Copenhagen and Copenhagen Malmö Port (CMP) have won the Europe’s Leading Cruise Port title for the third consecutive year at the World Travel Awards.
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.
During the periods outside the peak season, January-March and October-December, the number of calls has increased by 138% 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,” said Luis de Carvalho, commercial cruise director, Copenhagen Malmö Port. “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.”
In accordance with CMP, 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 1.1bn 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.
