Seven Cruise Ships, 4,276 Visitors and Growing Demand: Liepaja Strengthens Its Position on the Baltic Cruise Map

Liepaja is steadily strengthening its position as a Baltic Sea cruise destination, with the 2026 season marking a new milestone for the city. A record seven cruise ships called at the Port of Liepaja this year, bringing 4,276 passengers to the city. With 11 cruise ship calls already scheduled for 2027, Liepaja is continuing to build momentum as an attractive destination on the Baltic cruise itineraries.

During the 2026 season, 86 organized excursions were arranged for cruise passengers, attracting 2,244 visitors, or 52.5% of all cruise passengers arriving in Liepaja. The excursions offered visitors the opportunity to discover the city’s rich cultural and historical heritage, as well as its distinctive tourism attractions. Other passengers explored Liepaja independently, with shuttle buses running every 30 minutes between the port and the city center.

From Returning Cruise Calls to Long-Term Growth

Cruise ship calls to the Port of Liepaja resumed in 2018 after a longer break, following targeted efforts by the Liepaja Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Authority and the municipality to establish Liepaja on international cruise itineraries.

“Liepaja has already secured its place on the Baltic cruise map. Our next priority is to consolidate this achievement and continue growing,” says Uldis Hmieļevskis, Liepaja SEZ CEO.

“Our long-term ambition is to welcome more than 20 cruise ships during a single season. This would open new opportunities for local businesses to develop a broader range of services and experiences for international visitors, while further strengthening Liepaja’s role as a cruise destination in the Baltic Sea region.”

Cruise Tourism Delivering for the Local Economy

Cruise passengers and crew contribute to the local economy by using transport, hospitality, tourism, cultural and entertainment services, while also visiting shops, museums and other attractions.

Based on estimates commonly used across the international cruise industry, an average cruise passenger spends approximately €70–€100 at a destination. On this basis, the direct economic contribution generated by cruise passengers visiting Liepaja during the 2026 season could exceed €400,000.

However, the value of cruise tourism extends well beyond direct visitor spending.

“A cruise ship in the port is much more than just a ship at the quay. It is an opportunity for thousands of people to discover Liepaja - its culture, history, business environment and hospitality,” says Hmieļevskis.

“Every visitor who leaves Liepaja with a positive impression becomes an ambassador for our city around the world. At the same time, cruise tourism creates real economic opportunities for local businesses, drives demand for services and helps strengthen Liepaja’s competitiveness across the Baltic Sea region.”

A Compact Port, a Diverse Destination

One of Liepaja’s key advantages as a cruise destination is the proximity of the port to the city center. Within minutes of stepping ashore, visitors can explore Liepaja’s historic centre, the Great Amber Concert Hall, the unique Karosta district, Seaside Park, the beach, museums, cafés and a wide range of other attractions.

This compact geography allows cruise passengers to make the most of even a relatively short port call — whether by joining an organised excursion or discovering the city at their own pace.

Cruise visits also play an important role in strengthening Liepaja’s international visibility. Every ship brings hundreds or even thousands of potential new ambassadors to the city, helping to showcase Liepaja as a modern, welcoming and distinctive destination on the Baltic Sea coast.

The attraction and reception of cruise ships is supported through close cooperation between the Liepaja SEZ Authority, the Liepaja Region Tourism Information Office, and the ship agencies RCA and ESTMA.

With seven cruise ships welcomed in 2026 and 11 visits already scheduled for 2027, Liepaja’s cruise sector is entering its next stage of development - turning growing international interest into long-term opportunities for the city, its businesses and its visitors.