From 12 to 14 September 2025, the Hamburg Cruise Days will celebrate the cruise world for the 10th time. Over this weekend, eight cruise ships from various operators will be calling at the Port of Hamburg. The festivities will begin on Friday evening at around 9:00 pm with a special spectacle on the River Elbe: the VASCO DA GAMA from nicko cruises will make a festively illuminated arrival, accompanied by a fireworks display. On Saturday evening, the highlight of the programme will follow – the Grand Hamburg Cruise Days Parade, in which several ships sail down the Elbe together, set to music and live commentary. Visitors can also look forward to an atmospheric programme both on the water and on land.

Alongside the Hamburg Cruise Days, light artist Michael Batz will transform the port into a glowing work of art. Buildings, bridges and ships along the Elbe will be bathed in blue light, creating a special atmosphere around the event area. To mark the 140th anniversary of Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA), more than ten container cranes at the terminals, as well as several bridges in the Speicherstadt, will also be illuminated in blue. The light installation begins on 10 September at 9:00 pm and will continue to light up the harbour until 21 September.