April the 30th, 2026 – Rijeka is set to well and truly cement its position on the global cruise map in 2026, as more and more giant vessels plan their arrival in the Kvarner city.
As Poslovni Dnevnik writes, Rijeka seems to be very seriously strengthening its position on the global cruise tourism map in 2026. Announcements from the city’s Tourist Board speak of more than thirty ship arrivals, including a number of premiere calls, which clearly shows that the interest of large companies in this port is only growing.
rijeka’s changing face
The list of arrivals includes some of the most famous names in the cruise industry, including Explora Journeys, Silversea, Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Holland America Line, Costa Cruises, AIDA Cruises, Marella Cruises, Ponant Cruises and Saga Cruises. Their presence confirms that Rijeka is becoming an increasingly relevant stop on high-class itineraries, a far cry from the once almost entirely bypassed city it once was.
The arrival in July of the 294-metre-long Costa Deliziosa, which can accommodate 2,828 passengers, is attracting particular attention. The luxurious Explora II also stands out from the crowd, which will dock in Rijeka ten times during the year. That is pure confirmation of one of the most striking indicators of trust in the destination, according to HRT.
plenty of “first arrivals” are on the cards for rijeka in 2026
A total of six first arrivals of individual vessels will take place in the Port of Rijeka during the main summer season. Among them are the Spirit of Discovery, Explora, Le Dumont d’Urville, World Traveler, Seven Seas Navigator and Insignia. In the world of cruise tourism, such “first arrivals” carry special weight because they mean that a given destination is being included in new routes and travel plans.
It’s also important to note that the schedule of arrivals of cruise ships in Rijeka currently lasts until December. This means that Rijeka is moving far beyond the scope of an exclusively summer destination and is increasingly being profiled as a port with the potential for year-round cruise traffic. Such an enviable schedule also has concrete economic effects to it. Arrivals outside of the main summer tourist season additionally fill income in the hospitality and catering industry, as well as in trade, transport and among tourist guides, thus spreading the benefits of tourism to cover most of the year.
is rijeka ready to join the map of top cruise destinations in 2026?
In terms of infrastructure, Rijeka is more than ready for this kind of growth. The operational capacities on the breakwater enable the reception of large and modern cruise ships, while the safety of arrivals, good logistics and proximity to the city centre further increase the allure of the port. The city’s excellent transport connections with the rest of Croatia are also noteworthy, as they facilitate the arrival and easy movement of passengers.
The Rijeka Tourist Board stated the following: “The announced arrivals mean the arrival of tens of thousands of passengers and crew members during the year, which will certainly be reflected in the local economy through spending in restaurants and shops. We’re particularly pleased with the large number of first-time arrivals to the Port of Rijeka and the continued return of premium and luxury cruise companies. This is confirmation that the Port of Rijeka is more than ready to receive vessels of the highest possible category and that it can accommodate guests from all over the world.”
