Home » CRUISE NEWS » Cruise Gate Hamburg Revolutionises Tourism In Hamburg, Germany With Game-Changing New Terminal

Published on
September 14, 2025

Cruise Gate Hamburg (CGH) has opened its new terminal at the Cruise Center HafenCity, right in the middle of Hamburg. This state-of-the-art hub is part of the vibrant Westfield Hamburg-Überseequartier complex. By providing top-tier amenities, the terminal aims to enhance every passenger’s cruise experience and, at the same time, give the city’s booming tourism economy another exciting boost.

The facility, which spans approximately 10,300 square metres across four levels, is set to become a vital gateway for both local and international cruise passengers. Designed by Hillmer und Richter Architekten, it boasts two berths, 345 metres and 230 metres in length. These berths will allow large cruise ships to dock in close proximity to the city’s famous landmarks, such as the Landungsbrücken and the Elbphilharmonie. The location promises easy access to Hamburg’s bustling city centre, bringing passengers closer to a wealth of dining, retail, and cultural experiences.

State-of-the-Art Facilities for Passengers

The Cruise Center HafenCity offers impressive amenities designed to make the arrival and departure process as smooth as possible for cruise passengers. The terminal is fully equipped with two levels dedicated to passenger processing, which ensures a seamless experience from check-in to boarding. Additionally, two underground levels are designated for private vehicles, taxis, and buses, further enhancing connectivity.

Children and families will particularly appreciate the child-friendly amenities provided at the terminal. The design includes spaces where young travellers can enjoy entertainment while awaiting departure. Dedicated play areas equipped with interactive games and engaging educational activities will ensure that children are entertained during the process. Furthermore, the terminal’s proximity to attractions such as the Lego Discovery Centre means families can easily explore activities that captivate younger visitors.

A Sustainable Future with Shore Power Integration

In line with Hamburg’s commitment to sustainable development, the HafenCity terminal will be equipped by 2026 with two high-voltage shore power connection points. This upgrade will allow a large cruise vessel and a smaller one to connect simultaneously, with up to 14 megavolt ampere of electricity supplied from renewable energy sources. The move is part of a wider effort to align with EU regulations, which mandate shore power availability at all cruise terminals. The use of shore power aims to reduce the carbon footprint of cruise ships while they dock, promoting a cleaner, greener tourism model.

Iris Scheel, Managing Director of CGH, highlighted the significance of the new terminal, stating that it demonstrates how a well-planned urban integration can create value for both the city and the industry. The project’s completion has been made possible thanks to strong collaboration between local stakeholders, including the community and political leadership.

A Central Location That Promotes Accessibility

A key selling point of the Cruise Center HafenCity is its prime location in the city centre. The terminal’s integration into the Westfield Hamburg-Überseequartier complex provides immediate access to a wide array of retail outlets, dining options, and entertainment venues. This positioning offers cruise passengers a unique opportunity to explore the city, with easy transport connections available by subway, bus, and taxi. The addition of a dedicated subway station ensures that visitors can quickly reach the heart of Hamburg, including historical sites, shopping districts, and cultural landmarks.

Mayor Dr Peter Tschentscher of Hamburg expressed his enthusiasm about the development, noting that the terminal would help stimulate both HafenCity and the city centre by offering visitors access to world-class facilities. With just a short trip to the city’s key attractions, cruise passengers are well-positioned to explore the best of what Hamburg has to offer.

High Expectations for 2025

The HafenCity terminal is expected to handle 48 cruise ship arrivals in 2025, including 18 during its test phase and 30 more by the end of the year. In total, CGH’s three terminals, HafenCity, Steinwerder, and Altona are scheduled to welcome 300 cruise ships during the same period. The launch of the new terminal is part of a broader strategy by CGH to cater to increasing demand for cruise travel while also contributing to the city’s economic growth.

By facilitating seamless access to both the city centre and the port, the HafenCity terminal is set to become a vital link between Hamburg’s dynamic waterfront and its urban core. Additionally, the terminal’s design prioritises sustainability, ensuring that the city’s growth remains in harmony with environmental goals.

What Next?

Cruise Center HafenCity is gearing up to change the face of cruise trips to Hamburg. With modern-build facilities and clever eco-friendly energy systems, the terminal is more than just a boarding point. It sits in the heart of the city, is packed with services designed for travelers of all ages, and offers special touches for families. That makes it an exciting stop for anyone arriving by sea. As the terminal keeps developing, it shows Hamburg is serious about being one of Europe’s must-visit cruise ports, promising an exciting future for guests and the neighborhoods that welcome them.

Image Credit: Cruise Gate Hamburg