Kiel Week 2025: Major Cruise Ship Turnout Expected in the Port of Kiel

The Schleswig-Holstein state capital of Kiel is preparing for its annual maritime highlight: From June 20 to 29, 2025, Kiel Week will once again become an international meeting point for sailing enthusiasts and visitors from around the globe. The event, regarded as one of the most significant sailing events worldwide, combines top-level sports competitions with the flair of one of Northern Germany's largest summer festivals.

Bild: Port of Kiel

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In parallel with the diverse program on land and water, the Port of Kiel will be the scene of a remarkable turnout of ocean-going cruise ships. A total of 14 calls are scheduled at the Ostseekai and Ostuferhafen terminals during the ten-day event period. It is anticipated that numerous passengers from these ships will take the opportunity to experience the unique maritime atmosphere in Kiel's city center and along the fjord.

AIDA Cruises as a Key Partner and Provider of the Final Spectacle

The Rostock-based cruise line AIDA Cruises once again takes on a leading role as a sponsor of the event. The highlight and conclusion of Kiel Week will be the "Zuhause unter Sternen" (Home Under the Stars) production, presented by the cruise line. On Sunday, June 29, starting at 11:00 PM, an elaborate show of fireworks, modern drone formations, and laser elements, accompanied by fitting music, will illuminate the night sky over the fjord, delighting thousands of spectators along the shores.

Detailed Cruise Ship Call Schedule (June 20 - 29, 2025):

  • Friday, June 20:
    • AIDAbella (AIDA Cruises): 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Ostseekai
    • Costa Diadema (Costa Crociere): 8:00 AM – 7:30 PM, Ostuferhafen
  • Saturday, June 21:
    • AIDAnova (AIDA Cruises): 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Ostseekai
    • MSC Euribia (MSC Cruises): 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM, Ostuferhafen
    • MS Europa (Hapag-Lloyd Cruises): 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Ostseekai
  • Sunday, June 22:
    • AIDAbella (AIDA Cruises): 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Ostseekai
    • Mein Schiff 1 (TUI Cruises): 6:30 AM – 5:00 PM, Ostseekai
  • Monday, June 23:
    • Norwegian Dawn (Norwegian Cruise Line): 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Ostseekai
  • Tuesday, June 24:
    • MS Europa 2 (Hapag-Lloyd Cruises): 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM, Ostseekai
  • Thursday, June 26:
    • Vasco da Gama (nicko cruises): 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Ostseekai
  • Friday, June 27:
    • Costa Diadema (Costa Crociere): 8:00 AM – 7:30 PM, Ostuferhafen
  • Saturday, June 28:
    • AIDAnova (AIDA Cruises): 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Ostseekai
    • MSC Euribia (MSC Cruises): 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM, Ostuferhafen
  • Sunday, June 29:
    • Mein Schiff 7 (TUI Cruises): 6:30 AM – 5:00 PM, Ostseekai

(As of June 7, 2025, schedule subject to change)

Familiar Faces and a Triple Call

The list of calls is dominated by ships that regularly depart from Kiel this summer for cruises to the Baltic Sea and Northern Europe. These include AIDAbella and AIDAnova, Costa Diadema, MSC Euribia, as well as Mein Schiff 1 and Mein Schiff 7. A special highlight for ship spotters will be June 21, when three cruise ships—AIDAnova, MSC Euribia, and MS Europa—will be in port simultaneously.

The close connection between cruising and Kiel Week is a tradition. The maritime festival has often been centered around these ocean giants in the past, such as during the festive christening of Mein Schiff 7 during Kiel Week 2024.