Hamburg's passion for maritime and cruise-related events of all kinds will reach its peak between September 13 and 15, when the city's port becomes the stage for the cruise industry and cruise enthusiasts during the 7th Hamburg Cruise Days. With a record 12 cruise lines participating, Hamburg Cruise Days will be the world's largest cruise festival. Prior to this event, Hamburg will host Seatrade Europe, Europe's leading cruise trade fair.
Starting September 11, the northern German city will transform its port into a grand stage for both the cruise industry and cruise enthusiasts. On the water and on land, visitors can participate in a diverse program of activities, including a spectacular cruise ship parade, fireworks, port illuminations, culinary experiences, special promotions, live music, as well as ship presentations and harbor cruises.
With this cruise-themed week in September, as well as numerous other maritime events, the Port of Hamburg is surely one of the most exciting urban ports in the world.
More cruises than ever
Dedicated to ocean cruises, it will be held from September 13 to 15. The final lineup includes a record two cruise ships: AIDAperla, AIDAsol, AIDAvita (AIDA Cruises), Amadea (Phoenix Reisen), Costa Mediterranea (Costa Cruises), MS EUROPA and MS EUROPA 2 (Hapag-Lloyd Cruises), Mein Schiff 4 (TUI Cruises), MSC Preziosa (MSC Cruises), WORLD EXPLORER (Nicko Cruises), as well as the river cruise ships MS FREDERIC CHOPIN (Nicko Cruises) and MS SANS SOUCI (Plantours).
Highlights in the water
On the evening of Saturday, September 14, the spectacular Hamburg Cruise Days parade will take place once again. Accompanied by 20 escort vessels and a grand fireworks display, five cruise ships will parade down the Elbe River this year.
On Friday, the opening day of the event, a new show will be presented: the Costa Mediterranea will be part of a light and laser show accompanied by pyrotechnic effects and enhanced spherical sounds.
The ship parade will be illuminated by the Blue Port Hamburg installation, which will be unveiled on September 6, a week prior. Between the Elbbrücken bridges and the Oevelgönne beaches, more than one hundred objects in the Port of Hamburg will be illuminated by artist Michael Batz as part of the project – including buildings, terminals, port vehicles, cranes, and ships.
Day and night program
During Hamburg Cruise Days 2019, Hamburg's waterfront will be transformed into themed islands, allowing visitors to explore the exciting world of cruise travel – with cultural highlights, live music, dancing, culinary specialties, entertainment, and sports, as well as plenty of fun and games for all ages. Hamburg Cruise Days 2019 is the perfect opportunity to experience the fascinating world of cruising firsthand.
More information about the event is available at www.hamburgcruisedays.de.
For industry experts: Seatrade Europe and Hamburg Cruise Days Business Deck
Welcoming both the general public and industry experts, this will be the third time Hamburg has synchronized its cruise-related events into a single week. Prior to Hamburg Cruise Days, Hamburg will host Seatrade Europe (September 11-13), Europe's leading cruise trade fair. And as part of Hamburg Cruise Days, the organizers will launch a completely new format: the Business Deck workshop on September 13 – an industry forum focused on providing new impetus for the future of cruising. Facilitating dialogue and debate on equal terms, Business Deck will serve as an inspirational platform for those involved in the cruise industry. The ultimate goal is to develop solutions to typical problems that transcend borders. In 2019, the focus will be on destination development and management, with the following central question at the heart of the discussion: “What can the cruise industry do to be a valuable long-term partner for holiday destinations?”
Hamburg as a cruise destination
Regarding the current season, Hamburg can be pleased once again: a total of 210 cruise ships are expected to have arrived at the three terminals by the end of this year. This includes seven first calls, demonstrating that Hamburg is becoming increasingly attractive as a cruise destination. Highlights for 2019 include the launch ceremony of the MSC Grandiosa on November 9, as well as the first calls of the Hanseatic Inspiration on October 5 and the Costa Smeralda on October 20.
More information about ship arrivals in Hamburg is available at www.cruisegate-hamburg.de. To learn more about Hamburg as a cruise destination, please visit www.hamburg-travel.com/cruise.
