Copenhagen named Europe’s Leading Cruise Port for third straight year
The Danish capital expects about 880,000 cruise guests and 312 ship calls during 2026.
Copenhagen and Copenhagen Malmö Port have been named Europe’s Leading Cruise Port at the World Travel Awards for the third consecutive year. Established in 1993, the awards recognize achievement across the travel, tourism and hospitality sectors.
Copenhagen previously received the cruise port honor in 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2024 and 2025. The latest recognition comes as the city prepares to receive an estimated 880,000 cruise guests across 312 calls in 2026.
The scheduled activity includes 122 turnaround calls, during which passengers start or finish their cruises in Copenhagen. Cruise ships are due to call in every month of 2026, reflecting continued growth beyond the traditional peak season.
Calls during the January-to-March and October-to-December periods have risen by 138% since 2019. Cruise activity also contributes to the local economy: passengers and crew generated estimated direct spending of more than DKK 1.1 billion in Copenhagen during the previous year.