The Rīga Freeport Authority, together with Riga Investment and Tourism Agency, Riga Ropax Terminal Ltd., and Riga Cruiseship Agency Ltd, participated in the exhibition "Seatrade Cruise Global 2024" in April this year, where they met with industry partners and representatives of cruise companies to discuss plans and current reservations for cruise lines in the coming years, LETA reports.
The Freeport said that several new US cruise lines may enter Riga port in the next few years, as well as the return of some major cruise lines may soon be expected.
Over the next three years, the US cruise company Princess Cruises plans to increase the number of visits to the port of Riga. The Princess Cruises line ship will be in Rīga one time this cruise season, but nine ship visits have been announced in 2026 during one season, the Freeport said.
Edgars Sūna, Deputy Head of Riga Freeport for Development, notes that talks have started with the management of the US-based cruise line "Carnival Cruise Line" regarding the inclusion of Rīga on its tourism cruise route from 2026.
"Unless the situation in the region deteriorates, there is every opportunity to see several unique cruise brand ships, such as the Ritz-Carlton Yacht collection cruise yachts and Explora Journeys ships, in the port of Rīga over the next few years," says Sūna.
The Freeport's representative said Rīga has also received appreciation from the American cruise line Silversea Cruises.
The Freeport also said that this year's cruise season will begin in Rīga port on Thursday, April 25, with the French cruise company "Ponant" ship "Le Bellot". A total of 67 cruise ship visits are expected this year, up five from last year.
In 2023 a total of 81,681 cruise ship passengers came to Rīga port, which is 7.9% more than in the previous season. Most cruise travelers come from Germany, the US, and Britain.
