New name, same cruise network. But what is Cruise Denmark – Copenhagen and beyond?New name, same cruise network. But what is Cruise Denmark – Copenhagen and beyond?

Let us start with the physical. The nature! Along the Danish coast, cruise guests will find unique destinations with their own personal touch to the Danish way of life and various landscapes ready to be explored. These can include sand dunes in Skagen, exposed granite formations in Bornholm, vineyards on a peninsula in Kalundborg, and a flat biking-friendly landscape in Copenhagen.

Experience Denmark all year around

Denmark, the Land of Everyday Wonder, offers cruise guests a variety of experiences throughout all four colourful seasons. Every season has its own charm.

This year, Copenhagen Malmö Port anticipates cruise calls every month of 2024, and 46 percent of these are expected to be during the months of September to May (Wonderful Copenhagen). This is a growing trend not only in Copenhagen but also in other ports in Denmark. But what makes it unique for cruise guests to explore Denmark outside of the summer season?

In Autumn, Cruise guests can experience fewer tourists, golden hours, changing leaf colours, and crisp air. They can enjoy a walk in nature, admire the architecture and old castles or visit the old town of Aarhus. If your cruise quests are looking for indoor activities, visit one of Aarhus’ many museums, shops or activities during autumn, which are open all year round.

Explore the local Christmas market at Ridehuset in Aarhus and come home with local Christmas gifts for your loved ones. (Credit: Peter Schramm)

In December, cruise guests will discover the true meaning of ‘hygge’ as it is used by the Danes to fight the darkness in the winter. In the streets of Aarhus, Bornholm, Fredericia, and Copenhagen, you can find Christmas markets with the popular Danish Christmas treat ‘æbleskiver’, mulled wine (or ‘gløgg’ as the locals call it), and local goods. Christmas decorations light up the dark streets, and cruise guests can find locals sitting outside cafes with blankets and oversized scarves, enjoying the festive atmosphere. It is truly the magic of Christmas and a true Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale.

By exploring Denmark outside of the summer season, cruise guests can get a closer feel for the locals, their everyday lives, and the wonders of Denmark. This is just one way to act in alignment with the locals and give your cruise guests an authentic experience.

Did you ever think that you could eat and harvest your own seaweed? (Credit: Dansk Tang)

Climate-friendly actions turned into currency for cultural experiences in Copenhagen

This summer, Wonderful Copenhagen launched the new sustainable initiative CopenPay for the first time. CopenPay rewards guests who take climate-friendly actions while visiting Denmark’s capital, Copenhagen. The green actions are turned into currency for cultural experiences at over 20 attractions. By taking public transportation or a bike, guests could get a free eco-friendly canal tour with Stromma or free ice cream when purchasing a ticket at The National Museum.

CopenPay has gained a lot of attention worldwide this summer. Almost 3,5 billion people visited the websites during the campaign’s run, and the social media platforms received more than 350 thousand likes, comments, and shares. Global news media such as CNN, NBC, The New York Times, BBC, Forbes, and The Economic Times have picked up and responded positively to the campaign. Some even compare the initiative to how destinations can respond to the normally negative connotation of mass tourism.

”CopenPay is super timely. It tries to give an answer to how tourism can pay back and how it can help.” - BBC, 2024.

At Øens Have guests were rewarded with a free vegetarian lunch by volunteering in the urban garden. This was one of the green initiatives of CopenPay. (Credit: VisitCopenhagen)

The campaign's aim is not to increase tourism but to inspire and empower guests to act sustainably, experience what Copenhagen has to offer and be responsible for the environment and its residents.

Do you want to encourage your cruise guests to engage in sustainable behavior and enrich the cultural experience of your cruise guests and locals in Copenhagen? Keep an eye out for Wonderful Copenhagen and other destinations in Denmark. Who knows, the initiative might return in the future.

Do you need more reasons to put Denmark on your next itinerary? Or have we awakened your curiosity toward our Scandinavian secrets?  

New name, same cruise network

Together with the partners (see them here), Cruise Denmark – Copenhagen and beyond provides you with all the support and information you need about Danish cruise destinations. 

‘Cruise Denmark—Copenhagen and beyond’ is a national B2B network representing the entire cruise value chain in Denmark. This includes Danish ports, destination companies, port agents, tour operators, hotels, taxi companies, attractions, local suppliers, etc. Despite the rebranding, the network remains the same.

The network was founded in 1992 to develop Denmark's position as a cruise destination, and today, what might seem like competitors are partners who collaborate on important matters and secure a responsible development of cruise tourism in Denmark.

Feel free to reach out and read more on Cruise Denmark's website and LinkedIn.