Riga Freeport Authority together with Riga Investment and Tourism Agency, SIA “Riga Ropax Terminal” and SIA “Riga Cruiseship Agency” participated in the “Seatrade Cruise Global 2024” exhibition in April this year, where they met with industry partners and representatives of cruise companies to discuss next year’s cruise line plans and current reservations.
Freeport states that it was confirmed during the forum 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.
In the next three years, the US cruise company “Princess Cruises” plans to increase the number of visits to the port of Riga. In this cruise season, the ship of the “Princess Cruises” line will visit Riga once, but in 2026, nine ship visits have been officially announced during one season, the Freeport says.
Edgars Sūna, the deputy manager of the Freeport of Riga for development issues, notes that negotiations have also begun with the management of the US-based cruise line “Carnival Cruise Line” regarding the inclusion of Riga in its tourist cruise route from 2026.
“Unless the situation in the region worsens, there is every chance to see several unique top-level cruise brand ships in the port of Riga in the next few years, such as “Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection” cruise yachts and “Explora Journeys” ships,” says Sūna.
