Riga cruise traffic projected to rise 30% in 2026
The Port of Riga is expected to receive 98 cruise ship calls before its season concludes in late December.
More than 150,000 cruise tourists have visited Riga since May, according to data from the Freeport of Riga Authority. Analysts projected that the port’s total passenger volume in 2026 would be about 30% higher than the previous year’s figure.
The season began May 3 with the arrival of the German ship Hamburg. Riga was on track to record 98 cruise ship calls by the end of the year, including six vessels making their first visits to the Latvian capital. Thirteen cruise ships stayed in the city for two days.
Mein Schiff Relax, operated by TUI Cruises, made its inaugural Riga call on May 22. The vessel was described as the largest cruise ship to have docked at the port and was scheduled to visit Riga five times during the season.
The Port of Riga’s 2026 cruise season was scheduled to conclude Dec. 26. AIDAprima was due to depart that day after a two-day Christmas visit.