Kieler Woche 2025: Maritime Festival Concludes with Special Finale and Cruise Highlights

Bild: Port of Kiel
This year's Kieler Woche reaches its festive conclusion today, Sunday, June 29, 2025. The grand finale at the Kiel Fjord will commence at 11 PM CEST. Under the theme "Home Among the Stars," a show sponsored by AIDA Cruises will captivate visitors with a combination of light effects, a drone show, and an impressive fireworks display. This spectacular event marks the grand finale of the renowned summer and sailing festival.

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Kieler Woche 2025 Cruise Review

During the festival period from June 20 to June 29, 2025, the Port of Kiel recorded a total of 15 calls by ocean-going cruise ships. A significant milestone was achieved yesterday, Saturday, as Kiel welcomed its 4000th cruise ship call in the port's history. Numerous cruise guests took the opportunity to experience the maritime atmosphere along the fjord and in the city center. Among the notable cruise highlights were two triple calls by cruise ships right at the beginning of the Kieler Woche.

On Friday, June 20, 2025, AIDAbella, Costa Diadema, and MS Amadea were berthed together in Kiel. One day later, on Saturday, June 21, 2025, AIDAnova, MSC Euribia, and MS Europa were present simultaneously. Mein Schiff 1 and Mein Schiff 7 from TUI Cruises also made appearances. A majority of these vessels are regularly based in Kiel this season, departing from here for cruises to the Baltic Sea and Northern Europe. AIDA Cruises from Rostock maintained its presence with the "AIDA Vacation World" at Kieler Woche and played a vital role as a key event sponsor.

About Kieler Woche

The Kieler Woche is considered one of the largest sailing events globally and simultaneously a popular summer festival in Northern Germany. This annual event combines peak athletic performance, cultural diversity, and an international flair. This unique maritime spectacle is renowned far beyond Germany's borders. The next edition of Kieler Woche is scheduled for June 20 to June 28, 2026. It is anticipated that the program, similar to this year, will begin one day before the official opening.

Cruise Ships at Kieler Woche 2025: An Overview (As of June 20, 2025 – Subject to Change)

  • Friday, June 20, 2025:
    • AIDAbella (AIDA Cruises): 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM at Ostseekai
    • Costa Diadema (Costa Crociere): 8:00 AM to 7:30 PM at Ostuferhafen
    • MS Amadea (Phoenix Reisen): 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Ostseekai
  • Saturday, June 21, 2025:
    • AIDAnova (AIDA Cruises): 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Ostseekai
    • MSC Euribia (MSC Cruises): 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM at Ostuferhafen
    • MS Europa (Hapag-Lloyd Cruises): 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM at Ostseekai
  • Sunday, June 22, 2025:
    • AIDAbella (AIDA Cruises): 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Ostseekai
    • Mein Schiff 1 (TUI Cruises): 6:30 AM to 5:00 PM at Ostseekai
  • Monday, June 23, 2025:
    • Norwegian Dawn (Norwegian Cruise Line): 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Ostseekai
  • Tuesday, June 24, 2025:
    • MS Europa 2 (Hapag-Lloyd Cruises): 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM at Ostseekai
  • Thursday, June 26, 2025:
    • Vasco da Gama (nicko cruises): 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Ostseekai
  • Friday, June 27, 2025:
    • Costa Diadema (Costa Crociere): 8:00 AM to 7:30 PM at Ostuferhafen
  • Saturday, June 28, 2025:
    • AIDAnova (AIDA Cruises): 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Ostseekai
    • MSC Euribia (MSC Cruises): 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM at Ostuferhafen
  • Sunday, June 29, 2025:
    • Mein Schiff 7 (TUI Cruises): 6:30 AM to 5:00 PM at Ostseekai

Looking Back: Ship Christenings and Spectacular Closing Events

In previous years, cruise ships have repeatedly been at the center of Kieler Woche attention. A notable event was the christening of Mein Schiff 7 by TUI Cruises during Kieler Woche 2024. Under the motto "Seventh Heaven at Sea," the ship was christened by environmental officer Fenia Kalachani. Often, a cruise ship remains in port for the grand closing spectacle on the second festival weekend, contributing to the festive atmosphere.