In 2022, Port Gdansk (Poland) experienced its most successful year ever, handling a total of 79 vessels carrying 29,251 passengers. This marked a significant milestone for the port, with the highest number of vessels visiting and a remarkable increase in revenue from port fees - nearly 2.5 times higher than the previous record set in 2018.
Cruise season 2022 saw its first ship, Plantours' Hamburg, arriving on April 20th, and the final call was made by Hapag-Lloyd's Hanseatic Nature on December 17th, resulting in an extended season duration. This year, approximately 45 calls have been scheduled, and the longest vessel to visit was Fred Olsen's Bolette, measuring 238 meters, on May 10th.
The Port of Gdansk possesses significant capabilities, theoretically allowing it to accommodate up to 120 cruise ship calls per year. All cruise operations take place at the handling quays: Obroncow Westerplatte Quay, Oliwa Quay, and WOC II Quay.
The growth of cruise shipping at the port is influenced by both the geopolitical situation in the region and the active involvement of local authorities and tourist organizations. Convincing cruise operators that the Baltic Sea basin is a peaceful and secure region is a priority. Active participation in organizations like Cruise Baltic and Cruise Europe allows the port to present its commercial offerings at trade fairs in Europe and the United States. The attractiveness of the port city's tourist offerings is a significant factor in attracting shipping lines, as evident from their participation in trade fairs like the one in Miami Florida USA.
To remain competitive, Port Gdansk primarily focuses on offering an appealing tariff structure, applying a progressive rate based on the number of ship calls. This approach enables cruise companies to efficiently plan their ships' arrivals at the port.
The port's allure extends beyond Gdansk City itself, encompassing the entire Pomorskie region, which boasts a wide range of attractions. From the grand medieval castle in Malbork to a golf course just a short 30-minute drive from the port, there are plenty of options to cater to tourists' diverse interests.
Port Gdansk seeks to highlight the potential of the region, presenting it as an attractive alternative for tourists who previously visited Russia's Sankt Petersburg.