MSC wants to overtake Aida in the port of Rostock – luxury cruises are on the rise!

MSC wants to overtake Aida in the port of Rostock – luxury cruises are on the rise!

The cruise industry in Germany is more dynamic than ever. While Aida Cruises claims the top position at the Rostock cruise port with 68 calls, the shipping company MSC is planning ambitious growth strategies with its new CEO Jörg Eichler, ex-Arosa boss and with strong connections to the region. The shipping company with the wind rose logo wants to make a total of 22 calls in Rostock this year, which shows a clear intention to increase its market share in northern Germany. In addition, MSC is presenting the luxury brand “Explora”, which will also be stationed in the port of Rostock.

Jörg Eichler emphasizes that the cruise market is on a growth path despite the challenges of recent years. MSC aims to welcome an estimated 4.5 million guests on board worldwide by 2024. These growth targets are based on the impressive fleet of currently 23 cruise ships, with six more new builds in the pipeline. Growth will be further supported by the introduction of “Explora” in the luxury segment, as demand for such offerings has increased significantly in recent years.

Luxury and environmental protection in focus

The cruise market recovered quickly after the pandemic, which is also reflected in the record numbers for German cruise passengers. In 2023 there was a new high of 2,961,900 passengers, exceeding the previous record year of 2019. The average spending per person on ocean cruises was 1,570 euros. Interestingly, 25% of Germans plan to spend more money on vacations in 2024, indicating an increasing willingness to invest in cruises.

In view of the growing demand for luxury cruises, MSC is focusing on the development of new ships in the luxury segment. Six more “Explora” ships, each with 900 passengers, are to be put into service by 2028. The Rostock Port also sees MSC's upcoming calls as an opportunity to attract more luxury guests and is planning to expand this area again in connection with Rostock-Laage Airport.

Connection between market development and environmental awareness

Confronted with these developments, the cruise industry also faces the challenges of environmental protection. Over half of new cruise ships rely on LNG as fuel, and the EU is calling for the use of shore power in ports by 2030. Nevertheless, 27% of Germans say that environmental pollution is an important reason against cruises. These environmental concerns must be taken into account in the further design of cruises.

Overall, the port of Rostock is recording an increase in calls, with 167 calls from 36 cruise ships in 2025. This increase compared to the previous year could lay the foundation for continued positive development in the cruise sector. Aida Cruises remains a significant competitor, but MSC is prepared to be successful in this important market.

For more information on these developments, visit our coverage Baltic Sea newspaper and Cruise100.