Cruise ships in the Port of Gdynia – 2025/2026 season and past calls
In short
The 2025 season brought Gdynia a record 52 cruise ship calls – 10 more than the year before. Cruise ships moor at Nabrzeże Francuskie (French Quay), and the largest in the port's history was Sky Princess (329.81 m, May 2022). RIBY.PL offers a RIB boat trip on the day of a call so you can watch the ship manoeuvre from the water.
The Port of Gdynia is one of the most important cruise ports on the Baltic Sea. Every year from April to October, gigantic cruise ships carrying thousands of tourists from all over the world moor at Nabrzeże Francuskie (French Quay). In this article you will find a complete guide to the cruise ships visiting Gdynia – from the history of calls to the best places to watch them.
The 2025 cruise season – a record year for Gdynia
Record 2025: 52 cruise ship calls – 10 more than the previous year!
The 2025 season brought Gdynia a record 52 cruise ship calls. It is a clear sign that the port on the Gulf of Gdańsk is strengthening its position on the map of Baltic cruises.
| Parameter | 2025 season |
|---|---|
| Number of calls | 52 (record) |
| Season opening | 29 April (AIDAmar) |
| Season closing | 6 December |
| Largest vessels | Celebrity Eclipse (317.20 m), Mein Schiff 7 (315.70 m) |
The most popular lines remain AIDA Cruises, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line and TUI Cruises with its Mein Schiff fleet.
History of calls 2020-2024 – from the pandemic to records
Recent years have been a real rollercoaster for the cruise industry in Gdynia. The COVID-19 pandemic almost completely halted passenger traffic, but the port managed to recover and reach new records.
| Year | Calls | Key events |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 | COVID-19 pandemic – a year of collapse |
| 2021 | 34 (planned) | Slow recovery, AIDAmar 13 visits |
| 2022 | ~40 | Sky Princess 329.81 m – a Polish record! |
| 2023 | ~40 | 90-100 thousand passengers, MSC Fantasia opening |
| 2024 | 42 | AIDAmar 9 visits, Celebrity Silhouette debut |
| 2025 | 52 | Record season! |
2024 data: Average time in port: 10 hrs 25 min | Average occupancy: 90% | Passengers: ~100 000 | Position in the Baltic: 10th place
Record holders – the largest ships in the history of the Port of Gdynia
Gdynia, as the only port in Poland , has a quay adapted to handle vessels over 300 metres long.
Nabrzeże Francuskie (French Quay): Depth of 16.5 m – allows it to receive the largest cruise ships in the world
| Position | Ship | Length | Year of visit | Distinctive feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Sky Princess | 329,81 m | May 2022 | A Polish record! SeaWalk 8.5 m beyond the hull |
| 2. | Norwegian Getaway | 325,65 m | 2017, 2019 | Largest by tonnage: 145,655 GT |
| 3. | Celebrity Silhouette | 319 m | July 2024 | Debut in Gdynia |
| 4. | Mein Schiff 7/1 | 315,70 m | 2024-2025 | TUI Cruises flagships |
Sky Princess – a floating metropolis of 145,281 GT, carries 3500 passengers and 2000 crew members. 19 decks, 1780 cabins and the famous SeaWalk – a glass walkway extending 8.5 metres beyond the ship's hull.
Where to watch cruise ships in Gdynia
The arrival of a big cruise ship is always a spectacle that draws crowds of residents and tourists. Here are the best viewing points:
Ostroga Pilotowa (Pilot Spur) (ul. Polska 2)
An ideal spot with the distinctive bench dedicated to the builders of the port. From here you can see the ships up close as they manoeuvre at Nabrzeże Francuskie. Viewing terrace of the Emigration Museum (ul. Polska 1)
A panoramic view of the whole quay. It is worth combining ship watching with a visit to the museum telling the story of Polish emigration by sea. Nabrzeże Francuskie (French Quay)
You can walk almost right up to the hull of a moored ship. The most direct contact with these floating cities. Aleja Statków Pasażerskich (Passenger Ships Avenue)
A promenade with commemorative plaques marking record visits. The history of Gdynia's cruise calls in a nutshell. Schedule of calls: port.gdynia.pl/wycieczkowce – check when to expect the next giant!
Economic impact – how much passengers leave behind
Cruise ships are not only a tourist attraction but also a significant boost for the local economy.
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Average passenger spending | ~100 USD (~80 EUR) |
| Revenue 2018 (50 calls) | 8 million EUR for the region |
| Average occupancy 2024 | 90% |
| Average number of passengers/ship | 2500 |
Impact of the war in Ukraine on Baltic routes
Route maps changed: Saint Petersburg – until then the largest cruise port on the Baltic Sea – was completely removed from schedules after 2022.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine turned the map of Baltic cruises upside down. For Gdynia this meant an unexpected opportunity – operators looking for alternative ports turned their attention to the Polish coast. The city offers an attractive location with access to Gdańsk and its historic sights, Malbork Castle and the Solidarity Centre.
Operators and ships regularly visiting Gdynia
The Port of Gdynia hosts vessels of the world's largest cruise lines:
| Line | Characteristics | Vessels in Gdynia |
|---|---|---|
| AIDA Cruises (Germany) | Distinctive lips and eyes on the bow | AIDAmar (record holder for visits!) |
| MSC Cruises (Italy/Switzerland) | Italian-Swiss line | MSC Poesia, MSC Fantasia |
| Norwegian (USA) | American giant | Norwegian Dawn, Prima, Getaway |
| TUI Cruises (Germany) | German premium line | Mein Schiff 1, 3, 4, 6, 7 |
| Celebrity | Premium line | Celebrity Silhouette, Eclipse |
Gdynia is also visited by: P&O Cruises (Aurora), Princess Cruises, Regent Seven Seas, Oceania Cruises, Windstar and Costa Cruises.
What cruise ship passengers see
A typical stay lasts 8-11 hours, which is enough for an organised tour of the Tri-City.
Gdynia: Skwer Kościuszki, Gdynia Aquarium MIR, Emigration Museum, Dar Pomorza Sopot: The pier (the longest wooden pier in Europe), Monte Cassino, Krzywy Domek (the Crooked House) Gdańsk: Old Town, Long Market, Neptune's Fountain, Museum of the Second World War, ECS Surroundings: Malbork Castle (40 min), Stutthof Museum, Oliwa with its cathedral
Port infrastructure – the future of cruises in Gdynia
The Port of Gdynia is steadily investing in cruise infrastructure:
| Project | Status |
|---|---|
| Deepening of the fairway to 16.5 m | Completed |
| Public Ferry Terminal (DORACO) | In progress |
| Outer Port | Planned by 2026 |
Trend: The cruise season is getting longer – ships are calling earlier and earlier in spring and later and later in autumn.
Cruise ship trivia
Wind Surf – in 2017 Gdynia was visited by "the largest sailing ship in the world". This 187-metre vessel with 5 masts reaching 50 metres combines classic sailing with the luxury of a modern cruise.
Norwegian Getaway – during Rio 2016 this floating hotel accommodated thousands of Olympic guests when Brazil's hotel infrastructure proved insufficient.
Sky Princess and SeaWalk – a glass walkway extending 8.5 metres beyond the ship's hull gives passengers the feeling of walking above the ocean. Courage required!
Frequently asked questions
When is the cruise ship season in Gdynia?
Traditionally from the end of April to the end of October, although in recent years the season has been getting longer – in 2025 the last call was scheduled for 6 December.
Where can I check the schedule of calls?
The official schedule is published at port.gdynia.pl/wycieczkowce. It includes dates, ship names, and arrival and departure times.
Can I board a cruise ship as a tourist from land?
No, cruise ships do not offer tours for people who are not on the cruise. You can, however, watch the vessels from the quay.
What is the largest ship ever to call at Gdynia?
Sky Princess , with a length of 329.81 metres – a record set in May 2022 and still unbroken today.
How many cruise ships visit Gdynia each year?
In recent seasons 40-52 calls a year, with an upward trend.
See the Gulf of Gdańsk from the sea
Cruise ship passengers have only a few hours to get to know the Tri-City. You can discover the Gulf of Gdańsk without rushing – on your own terms.
RIBY.PL – fast RIB boat trips
In 30 minutes you will get from Gdynia to Hel, admiring the panorama of the port giants from the sea along the way.
Want to see a cruise ship from the water? Book a boat trip on the day of a call and watch a 300-metre giant manoeuvre up close. It is a completely different experience from the view from the quay.
