Cruise ships, magical lights and harbour flair: Hamburg Cruise Days 2025 – the maritime event of the summer
Stunning ships, a vibrant onshore programme, the unique backdrop of the harbour and the magical glow of Blue Port Hamburg: in just six months, the 10th edition of Hamburg Cruise Days will once again turn the city into a grand stage for the world of cruising. This atmospheric event invites cruise enthusiasts, travellers, and maritime fans to the waterfront from 12 to 14 September 2025 to indulge their longing for the sea.
Eight cruise liners, expedition ships, and river cruisers will be the stars of Hamburg Cruise Days, taking place for the tenth time from Friday, 12 September, to Sunday, 14 September 2025, in the heart of Hamburg’s harbour. Along the bustling promenade stretching from the iconic Landungsbrücken to the spectacular Elbphilharmonie, visitors can look forward to an exciting and high-quality programme both on land and on water: an unmistakably maritime atmosphere, captivating cruise line presentations, culinary delights, street performances, a children’s adventure world – and mesmerising evening productions on the River Elbe.
The magic begins early: starting on 10 September, artist Michael Batz will transform the Hamburg harbour into the enchanting “Blue Port Hamburg“ with his light installation. This stunning artwork, closely associated with Hamburg Cruise Days since 2008, will be on display until 28 September.
Michael Otremba, Managing Director of Hamburg Tourismus GmbH, which licenses the event, explains: “When majestic cruise ships glide through the illuminated harbour and Blue Port Hamburg casts its magical glow, the longing for the sea and travel becomes almost tangible. Hamburg Cruise Days is a one-of-a-kind experience that brings the city’s maritime heartbeat to life, captivating both visitors and locals alike.”
Unforgettable moments against a magical blue backdrop
A total of eight ships will bring variety to the water – from grand cruise liners and elegant luxury ships to a sleek expedition vessel and a modern river cruiser. The confirmed ships include:
– AIDAperla and AIDAsol (AIDA Cruises)
– EUROPA (Hapag-Lloyd Cruises)
– Mein Schiff 4 (TUI Cruises)
– MSC Preziosa (MSC Cruises)
– MS Sans Souci (PLANTOURS Kreuzfahrten)
– Norwegian Dawn (Norwegian Cruise Line)
– VASCO DA GAMA (nicko cruises)
One of the festival’s most anticipated highlights will be the “Grand Hamburg Cruise Days Parade” on Saturday evening. Accompanied by music and live commentary, the festively illuminated cruise ships will sail down the Elbe through the glowing blue harbour – an unforgettable goosebump moment for all in attendance. The event will also open on Friday evening with a captivating harbour spectacle.
“Even in its 10th edition, Hamburg Cruise Days remains dedicated to making the magic of cruising a tangible experience. We are looking forward to a lively and atmospheric event that will create unforgettable moments not only for cruise enthusiasts but for anyone drawn to the sea, the harbour, and the thrill of travel by ship,” says event organiser Katja Derow from redroses communications.
One licensing prtner and three main sponsors
For the first time, the organisers have moved away from the concept of a single premium sponsor. Alongside event licensor Hamburg Tourismus GmbH and other partners and supporters, three major cruise lines – AIDA Cruises, MSC Cruises, and TUI Cruises – have come on board as equal main sponsors of Hamburg Cruise Days 2025. Each of these companies will not only have one or more ships present at the event but will also showcase their diverse offerings along the promenade.
“The collaboration of these three cruise lines marks a paradigm shift in the ten-year history of our event,” explains Uwe Bergmann, Managing Director of uba and event organiser. “Hamburg Cruise Days has evolved into a collective initiative for the entire cruise industry, where all key players come together with a shared goal: to inspire people with the magic of cruising.”
Seatrade Europe 2025: The industry gathering ahead of Hamburg Cruise Days
From 10 to 12 September 2025 – just before Hamburg Cruise Days – the Seatrade Europe Cruise & River Cruise Convention will bring leading decision-makers from the global cruise industry to Hamburg Messe und Congress. This trade fair serves as a key platform for cruise lines, ports, destinations, technology providers, and tourism experts. With a strong focus on sustainable technology innovations, digitalisation, and emerging destinations, Seatrade Europe 2025 is set to once again shape the future of the cruise industry.