The 12-deck passenger ship “Viking Cinderella” has arrived at the Port of Riga. 1122 tourists from Scandinavia, the most from Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, but also from Germany, Poland, Great Britain and other countries came to Riga in the framework of the winter cruises organized by the company “Viking Line”. This month, two more calls of “Viking Cinderella” have been scheduled, the second one is expected in a week, on December 18.

This is not the first visit of the ship “Viking Cinderella” to the Port of Riga, but the vessel has never visited Riga in winter. During the three-day cruise, the ship’s passengers are offered to enjoy a magical Christmas atmosphere and visit “one of the most welcoming European Christmas markets in the UNESCO World Heritage City of Riga”.

Thanks to the proactive efforts of the Port of Riga and its partners in promoting Riga as an outstanding destination for niche and off-season cruises, the city’s winter season offerings are gaining increased recognition among international cruise companies. The December issue of Seatrade Cruise Review, an industry magazine, features an article about Riga: “With its enchanting traditional Christmas markets and radiant lighting, Riga crafts an irresistibly magical ambiance, earning recognition as one of Europe’s premier winter destinations. The city’s festive adornments and the lively bustle of the Christmas market captivate with delightful scents, flavors, and charming gift selections, animating the streets with an authentic Christmas atmosphere. According to surveys conducted among cruise ship passengers, Riga consistently garners acclaim as an outstanding cruise destination. This reputation stems from the port’s proximity to the Old Town, a wide array of excursion options, and the city’s diverse attractions”.

Over the coming years, Riga anticipates a rise in off-season (winter) cruise ship calls. In December 2024, the expedition ship “Le Commandant Charcot” from the esteemed French luxury cruise company “Ponant” is scheduled to call our port twice as part of the “Scandinavian Wonderland & Christmas Market” cruise tour. Additionally, the ships operated by “Viking Line” plan four more visits to Riga in 2024 during three-day cruises – two visits each in September and December. Riga features prominently on the itinerary of the “Nordic City Escape” cruise by the British company “Ambassador Cruise Line”, with the ship set to call Riga in February 2025.

According to the current operational data of the Freeport of Riga, 68 ship calls have been scheduled for the next year’s cruise season in the Port of Riga. The season is to begin on April 25 with a visit of the French cruise company’s “Ponant” ship “Le Bellot” and will end on December 17 with a visit of the expedition ship “Le Commandant Charcot” of the same company.