The Port of Riga has officially shattered its single-season record for cruise passenger traffic following the weekend arrivals of three major vessels: the Hamburg, MSC Magnifica, and AIDAmar. According to data from the Freeport of Riga Authority, more than 150,000 cruise tourists have visited the city since May. With the 2026 season scheduled to run through the end of December, analysts project that the total passenger volume this year will increase by approximately 30% compared to last year’s figures.

The increase in the number of cruise passengers confirms that Riga continues to strengthen its position in the international cruise market, becoming an increasingly popular destination. It can be attributed to several years of targeted efforts by the Freeport of Riga Authority and the city’s partners, who have jointly promoted Riga in the international cruise market and established cooperation with cruise lines. In attracting cruise vessels, the Freeport of Riga Authority works together with the Riga Investment and Tourism Agency (LiveRiga), the Riga Passenger Port, the Riga RoPax Terminal, and other companies in the tourism sector.

The Port of Riga’s cruise season is delivering exceptional results this year. After launching on May 3 with the arrival of the German vessel Hamburg, the port is on track to host a total of 98 cruise ship calls by year-end. Six ships made their maiden voyage to Riga for the first time this season, while 13 cruise ships stayed in Riga for two days. In terms of passenger demographics, the majority of visitors this year have traveled from Germany, the United States, and the United Kingdom.

A standout highlight of the season was the arrival of the largest cruise ship ever to dock at the Port of Riga. On May 22, the German cruise liner Mein Schiff Relax (operated by TUI Cruises) made its inaugural call at the port. Measuring an impressive 333 meters long and 42 meters wide – a length roughly equivalent to three football fields – this magnificent vessel is scheduled to visit Riga a total of five times this season.

This season also highlighted a sharp increase in premium-class and expedition vessel calls at the Port of Riga. August was particularly notable, welcoming several newly built, state-of-the-art ships, including the Scenic Eclipse II, Seven Seas Grandeur, and EXPLORA III. The growth in this high-end segment marks a major milestone for the port. Attracting luxury and niche expedition cruises is a core strategic priority that the Freeport of Riga Authority and its partners have been systematically developing.

The cruise season at the port will extend through the autumn and winter. Two calls of the large cruise ships Norwegian Sun and Mein Schiff Relax are scheduled for October, while the luxury expedition ship Le Commandant Charcot will visit Riga in November. Four more cruise ship calls have been scheduled for December. The 2026 cruise season will officially draw to a close on December 26, when the AIDAprima will leave Riga following a two-day Christmas visit.