The Port of Riga is preparing for a significant influx of maritime visitors this June, highlighted by the debut arrivals of two major cruise liners.
New Arrivals and Seasonal Highlights
On Tuesday, June 2, the German cruise company Aida Cruises will bring the AidaBella to the port. The free port notes that the AidaBella is one of the company’s most famous ships, measuring 252 meters in length and 32 meters in width across 13 decks.
The vessel is capable of accommodating up to 2,500 passengers at once and operates with a crew of 646 people. Later in the month, the American line Norwegian Cruise Line will see the Norwegian Sun dock in Riga for the first time on June 21 and June 27.
The Norwegian Sun also features 13 decks and is 252 meters long. With a width of 32.3 meters, the ship can accommodate 1,976 passengers.
Other scheduled visits for the month include the Sapphire Princess on June 23 and the MSC Magnifica on June 24. On June 26, the 333-meter liner Mein Schiff Relax will dock, marking the largest ship of the season at the Port of Riga.
Infrastructure Expansion to Support Growth
To accommodate the increasing interest from cruise lines, the port is working on creating additional infrastructure near the city center at Andrejsala. Final works on this project are currently underway.
A key component of this development involves the upcoming partial demolition of the ED dam. This structure currently limits the docking of larger ships at the Export Port’s berths, and the work is planned for completion by next year.
Rising Tourism and Ship Call Trends
The Port of Riga is seeing a notable increase in activity compared to previous years. This year, 101 cruise ship calls are scheduled, which is 21% more than the 2025 season.
Total tourist arrivals via cruise ships are expected to reach approximately 135,000, a 17% increase over last year. This follows the 2025 season, during which 85 ships brought 115,500 tourists to Riga, representing a 43% increase over 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which ships are docking in Riga for the first time this June?
The AidaBella from Aida Cruises and the Norwegian Sun from Norwegian Cruise Line are both scheduled to make their first docking visits to Riga this month.
What is being done to improve docking for larger ships?
The port is developing new infrastructure at Andrejsala and will soon begin the partial demolition of the ED dam to help facilitate the docking of larger ships at the Export Port’s berths.
How does the number of expected tourists this year compare to last year?
The port expects approximately 135,000 tourists this year, which is 17% more than the previous year.
How do you feel about the increasing number of large cruise ships visiting your city?
