Hamburg at the forefront of cruise travel in 2023

22 Apr 2024 16:30 Shipping News

With a record number of 1,204,089 passengers embarking on cruises from Hamburg last year (compared to 785,000 passengers in 2022), the Hanseatic City consolidated its position as Germany's leading cruise port. In total, 51 different ships called at the Port of Hamburg 278 times, including eight first calls and a further 62 calls by river cruise ships. The strong result underlines Hamburg's attractiveness and diversity in the cruise tourism sector.

Dr Melanie Leonhard, Minister of Economic and Innovation Affairs: "The arrival and departure of a cruise ship in the Port of Hamburg is always an impressive moment. Last year, more than 1.2 million passengers experienced this. This means that the cruise industry makes a significant contribution to value creation and employment in our port. I am therefore delighted that from 2025 we will have one of the most modern cruise terminals in HafenCity, right in the heart of our city. As one of the most popular cruise destinations in Europe and a pioneer in sustainability issues, we also want to drive forward the issue of shore-side power. That is why we are massively expanding our shore-side power supply and will in future offer shore-side power supply at all cruise terminals.

Simone Maraschi, Managing Director of Cruise Gate Hamburg GmbH: "The record number of cruise passengers departing from German ports reflects the growing interest of German holidaymakers in sea travel. We are delighted that the industry has returned to its pre-crisis growth path. This strengthening of the market also benefits the entire northern German region. As the popularity of cruises continues to grow, Germany remains a key player in the global cruise industry, offering a range of fascinating itineraries and unforgettable experiences for travellers of all ages."

In September, Hamburg was named Destination of the Year at the prestigious Seatrade Cruise Awards, recognising its development as a popular year-round destination with sailings to all regions of the world.

However, the cruise industry is not only an important part of tourism in Hamburg, but also a major pillar of the city's economy. With an annual gross value added of 420 million euros and the creation of 4,490 full-time jobs, it is a significant economic factor for Hamburg as a business location.

Positive developments are also expected for the current year 2024. With 270 scheduled calls from the beginning of January to the end of December and 60 calls by river cruise ships, the Port of Hamburg remains a major German cruise port and a popular starting point for year-round departures. Travelling during the winter months is becoming increasingly popular, especially with international visitors who appreciate Hamburg's Christmas markets. The trend towards longer voyages and world cruises continues. Cruise enthusiasts can also look forward to ten premieres in Hamburg: Cunard will present its new fleet member Queen Anne in Hamburg, Costa Crociere will return to Hamburg with Costa Favolosa and Disney Cruise Line will call at Hamburg for the first time with the Disney Dream (other first calls: Ocean Albatros, Seabourn Quest, Villa Vie Odyssey, Sirena, Azamara Onward, Mein Schiff 7, Sky Princess). The Hamburg Port Anniversary celebrations will take place from 9 to 12 May 2024.

Work is currently underway to expand the cruise terminal in HafenCity. From 2025, the new cruise centre will be an attractive addition to Cruise Gate Hamburg's range of berths, particularly due to its attractive inner-city location, excellent accessibility by public transport and the high-quality and varied facilities of the entire southern Überseequartier. The terminal will have two berths for cruise ships as well as the option of shore power during the berthing period.

All ship calls in 2024 can be found at: www.cruisegate-hamburg.de/expected-vessels/