12/4/2025

Port of Aarhus kicks off cruise season on course for visitor record

Spring throws the first warm rays over Port of Aarhus, and this means that the cruise ships will soon sail to the City of Smiles. This year, they are expected to bring more tourists than ever before.

On Saturday, April 12, AIDAmar will dock at the cruise dock. With the onshore power system connected and passengers disembarking from the ship, the start of the cruise season is in earnest.

So far, there are 60 cruise ships oi the calendar for 2025, and with a newly renovated reception area, everything is ready to welcome the cruise ships and the many guests.

We are experiencing a growing interest in Aarhus and the port from cruise operators, and I am delighted that the shipping companies are prioritising us again and again on their routes. It's good for business in the whole area,

says Carsten Kruse, CCO at the Port of Aarhus.

2024 was a record year, as the Port of Aarhus had 193,000 cruise visitors.

However, expectations are even greater for the upcoming season as more than 200,000 cruise guests are expected.

We are very pleased that the number of international cruise guests looks set to be greater than ever. It creates great value for cultural institutions, shops and attractions, and we get the opportunity to present the destination to even more people. As always, our welcome hosts and ReThinkers volunteers will be ready to welcome you with rye bread shapers, good recommendations and a big smile,

says Pia Lange Christensen, Director at VisitAarhus.

The Port of Aarhus expects that up to 80 percent of the ships calling at the cruise port in 2025 will use the shore power system.

Last year, the figure was 68 percent.

There is a great willingness among shipping companies to use shore power whenever possible. When the ships can turn off the diesel generators and instead supply themselves with green power, we provide both guests and Aarhusians a better experience,

says Carsten Kruse.

The Port of Aarhus last year introduced a green tax, which makes it more expensive for cruise ships to opt out of land flow. This means an additional charge of up to DKK 80,000 for cruise ships that call at the cruise dock and do not connect to shore power.