The Hamburg Cruise Days 2023: feel the fascination of cruises at close quarters
Hamburg, 30. August 2023 – Hamburg once again becomes a hotspot for cruise fans from 8-10 September 2023, when the Hamburg Cruise Days return in all their glory. Nine impressive cruise ships, the legendary Blue Port Hamburg and an engaging programme along the waterfront and on the river will be bringing a magical maritime atmosphere to Hamburg’s harbour – and is certain to trigger dreams of distant places. AIDA Cruises is on board again as the event’s Premium Partner.
Every two years, hundreds of thousands of spectators flock to Hamburg’s port and riverside. They come to take part in an event that is unmatched anywhere in the world: the Hamburg Cruise Days. After a hiatus due to the pandemic and a boutique version last year (the Hamburg Cruise Days pur), the ninth edition of this popular maritime event, which draws an international audience, is back to its original size and splendour. From 8-10 September, the “world’s most beautiful cruise festival” will be inviting spectators to jump aboard for an inspiring journey with a brilliant programme of information, entertainment, culture and gastronomy along the waterfront, nine majestic cruise ships in the port and three spectacular shows on the water.
Michael Otremba, managing director of Hamburg Tourismus: “The Hamburg Cruise Days with Blue Port is a truly unique combination. The event is incredibly popular with locals and visitors because the presentation of the port together with cruise ships strikes a deep emotional chord. We’re looking forward to that joyous mood that is the envy of so many other port cities.”
Three days, nine ships – and premium partner AIDA Cruises
Visitors to the three-day event will be able to admire nine very different ships, ranging from majestic ocean cruisers to sleek expedition ships and charming river cruise boats: AIDAprima, AIDAperla and AIDAsol (all AIDA Cruises), Artania (Phoenix Reisen), Mein Schiff 6 (TUI Cruises), MS Thurgau Chopin (Thurgau Travel), MS Sans Souci (PLANTOURS Kreuzfahrten), VASCO DA GAMA and WORLD VOYAGER (both nicko cruises) will be pulling into the port of Hamburg at different times over the three days.
The organisers have teamed up with AIDA Cruises as the premium partner for the sixth time. The cruise company is sending three ships from the AIDA fleet to the event and will be hosting the popular AIDA Urlaubswelt at Kehrwiederspitze on the event site.
“Seeing the incredible dedication and passion that everyone involved puts into planning this highlight makes me confident that we can look forward to unrivalled and captivating cruise moments for the industry and for Hamburg as the gateway to the world”, says Sven Jacobsen, Vice President Communication & Sustainability. “Cruises connect countries, cultures and people like few other methods of traveling. We want to share this spirit of peaceful community with all visitors”, he adds.
Culture and gastronomy, entertainment and breath-taking spectacles:
a world of excitement and inspiration along the waterfront
This year, the event includes amazing spectacles in the port and long the Elbe River, including Blue Port Hamburg (1-10 September, à Blue Port Hamburg), the Grand Hamburg Cruise Days Parade on Saturday and Rhapsody in Blue on Friday evening (à Events on the water).
Just like in previous years, the Hamburg Cruise Days 2023 invites spectators to enjoy some shore leave: on the event site between Landungsbrücken and the Elbphilharmonie concert hall, the shore programme provides a hugely engaging mixture of culture, gastronomy, entertainment and activities for all generations and all interests.
(à Shore programme). There will be showcases by numerous partners and sponsors – and, naturally, the participating cruise lines AIDA Cruises, TUI Cruises, MSC Kreuzfahrten, nicko cruises and Cunard Line, which will all be providing information and entertainment plus special offers for cruise fans and all those who want to test the waters (à Shore presentations by the Cruise lines).
“The Hamburg Cruise Days offer cruise experiences along the waterfront and at close quarters, they create a magical atmosphere in the port of Hamburg, one which will have you dreaming of faraway places”, says co-organiser Katja Derow (redroses communications). “We are overjoyed to be presenting the event again this year in its original format and with all the established and new highlights. The people of Hamburg and guests from all over the world can look forward to joyous days and memorable evenings.”
Sustainability – a major topic for cruise lines and the organisers
The Hamburg Cruise Days offers the cruise industry and all stakeholders the opportunity to engage in a public debate on sustainability. As in previous years, the participating cruise lines will be featuring this issue prominently in their presentations on land, and will be highlighting their progress and achievements, for instance with technical facts and figures, multimedia information and fun activities for visitors to join in.
“The cruise industry has set itself ambitious sustainability targets and is fully committed to reconciling sustainability and growth. As organizers of this event, we recognise and welcome this”, says co-organiser Uwe Bergmann (uba). Sustainable planning and production of the event itself is also a key aspect for the Hamburg Cruise Days. A comprehensive sustainability concept has been developed, including a waste avoidance strategy and waste separation scheme at the event site. Other measures include a ban on disposables, climate-friendly communications, reusable products and digital menus across all food and beverage offerings. The Green Fork label indicates green gastronomy. A barrier-free design and the use of an internal “green checklist” to monitor carbon emissions for water, electricity and waste are also included in the concept.
The highlights of the Hamburg Cruise Days 2023
BLUE PORT HAMBURG
Daily from 1 – 10 September, starts at 8.30 pm: Blue Port Hamburg
Closely connected with the Hamburg Cruise Days since 2008, the lighting installation Blue Port Hamburg by Michael Batz is also very much an artwork in its own right, attracting thousands of people every evening. As in previous years, the lighting artist is dividing his artwork into two phases: Blue Port Hamburg Art from 1-7 September and Blue Port Hamburg Event, which lights up the port in a magical blue light during the Hamburg Cruise Days. At the Light-up on 1 September, the shoreline in the harbour will be illuminated with the first blue lights; on the following days the installation will grow bigger by the day until, by the time the event kicks off, it will be shining in its full blue glory for the weekend.
This year’s Blue Port will include around 40 “building sites”, as Michael Batz calls the illuminated buildings, ships and port infrastructure, with approximately 4,000 luminaires that are controlled with timers. A large proportion of the lights in the project are existing lamps, which are either filtered or fitted with blue luminaires to shine in blue.
A very special addition to the programme this year is the inclusion of Blue Port Hamburg in the city’s Open Monument Day on 9 September: the MIT2WO culture network for the Jewish and non-Jewish community is hosting an evening cruise through the illuminated port with songs and poetry. The programme, called “Hafn-Lider”, will highlight Jewish history of the port of Hamburg.
Asked for the best place to view and enjoy his installation, Michael Bart advises: “There isn’t one single best place, the port is too big for that. What I recommend is to stroll around, let yourself drift, preferably unrushed and with people who are dear to you. Get on a boat and explore Blue Port from the water.”
EVENTS ON THE WATER
Friday evening, 8 September, 9.15 pm: Rhapsody in Blue
A visual feast and the first highlight of the Hamburg Cruise Days takes place on Friday evening with the Rhapsody in Blue spectacle. Landmarks in the port and the high-sea explorer VASCO DA GAMA by nicko cruises will be impressively illuminated against the magical backdrop of Blue Port Hamburg – accompanied by music, a live commentary and blue fireworks.
Saturday evening, 9 September, 9 pm: the Grand Hamburg Cruise Days Parade
Five cruise ships – AIDAprima, Mein Schiff 6, VASCO DA GAMA, WORLD VOYAGER and MS Sans Souci – will sail down the Elbe River in formation. This unforgettable spectacle will be accompanied by music and a commentary by the Hamburg-based actor Marek Erhard. The parade will be led by the AIDAprima; each of the following ships will be accompanied by an individual firework sequence. The MS Sans Souci is the first river cruiser to take part in the parade. As the crowning highlight of the evening, the parade closes with a dazzling firework show.
Sunday, 10 September, from 7 pm: AIDA Sailaway
“Sail away, sail away, sail away…” – guests of AIDA Cruises know and love the cruise line’s signature song, which is played every time an AIDA ship leaves a port, adding to the thrill. On Sunday evening, AIDAperla and AIDAsol gracefully sail out of the port together, accompanied by music and a commentary.
THE SHORE PROGRAMME
The ROCK ANTENNE Hamburg Stage – Landungsbrückenvorplatz
The finest live music in cooperation ROCK ANTENNE Hamburg. From Latin to soul, from singer-songwriters to party rock to get the audience dancing – the best musical entertainment is here from Friday evening to Sunday evening.
Highlight: On Friday, entertainer Stefan Gwildis will be rocking the stage with his programme BUNT! Live with Band from 7.30 pm.
Hamburg Cruise Days Studio & Infopoint – Jan-Fedder-Promenade
The Hamburg Cruise Days Studio with its LED video screen: every day at 6.30 pm, the ROCK ANTENNE Hamburg live show will be broadcast on www. hamburgcruisedays.de/en – powered by Westfield Hamburg-Überseequartier. Sven Flohr will be presenting an entertaining programme from the port and providing fascinating glimpses behind the scenes. Close by is the Kids & Parents’ meeting point and the Lost & Found desk.
König Pilsener Deck – Hafentor
Just like most places, in Hamburg summer plus sun equals beer garden! Sip a cool König Pilsener and enjoy some nibbles as you relax and recharge for the next attractions.
The future of mobility – Hafentreppe
Get ahead with the new Yamaha eBikes, which take the electric bicycle to the next level with five exciting models for fantastic cycling fun. There will be bikes available at the stand for test rides.
Kids’ World – Platz der Deutschen Einheit
Fun, games and creative crafts along the riverside. For instance, with Etienne Favré’s magical instruments: gigantic sound wheels, musical stairs, boot flutes, broom wheels, an elephant piano, a sound labyrinth and a whole lot more invite youngsters to experiment. There’s a circus where kids can try out acrobatics under the expert guidance of an experienced juggler and circus instructor. There is also a maritime activity workshop and face-painting for seafarers young and old. Landlubbers are also welcome – a fun time is guaranteed for all.
Ferris wheel – Landungsbrücken
Enjoy a relaxing view of the crowds along the riverside, float above the magnificent ships and admire an aerial view of Hamburg – all on the Ferris wheel.
Salsa dancing – Landungsbrückenvorplatz
Classic, cheerful Salsa rhythms spread good vibes and are an invitation to dance.
THE SHORE PRESENTATIONS BY THE CRUISE LINES
The AIDA Urlaubswelt – Kehrwiederspitze
AIDA Cruises is presenting the 2023 Hamburg Cruise Days as a premium partner. From 8-10 September, three of the lovely cruise ships with the signature kissing lips will be moored in Hamburg: AIDAprima is part of the spectacular show on Saturday evening, and her sisters, AIDAperla and AIDAsol, will be sailing downriver to the ocean together on Sunday in the AIDA Sailaway. At the AIDA Urlaubswelt at Kehrwiederspitze in HafenCity, there will be competitions, fun activities for young pirates, and music courtesy of the AIDAradio team. Guests can come and experience their home at sea in the AIDAcosma replica cabin and let the AIDA cruise experts inspire them. The Beach Club is perfect spot to sit in a lounger in the sand, dream about that next holiday and great destinations – and wave at the passing ships.
The Cunard Show Truck on Neue Flutschutzmauer
The Cunard Show Truck with its eye-catching, classic black-and-red colour scheme is a visual highlight at this year’s event, with the new Cunard ship – the QUEEN ANNE, which launches in 2024 – taking centre stage. On the event area and in the truck, visitors can learn all kinds of exciting facts about the new queen of the fleet, plus there’s live music, a great travel competition and exciting insights from the world of Cunard.
nicko cruises on Neue Flutschutzmauer
Cruise expert nicko cruises takes guests to some of the most beautiful rivers in Europe, Asia, Africa – and from 2024 – the United States. At the event, visitors can discover the popular ocean-going ship VASCO DA GAMA, which is departing on an unforgettable journey around the world in October 2023, experience the world’s dream destinations from the water and walk in the footsteps of history’s great explorers on land. With nicko cruises, passengers travel on small ships well off the beaten mass tourism path. Long stays in the ports and unique experiences on land provide an immersive experience. Visitors to the stand can look forward to expert advice, detailed information about the cruise services of the Stuttgart-based operator and, with a bit of luck, could also win a thrilling cruise on the VASCO DA GAMA.
MSC Cruises Promenade – Jan-Fedder-Promenade
A chic chill-out zone, maritime gastronomy, entertainment and information for all generations – all of this and more is on offer at the MSC Cruises Promenade. There’s music, with upbeat electro swing inviting audiences to listen and dance; big-name DJs will be on the decks along the flood protection wall and food is served from authentic shipping containers, tempting visitors to sample and enjoy at their leisure. Guests yearning for far-away places can get information and tips in the MSC Lounge or book on the spot with a fabulous 15% Cruise Days discount. Anyone who fancies joining the MSC Cruises crew can discover more about job opportunities on board the MSC fleet here.
TUI CRUISES – MEIN SCHIFF® – Jan-Fedder-Promenade
The world of TUI Cruises – Mein Schiff® will be presented in a new marquee: Under the banner EXPERIENCE A NEW DIMENSION IN WELLBEING the cruise line will be showcasing a glimpse of what to expect on board and revealing some exciting news. Visitors can meet the two brand new ships in the fleet, due to launch in spring 2024 and winter 2024/25, and can explore the new ship class which sets new standards with its architecture and design. There’s also the opportunity to enjoy the first taste of life on board at the relaxation zone with deck chairs and a view across Hamburg’s maritime backdrop. The dedicated land crew will be on hand to answer questions and provide advice. There will be attractive offers and plenty of information about the destinations and special themed and event cruises in 2024/25 on board Mein Schiff® – plus a great competition to win a holiday.