Today, the 12-deck passenger ship “Viking Cinderella” docked at the Port of Riga, bringing 1122 tourists on a winter cruise organized by the company “Viking Line.” The majority of visitors hail from Scandinavia, including Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, as well as Germany, Poland, Great Britain, and other countries. This marks the ship’s first winter visit to Riga, with two more calls scheduled for December, including the next one on December 18.
The Port of Riga, in collaboration with partners, actively promotes Riga as an attractive destination for niche and off-season cruises. The city’s winter offerings have gained recognition among international cruise companies, as highlighted in the December issue of Seatrade Cruise Review. Riga’s enchanting Christmas markets and festive ambiance make it one of Europe’s premier winter destinations. Cruise ship passengers consistently praise Riga for its proximity to the Old Town, diverse excursions, and overall appeal.
Looking ahead, Riga anticipates an increase in off-season cruise calls. In December 2024, the luxury cruise company “Ponant” plans two visits of the expedition ship “Le Commandant Charcot.” Additionally, “Viking Line” schedules four more visits in 2024 during three-day cruises, with Riga featuring prominently in the itinerary of the “Nordic City Escape” cruise by the British company “Ambassador Cruise Line” in February 2025. The Freeport of Riga’s current operational data indicates 68 scheduled ship calls for the upcoming cruise season, starting on April 25 with a visit from the French cruise company’s ship “Le Bellot” and concluding on December 17 with the expedition ship “Le Commandant Charcot.”
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