Riga back on AIDA's map after a five year absence

Another nine calls are planned by the German cruise operator in 2025 too.

AIDAdiva made the first call of 2024 visiting on May 27 and next to arrive will be AIDAmar on July 14.

‘Our shore excursion programme offers something for everyone: whether it’s a quick overview of Riga or full-day excursions in the surroundings to Kemeri National Park or Jurmala,’ said an AIDA spokesman.

Leva Lasmane, head of the tourism department of the Riga Investment and Tourism Agency, said, ’this is an important event for the development of tourism in the city and confirms the attractiveness of Riga as a cruise destination.’

German tourists

Tourists from Germany are one of Riga's largest target groups, and the return of such a large cruise line to Riga shows that the negative impact of the geopolitical situation on tourism in the Baltics is diminishing, said Lasmane.

The beneficiaries will also be the owners of restaurants and cafes in Old Riga, which will be visited by passengers giving an additional impetus to business, she added.

Tours include various themed excursions around the capital, such as cultural and local tourism programs and local culinary experiences.

Culture and cusisne

Popular destinations also include the picturesque town of Sigulda and Rundale Palace, and some passengers opt for guided walks along the marsh paths.

Jelena Burdastova, cruise business support specialist Riga Freeport Authority commented: ‘We are one of the most highly rated  ports and destinations in the Baltic and the majority of cruise lines note the high level of satisfaction of passengers after visiting Riga. Cruise passengers appreciate the variety, including UNESCO Heritage sites, cultural and historical pearls, local food and drinks, as well as the location of the port nearby the old town.’

In 2023, German cruise passengers made up 40% of all cruise tourists, totalling 32,700 passengers. With AIDA’s return, the Latvian capital is expecting even more travellers from Germany, noted Burdastova.

Riga is expecting 68 cruise calls in total this season.