This week, cruise industry professionals, representatives of cruise lines, Baltic Sea ports, and cruise destinations will visit Riga to participate in the “Cruise Baltic Summit”, a conference organized by the international cruise association Cruise Baltic, taking place in Riga on October 6 and 7.

Prior to the conference, cruise line representatives will take part in a familiarization trip (FAM trip) to Riga, organized by the Freeport of Riga Authority in cooperation with Riga Investment and Tourism Agency. A large number of the world’s leading international cruise lines will participate, including “Holland America Line,” “Explora Journeys,” “Regent Seven Seas Cruises,” “Ambassador Cruise Line,” “The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection,” “Princess Cruises,” “Disney Cruise Line,” “Oceania Cruises,” and “Carnival Maritime.” Various excursions are planned for the international guests to showcase Riga’s diverse tourism offerings, strategic advantages, and key opportunities for cruise passengers.

These familiarization visits, or so-called FAM trips, are an effective tool for attracting cruise lines and promoting the destination, giving cruise line representatives the opportunity to assess Riga’s offerings and potential firsthand. Securing cruise ship calls is a long-term endeavor, as operators plan itineraries years in advance. In fact, schedules for the upcoming seasons extending through 2029 and 2030 are already being developed and negotiated.

The “Cruise Baltic Summit,” organized by the Cruise Baltic association, will take place in Riga on October 6 and 7 at the Tallink Hotel Riga. The agenda includes Cruise Baltic’s achievements and future plans, the industry’s strategic goals, as well as the development of shore power in the Baltic Sea region. Concurrently, the conference will address emerging cruise travel trends and research on passenger behavior, exploring key topics such as multigenerational travel and the direct impact of crew experiences on the overall passenger journey.

A key part of the conference will be direct one-on-one meetings between representatives of Baltic Sea ports and destinations and cruise line representatives with the aim of discussing opportunities for cooperation and plans for the upcoming season.

The Port of Riga has been a member of Cruise Baltic since 2023. Membership in international cruise organizations ensures direct cooperation with cruise lines and other industry partners, the exchange of professional experience and information, as well as the opportunity to promote Riga as a cruise destination through joint marketing activities. Cruise Baltic brings together 31 ports and destinations throughout the Baltic Sea region.

As previously reported, the Port of Riga set a new record for cruise passengers this year, welcoming 150,000 cruise passengers in a single season for the first time. The 2026 cruise season will extend to late December, with final projections indicating that the annual volume will reach approximately 160,000 – a remarkable 30% increase compared to last year’s figures.