / AIDA Cruises – MSC Preziosa / MSC Cruises – VASCO DA GAMA / nicko cruises – MS Sans Souci / PLANTOURS Kreuzfahrten.

Mein Schiff 4, AIDAperla and VASCO DA GAMA will sail out of the port as part of the parade.

Sunday evening, from approx. 7 pm – the double departure
The Hamburg Cruise Days 2025 ends on a high note with a rare double departure on Sunday evening. Around 7 pm, MSC Preziosa will depart from Steinwerder and will meet Norwegian Dawn at Elbphilharmonie. Accompanied by music and a commentary, both ships will sail gracefully downriver to the sea.

A full list of the arrival and departure times of the ships can be found here.

HAMBURG CRUISE DAYS 2025: THE SHORE PROGRAMME: FROM LANDUNGSBRÜCKEN TO ELBPHILHARMONIE

Blue Port Hamburg – daily from 10-21 September in the evening:
It is both a work of art and a dazzling showcase of the city: Blue Port Hamburg by Michael Batz. From the light-up on 10 September 2025 at approx. 9 pm, the Blue Port Event will illuminate the riverside in a blue light. And as the blue lights bathe Hamburg’s landmarks in a blue glow, Blue Port will also be celebrating the 140th anniversary of HHLA, the port logistics company. As Blue Port Art, it will continue to shine after the Hamburg Cruise Days weekend until Sunday 21 September.

Kids’ World
A vibrant programme of events for our youngest visitors. At the Kids’ World at Landungsbrücken, young sea pups can look forward to games and creative activities. From face painting to crafts and lots of fun activities – young and old are welcome to join in.

Salsa at Caribbean Island
Caribbean beats and tasty culinary delights plus the inimitable style of the port: Caribbean Island is a haven of pleasure and relaxation at Landungsbrücken. COCKTAILS DEL SOL bring the sun to the port and into your glass. On stage, intoxicating live music alternates with DJ performances and cool party sounds with Latin, soul and R&B beats.

Ferris Wheel
If you want to soak up the colourful bustle of the Hamburg Cruise Days from above, this is the perfect place. The Ferris wheel at the Landungsbrücken offers a breathtaking view of people, ships and the port of Hamburg – it’s an unforgettable experience.

Mini-Cruise Experience
Try your hand at being a captain. Step onto the ship’s bridge and feel like you’re sailing the high seas: spin the steering wheel, move the throttle and glide into the port. There’s plenty of other fun to be had: make paper boats, design your own badge, try on maritime outfits – all on Landungsbrückenvorplatz.

Street Food
Culinary highlights from all around the world, from savoury to sweet: the street food zone at Landungsbrücken is packed with delicious flavours and freshly prepared dishes. Stroll around and indulge your tastebuds!

Anchorage
Food, refreshing drinks and a relaxed atmosphere surrounded by the urbane bustle of the port – directly opposite the Cap San Diego.

Mein Schiff World
Explore the amazing Mein Schiff fleet. TUI Cruises’ well-being experts will be providing information about new routes and ships and presenting very special themed and event cruises for the coming season. Visitors can create their own well-being moment for social media – and, with luck, win great prizes and holidays.

Hamburg Cruise Days Studio – presented by ROCK ANTENNE Hamburg
The highlights of the day, live and online. The daily Hamburg Cruise Days online TV magazine shares the highlights of the day on Friday and Saturday from 7 pm on, and on Sunday from 6 pm: exclusive reports, inspirational guests from the cruise, port and event scene, and impressions direct from the event. Live on YouTube, Facebook and the event website – hosted by Sven Flohr (ROCK ANTENNE Hamburg) and Jascha Bergmann (bergmanngruppe).

MSC Cruises Promenade
A touch of the Caribbean, great prices and plenty of inspiration for the next cruise await visitors at MSC on Jan-Fedder-Promenade – with a VR ship tour, a play area for little sailors, DJ performances and, as a literal highlight and the perfect photo opportunity, the five-metre-tall MSC lighthouse.

nicko cruises
“Time to discover” is the motto at nicko cruises, as the cruise line presents special holiday moments on the world’s rivers and seas. A nicko team will be on hand to advise visitors on their next dream trip. There’s a competition to win an unforgettable break on board and a bespoke chill-out area on Jan-Fedder-Promenade for a relaxing break.

The Cunard Show Truck
The redesigned show truck invites visitors to dive into 185 years of Cunard history. At the Cunard site and in the truck, there’s advice and inspiration galore for majestic voyages on board the queens of the Cunard fleet – Queen Mary 2, Queen Anne, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth. Relaxed live music, a fabulous suitcase competition and many other prizes add to the great atmosphere.

sea chefs
Fancy a job on board? Sea Chefs has all the info! The leading partner in the cruise industry brings their great team vibe to the port: recruiters and crew members from kitchens to entertainment talk about what life and work on board is really like. In open FAQ sessions and fascinating presentations, you can find out about career opportunities on the world’s oceans and rivers.

Sundeck
Cool drinks, great food, a relaxed open-air vibe: the Sundeck at the iconic Kehrwiederspitze point is the perfect spot to enjoy the summer. Lean back, raise a glass – and savour the moment and the view of the Elbe and port.

AIDA Holiday World
The 400-square-metre AIDA Holiday World brings the sheer magic of cruises onto dry land. Located in front of the Elbphilharmonie with a stunning view of the harbour, and well away from the bustle at Landungsbrücken, this is the perfect spot to relax, explore and unwind. The AIDA team will be on hand to advise on cruise holidays. Other attractions include the AIDAcosma show cabin, interactive fun like the AIDA Kissing Lips selfie point, a badge printer and the AIDA Lounge with delicious drinks. There’s fun and games for young cruise fans in the kids’ corner.

Westfield Hamburg-Überseequartier
The new shopping, entertainment and culinary hotspot on the waterfront boasts a direct link to the new cruise terminal, which will be officially opened on Friday evening of the Hamburg Cruise Days. Westfield Hamburg-Überseequartier is celebrating the Hamburg Cruise Days with a host of cool promotions and summer vibes. This stunningly designed new mall is the perfect place to stroll around and indulge in a spot of shopping.