“This has been a difficult time for the Baltic Sea region, but there are hopes that we will gradually return to the upward trend, as it was before the pandemic and the beginning of the war started by Russia in Ukraine”, comments Jens Chr. Skrede, CEO of Cruise Europe, reports Riga Freeport Authority.
In April of this year, the Riga Freeport Authority together with the Riga Investment and Tourism Agency, Ro-Pax Terminal and Riga Cruiseship Agency participated in “Seatrade Global 2024”, where they represented the port of Riga and the city at the world’s largest cruise tourism exhibition, met with industry partners and representatives of cruise companies, to discuss future cruise line plans and current bookings.
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.
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 representative Debbie Holbrook says: “We are positive about the development of the route. We are happy to return and will continue to take our ships to Riga and other destinations in this region. They are loved and appreciated by our passengers and are always special to our cruise line.” This season, the ship of the Princess Cruises line will be in Riga once, however, in 2026, 9 ships have already 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 premium class ships that 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 in the next few years in the port of Riga several really unique ships of top-level cruise brands, such as Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection cruise yachts and Explora Journeys ships, which is MSC’s exclusive niche product,” “Seatrade During the Global” forum, Edgars Sūna, the deputy manager of the Freeport of Riga for development issues, outlines what was discussed.
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. For this summer, all reservations are full, and considering the positive trend, we are thinking about launching another new ship in the Baltic Sea for the next season,” said Silversea Cruises representative Susanna Capaccio, noting that Riga is very beautiful with a charming old town and easily accessible by pedestrians. sights. “We have observed that cruise guests who do not know much about Riga return satisfied and satisfied after sightseeing and excursions. The service and experience received exceeded initial expectations and expectations”, says Susanna Capaccio.
“We have jointly invested a lot of work 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. There is satisfaction for every positive review and interest of new cruise lines in Riga, which will contribute to the increase in the number of cruise passengers, contribute to Riga’s international recognition and the city’s economy”, says Edgars Sūna.
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.
