Cruise Gate Hamburg has welcomed Virgin Voyages to the Port of Hamburg for the first time, with Valiant Lady making the cruise line’s inaugural call at the German port on August 24th and 25th, 2026.
The maiden visit adds another international cruise brand to Hamburg’s expanding cruise portfolio and reinforces the city’s position as a major cruise destination in Northern Europe. Virgin Voyages operates an adults-only cruise concept built around contemporary design, specialty dining and entertainment.
Valiant Lady arrived at Cruise Center Altona on August 24th, where the ship received a traditional maritime welcome from a fireboat, which accompanied the vessel into the port with a water salute. The following morning, passengers heading ashore for excursions were welcomed at the terminal by a shanty choir performing music associated with Hamburg’s maritime heritage.
The inaugural call also included the traditional Plaques and Keys Ceremony aboard Valiant Lady. Representatives of Hamburg and the Port of Hamburg were received by Captain Damir Rikanovic and the ship’s crew, with commemorative plaques exchanged to mark the vessel’s first visit and establish the customary link between the cruise operator and destination.
Cruise Gate Hamburg Managing Director Simone Maraschi said the maiden call demonstrated continued international interest in Hamburg and provided an opportunity to further diversify the city’s cruise offering. Virgin Voyages Senior Director of Itineraries & Destinations Natasha Salzedo noted that Hamburg’s maritime character, cultural scene, waterfront and culinary attractions made the city a suitable addition to the line’s network of destinations.
Valiant Lady is scheduled to depart Cruise Center Altona at ~5:00 p.m. on August 25th, accompanied by a harbour launch boat. The arrival and departure are being documented by drone as part of the ship’s first Hamburg visit.
The call is one of 9 maiden calls scheduled at Hamburg during the 2026 cruise season, with three further first-time visits expected before the end of the year. Almost 330 cruise ship calls are scheduled across the city’s three cruise terminals during 2026, maintaining Hamburg’s role as one of Northern Europe’s principal cruise ports.