Copenhagen once again named Europe’s leading cruise port in 2026

Copenhagen and Copenhagen Malmö Port (CMP) have been named Europe’s Leading Cruise Port at the World Travel Awards for the third consecutive year.

The award confirms Copenhagen’s position as one of Europe’s most attractive cruise destinations and recognises the significant value created locally and the close cooperation between the port, the destination, the cruise lines and strong industry networks such as Cruise Denmark and Cruise Baltic. Copenhagen is also among Europe’s leading cruise ports when it comes to investment in shore power.

In 2026, Copenhagen expects to welcome around 880,000 cruise guests across 312 calls, including 122 turnaround calls, where passengers begin or end their journey in Copenhagen. This year, most guests will arrive on ships connected to shore power, significantly reducing noise and emissions.

This development is also reflected in the length of the cruise season. During the periods outside the peak season, i.e. January–March and October–December, the number of calls has increased by 138 per cent since 2019. In 2026, Copenhagen also has cruise calls in all 12 months of the year.

“The award is a strong recognition of the cooperation that, over many years, has made Copenhagen a preferred destination for both cruise lines and guests. Together with our partners in the tourism and cruise sectors, we have created a destination that combines strong guest experiences, local value creation, year-round tourism and an ambitious green transition,” says Luis de Carvalho, Commercial Cruise Director, Copenhagen Malmö Port.

The turnaround segment creates particularly high value for the city through hotel stays, restaurant visits, shopping and experiences before and after the cruise. Last year, cruise passengers and crew members generated estimated total direct spending of more than DKK 1.1 billion in Copenhagen. Turnaround passengers alone accounted for close to half of this spending and almost one-third of them stayed in Copenhagen for two or more nights in prior to their cruise and a quarter stayed at least one night following the cruise. Cruise tourism also helps promote Copenhagen internationally, and more than half of all guests expect to return as regular holiday visitors within the coming years.

The World Travel Awards were established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across the travel, tourism and hospitality industries. Copenhagen previously won the award as Europe’s leading cruise port in 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2024 and 2025. With this year’s award, CMP and the city’s partners continue their efforts to strengthen Copenhagen as an attractive and responsible year-round destination that creates value for both guests and local communities.

For further information, please contact:
Ulrika Prytz Rugfelt, Chief Communications & Sustainability Officer, Copenhagen Malmö Port
Email: ulrika.prytz@cmport.com, Phone: +46 (0)70 252 00 98.

Luis de Carvalho, Commercial Cruise Director, Copenhagen Malmö Port
Email: luis.decarvalho@cmport.com, Phone: +45 22 21 01 31.