In April, the Riga Freeport Authority, together with the Riga Investment and Tourism Agency, “Ro-Pax Terminal” and “Riga Cruiseship Agency” participated in the world’s largest cruise tourism exhibition, meeting with industry partners and representatives of cruise companies to discuss cruise line plans for the next year and current reservations .
During the forum, it was confirmed that several new US cruise lines could enter the port of Riga in the next few years, and the return of some large cruise lines could also be expected soon.
Photo: Riga Freeport
Photo: Riga Freeport
Photo: Riga Freeport
The US cruise company “Princess Cruises” plans to significantly increase the number of visits to the port of Riga in the next three years. Line spokeswoman Debbie Holbrook admitted she was positive about the route’s development. “We are happy to return and will continue to take our ships to Riga and other destinations in the region. Our passengers love and appreciate them, and they are always special to our cruise line,” she said.
This season, the ship of the “Princess Cruises” line will be in Riga once, but in 2026, 9 ships have been officially announced to arrive within one season.
Negotiations have also started with the management of the USA-based cruise line “Carnival Cruise Line” regarding the inclusion of Riga in its tourist cruise route from 2026.
“They are big, beautiful ships of the highest (premium) class, which can bring a lot of tourists to us, so the arrival of such a line in Riga would be a great success.
Unless the situation in the region worsens, we have every chance to see several truly unique top-level cruise brand ships in the port of Riga in the coming years, such as “Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection” cruise yachts and “Explora Journeys” ships, an exclusive niche product of MSC “, what was discussed during the forum was outlined by Edgars Sūna, the deputy manager of the Freeport of Riga for development issues.
Riga has also received a positive assessment from the American exclusive niche cruise line “Silversea Cruises”.
“This year’s cruise sales figures in the region show that the Baltic Sea route is in demand even without St. Petersburg. All reservations for this summer are full, and given the positive trend, we are thinking about launching another new ship in the Baltic Sea for the next season,” confirmed the lines. representative Suzanna Capačio, noting that Riga is very beautiful with a charming old town and sights easily accessible by pedestrians. “We have observed that cruise guests, who do not know much about Riga, return satisfied and satisfied after sightseeing and excursions in the city. The service and experience received exceeds initial expectations and expectations.”
Sūna emphasized that a lot of work has been invested in the development of the cruise niche, “showing Riga as a unique cruise travel destination, providing excellent customer service in the port, talking about the safety of the region, offering travelers a diverse and authentic tourism experience”.
This year’s cruise season in the port of Riga will start already tomorrow, April 25, with the arrival of the French cruise company “Ponant” ship “Le Bellot”.
A total of 67 cruise ship arrivals are expected this year, 5 ship visits more than last year.
