English
According to data provided by the Freeport of Riga Authority, this weekend the number of cruise passengers having visited the Port of Riga exceeded 100,000, which is historically the largest number of cruise passengers in a single season. The 100,000th passenger arrived at Riga on Sunday, September 28, on the German cruise line TUI Cruises' ship Mein Schiff 3.
A total of 86 cruise ship calls has been registered at the Port of Riga this year, which is 30% more than last year. In the first nine months of this year, 75 cruise ships have already visited Riga, still the active cruise season is not over yet – 11 more cruise vessel calls are expected by December 17 this year. Thus, it is likely that a total of approximately 110,000 passengers will be welcomed at the Port of Riga during this season, which is 30% more cruise passengers than in 2024.
The impressive 15-deck vessel Mein Schiff 3 visited Riga for the first time. The ship can accommodate 3,700 passengers and crew members. The ship is visiting Riga in the framework of a special 5-day FULL METAL CRUISE themed tour. According to the ship's Master, this cruise has been organized for the 12th year and is always sold out.
Over the past three years, Riga has been included regularly in Mein Schiff's itineraries: 9 times in 2022, 7 times in 2023, and 6 times in 2024. Seven calls of Mein Schiff vessels have been confirmed for 2026, including the Mein Schiff Relax, built in April 2025, which is scheduled to make three calls during the season.
The Mein Schiff group's ships mainly carry German tourists. As previously reported, in recent years more than a third of all cruise passengers in the Port of Riga have come from Germany. This high number of visitors demonstrates the city’s appeal as a cruise destination for German travellers, who are also one of the largest target groups for Riga tours. According to the port's estimations, each cruise tourist generates up to EUR 50 in revenue for the city's hospitality sector, with cruise ship passengers going on various private and group excursions, using guide services, visiting museums, cafes, and buying souvenirs, etc.
In recent years, the cruise sector in the Port of Riga has a tendency to welcome increasingly larger ships with a higher passenger capacity. According to the port statistics the average number of passengers per ship has increased by 40% over the last ten years.
We are pleased to see that interest in Riga as a cruise port is growing year by year. We will end this season with a record number of passengers served. At the moment, according to current reservations, 10% more ship calls have been registered for 2026 than for 2025 – i.e. 95 in total. Meanwhile, the number of currently scheduled calls for the 2027 season has already exceeded 100,” said Sandis Šteins, Chairman of the Freeport of Riga Board.
This Sunday, to welcome Mein Schiff 3 on its first arrival at the port, a ceremonial exchange of the coats of arms of the Port of Riga and the ship took place, attended by representatives of the Freeport of Riga Authority and the ship's Master.
More information about all vessels expected to arrive at the port this year as well as the current cruise ship schedule is provided on the Freeport of Riga Authority's webpage - here.
The Port of Riga is the largest port in Latvia and the largest trade hub in the country, handling half (50%) of Latvia's cargo turnover and 38% of Latvia's export volume.
Information for media
- [email protected], +371 670 308 53
- Freeport of Riga Authority
- 12 Kalpaka blvd, Riga, Latvia, LV-1010
