In a year when Copenhagen has been named the Happiest City in the World, the Danish capital is also setting trends in the global cruise industry. As one of Northern Europe's leading cruise ports, with 310 calls and 850,000 cruise passengers expected in 2025, and a growing reputation as a year-round destination, Copenhagen is setting new standards for what a modern, sustainable, and collaborative cruise port can be.
Behind these achievements are the people who make the difference. One of them is Luis de Carvalho, Commercial Director of Cruises at CMP, who was recently named “Most Valuable Partner” by Cruise Denmark – Copenhagen and Beyond. Cruise Denmark is a network of more than 60 partners representing the entire cruise tourism value chain: ports, destinations, airports, attractions, hotels, and other suppliers in Denmark. In 2024, Denmark received 498 cruise ship calls and 1.2 million passengers, and these figures are expected to grow by 6.5% in calls and 5% in passengers in 2025.
Klaus Bondam, Managing Director of Cruise Denmark Copenhagen and Beyond, commented: “Luis is constantly striving to attract more cruise tourism to Copenhagen and Denmark. With his deep knowledge and experience in the cruise industry, he is a source of inspiration to us all.”.
Copenhagen's success as a cruise destination is not the result of isolated efforts, but rather a city-wide commitment to collaboration. Copenhagen Malmö Port works closely with Cruise Denmark – Copenhagen and Beyond, Copenhagen Airport, and nearly 50 local stakeholders, including hotels, tour operators, transport providers, and cultural institutions.
Copenhagen Malmö Port and Copenhagen Airport, as gateways to the destination, understand their shared responsibility in shaping visitors' first and last impressions.
The commitment to stakeholders is ongoing and inclusive, as demonstrated in April 2025 when Copenhagen Malmö Port and Cruise Denmark – Copenhagen and Beyond hosted the Cruise Europe Conference 2025. With 220 attendees and 25 cruise line executives in attendance, it was the largest Cruise Europe conference ever, reinforcing Copenhagen’s role as a convening force in the industry.
Copenhagen is not just participating in the sustainability conversation: it's leading it. In 2025, one of the largest shore-based power supply facilities in Europe will be operational at Ocean Quay and Langelinie, reducing port emissions by up to 95%. It is expected to reach full capacity, with 5 connection points and a capacity of 48 MWA, by 2028.
Copenhagen Malmö Port is also on track to achieve net-zero CO₂ emissions in its own operations by the end of 2025 and is actively exploring alternative fuels and green infrastructure. These efforts are part of a broader ambition to make the Baltic Sea the most sustainable cruise region in the world.
The city's innovative CopenPay program rewards tourists for responsible actions—such as cycling or participating in cleanups—with cultural experiences. With over 5,100 participants and global media coverage, it serves as a model for responsible tourism. Furthermore, Copenhagen ranks third globally in the Global Destination Sustainability Index, with scores exceeding 87% in the environmental, social, and destination management categories.
Copenhagen is increasingly recognized as a year-round cruise destination, with 70 port calls scheduled between October 2024 and April 2025, bringing 175,000 passengers during the off-season. The city has also seen a 164% increase in overnight cruises since 2019, with 34 overnight stays expected in 2025 and a record 42 in 2026.
Copenhagen Malmö Port continues to invest in infrastructure to support growth and enhance the visitor experience. Plans include:
- Expansion of cruise terminals, new screens and reconfiguration of passenger flows.
- Extension of the subway to Ocean Quay by 2030.
- New border control system for smooth EES management.
- Renovation of the Langelinie pier with improvements to sewage, bollards and pavement.
- Power supply connections from land at all major docks.
These investments ensure that Copenhagen remains a leading port for both departures and port calls across all cruise segments, from luxury and
As the cruise industry seeks ports that combine operational excellence, environmental responsibility and unforgettable experiences, Copenhagen is ready to shape the future of cruising.
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