August was a particularly significant month for cruise tourism in Riga, with the Latvian capital welcoming a strong line-up of international cruise ships, including three luxury and expedition vessels making their first-ever calls at the Port of Riga.
Throughout the month, 18 cruise ships brought around 25,000 passengers to Riga, adding another busy chapter to what has been a strong cruise season for the city. By the end of July, Riga had already welcomed approximately 90,000 international cruise passengers season, with Germany, the United States, the United Kingdom among the leading source markets. The August programme further strengthened Riga’s position as an attractive destination on Baltic Sea cruise itineraries.
One of the highlights of August was the arrival of three luxury and expedition cruise ships visiting Riga for the first time: Scenic Eclipse II, Seven Seas Grandeur and Explora III. Their visits reflected the growing importance of the premium cruise segment for
the city.
August also showed how varied Riga’s cruise season has become. Some ships visited Riga more than once, while on five days two cruise ships were in the port at the same time. The largest cruise ship to visit during the month was Sapphire Princess, with a gross tonnage of 115,875 GT. At the opposite end of the scale was the expedition vessel Clio, measuring 3,504 GT.
August’s activity added to an already positive year for Riga’s cruise sector. By the end of the month, 55 cruise ships had called at the Port of Riga during the season, 15% more than during the corresponding period of the previous year.
The continued growth is the result of long-term cooperation between the Riga Freeport Authority, the Municipality of Riga, the Riga Investment and Tourism Agency and industry partners. Together, they are promoting Riga internationally as an attractive cruise destination in the Baltic Sea.
With its historic centre, cultural attractions, compact city layout and proximity to the port, Riga offers cruise passengers an opportunity to experience a major European capital within a relatively short visit.
This year’s cruise season in Riga started on May 3 with the arrival of Hamburg and will conclude on December 26 with AIDAprima staying overnight in the city.
In total, Riga is expecting 98 cruise ship calls this season. According to the latest data and forecasts, the number of cruise passengers visiting Riga is expected to be around 30% higher than last year, highlighting the continued growth of cruise tourism in the city.
Photo credit: Lauma Kalnina
