Blue Port 2025: Celebrating in the Blue Port

The festival kicked off on September 10th with the "light-up" of Blue Port. The renowned light artist Michael Batz will immerse the entire port in a magical blue. Ships, buildings, and cranes will be illuminated by the blue lights. The installation extends from the two cruise terminals along the Elbe and will be expanded this year to include the Westfield Hamburg-Überseequartier and the Baakenhöft site for the first time. It's worth noting a slight contradiction in the sources: while some mention September 21st as the end of the lighting, others state September 28th, which would make the installation "longer than ever before." The main weekend of the Hamburg Cruise Days takes place from September 12th to 14th, offering many attractions both on the water and on land.

Eight cruise ships are expected to grace the port. The lineup includes the AIDAperla, AIDAsol, Mein Schiff 4, MSC Preziosa, and the Europa, among others. On Friday evening, September 12th, the Vasco da Gama will be specially showcased near the Elbphilharmonie, followed by a fireworks display. Saturday evening's highlight will be the grand ship parade, where several ships will sail together along the Elbe, accompanied by music and live commentary.

A special feature is that cruise lines AIDA Cruises, MSC Cruises, and TUI Cruises will act as equal main sponsors for the first time, rather than competing against each other. This collaboration strengthens the event as a whole. The Seatrade Europe trade fair will also open its doors to the general public on September 12th.

For those traveling by public transport, the "Hamburg CARD" offers a convenient and stress-free way to get to the event.