Riga Port Sees 5.2% Rise in Cruise Passengers in Five Months

The Port of Riga reported a 5.2% increase in cruise ship passenger numbers over five months, according to Inbox.eu. The growth, recorded between January and May 2024, marks the highest monthly average since 2019, according to data compiled by the port authority. Passenger counts rose from 128,000 in the same period in 2023 to 134,700 in 2024, with the majority arriving on vessels operated by Nordic and Baltic cruise lines.

Port officials attributed the rise to expanded summer itineraries and a 15% increase in vessel calls compared to 2023. “The growth reflects stronger demand for Baltic Sea cruising, particularly from German and Swedish markets,” said Riga Port Director Ilmars Lielmanis in a statement. The port handled 21 cruise ships in May 2024, up from 18 in May 2023, according to internal logs.

Cruise operators reported mixed challenges alongside the passenger growth. A spokesperson for Viking Cruises noted delays caused by “unusual weather patterns in the Gulf of Riga” during April, which affected three scheduled departures. Meanwhile, the Latvian Tourism Board confirmed a 7% rise in overnight stays in Riga during the first quarter of 2024, citing cruise-related visitor spending as a key factor.

The increase aligns with broader trends in the Baltic region. Tallinn’s port recorded a 4.8% passenger rise in the same period, while Helsinki’s cruise traffic grew by 3.2%, according to European Cruise Association reports. Analysts suggest the growth reflects a shift in cruise itineraries toward shorter, more frequent routes rather than transatlantic voyages.

The Port of Riga plans to complete a $12 million terminal expansion by late 2024, aimed at accommodating larger vessels. The project, funded by the European Regional Development Fund, includes new boarding facilities and improved cargo handling systems. A final inspection is scheduled for July, according to port officials.