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Cruise from Hamburg – How to set sail in style
Staying the night at a&o in Hamburg is the smartest move before you set sail
The big day is drawing nearer: the cruise ship is waiting, your suitcases are packed – and suddenly the question arises: will you make it to the terminal in time? Anyone travelling from another city knows that queasy feeling when taking a train or a flight that might be delayed. The solution is simple and smart: arrive in Hamburg a day early. That way, your holiday starts even before you set sail – with a relaxing evening in one of northern Germany’s most exciting cities.
The four a&o hostels in Hamburg – a&o Hamburg Hauptbahnhof, a&o Hamburg City, a&o Hamburg Reeperbahn and a&o Hamburg Hammer Kirche – are all centrally located in the city centre. From here, you can easily reach all three cruise terminals by public transport. And best of all: with the a&o Best Price Guarantee, you’ll never pay too much. So don’t wait too long – book now!
Hamburg – the gateway to the world
Hamburg is not only Germany’s second-largest city, but also one of Europe’s most important cruise ports. Over 1.4 million cruise passengers used the Port of Hamburg in the 2025 season alone – and the trend is rising. The River Elbe connects Hamburg to the North Sea, and the Kiel Canal to the Baltic Sea: hardly any other port offers such a versatile base for cruises in all directions.
These cruise lines sail from Hamburg
From Hamburg, you can choose from some of the best-known names in the cruise industry:
- AIDA Cruises
Market leader in Germany – operates regular cruises to Scandinavia, Northern Europe, the UK and even round-the-world voyages from Hamburg. - TUI Cruises
The ‘Mein Schiff’ fleet offers premium all-inclusive cruises to destinations including Copenhagen, Oslo, Mallorca and the British Isles. - Cunard Line
The legendary Queen Mary 2 and Queen Anne set sail on transatlantic crossings to New York, amongst other destinations, or cruise through the Norwegian fjords. - MSC Cruises
The MSC Preziosa calls regularly at Hamburg and offers routes to the Baltic Sea and Northern Europe. - Costa Cruises
With the Costa Favolosa, longer Northern European routes can also be booked – as far as Greenland and Iceland. - Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
For the luxury segment: the MS Europa 2 offers exclusive voyages for discerning guests from Hamburg.
Popular cruise destinations from Hamburg
Whether a short mini-cruise or a grand world tour – the choice is impressive. The most popular destinations near and far:
- Norwegian fjords
- The Baltic Sea and the Baltic States
- Copenhagen and Stockholm
- British Isles
- Iceland and Greenland
- Amsterdam and Rotterdam
- Transatlantic to New York
- Caribbean
- Mediterranean
The Northern routes are particularly popular during the summer months: Norwegian fjords, Iceland’s volcanic coasts and the chance to see the Northern Lights delight thousands of guests year after year. In winter, AIDA’s ‘Grand Winter Break’ cruises to the Caribbean or the legendary transatlantic crossings to New York on the Queen Mary 2 are a major draw.
Cruise terminals in Hamburg
Hamburg has significantly expanded its three cruise terminals in 2025: all three locations now have shore power facilities, ensuring that ships are supplied with power in an environmentally friendly manner whilst in port. Here is all the key information at a glance:
► Cruise Center HafenCity
Address: Chicagostraße 3, 20457 Hamburg
Location: Directly opposite the Elbphilharmonie, within sight of the Speicherstadt. Two berths for ships up to 345 m. Close to the city centre, ideal for sightseeing.
How to get there:
- Underground line U4 to “Überseequartier” (approx. 250 m walk)
- Bus 111 or 602 to “U Überseequartier” (approx. 250 m walk)
- From the airport: S1 to Hauptbahnhof, then U4, total journey time approx. 50 minutes
► Cruise Center Altona
Address: Van-der-Smissen-Straße 5, 22767 Hamburg
Location: On the Elbe promenade between the Elbe beach and the Altona district. For ships up to 300 m. Accessible roof with views of the Elbe. Also accessible by ferry.
How to get there:
- Bus 111 to “Kreuzfahrtterminal Altona”
- Ferry 62 to “Dockland” (directly at the terminal)
- S-Bahn S1, S2 or S3 to “Königstraße” (approx. 750 m walk)
► Cruise Center Steinwerder
Address: Buchheisterstraße 16, 20457 Hamburg
Location: State-of-the-art terminal in the heart of the container port. For the largest ships (over 330 m, up to 8,000 passengers). Large car park directly at the terminal.
How to get there:
- Mon–Fri: Ferry 73 from Landungsbrücken to “Argentinienbrücke” (approx. 450 m walk)
- Saturday: Bus 156 or 256 to “Argentinienbrücke” (approx. 450 m walk)
- Sundays and public holidays: no regular public transport – a taxi is recommended (approx. 25–30 euros from Altona)
- Car: A7 motorway, Waltershof exit
Important: Your booking documents from the cruise line will state which terminal you need to go to. It’s best to check this when you book – the terminals are quite far apart.
It’s best to arrive a day early!
Imagine this: your train is delayed, you miss your connection – and the ship won’t wait. Sound like a nightmare? For many cruise passengers, that’s exactly what has happened. The simple solution: arrive the day before.
- Maximum peace of mind
No stress from train delays or traffic jams. You’ll be there on time – guaranteed. - Discover Hamburg
A harbour tour, a musical or an evening on the Reeperbahn – your holiday starts a day early. - Start your trip refreshed
Board the ship well-rested and relaxed – check out after breakfast and head to the ship. - Affordable accommodation
At a&o Hamburg, you’ll stay in a central, comfortable location with the best value for money.
Hamburg has plenty to offer
A free evening in Hamburg? Make the most of it with these tips:
- Elbphilharmonie and Speicherstadt
Hamburg’s new landmark, featuring a free-to-enter plaza on the 8th floor – the view is unforgettable. Right next door: the historic Speicherstadt with Miniatur Wunderland. - An evening at the musical – the perfect way to get in the mood
Hamburg is Europe’s musical capital. The Lion King, The Phantom of the Opera or Mamma Mia – an evening at the theatre is the perfect way to get in the mood for your dream holiday. It’s best to book tickets in advance! - Reeperbahn and Schanzenviertel
St. Pauli offers plenty of atmosphere both day and night: great bars, restaurants and a vibrant nightlife. The neighbouring Schanzenviertel boasts cool cafés and unique boutiques – ideal for a relaxed evening out. - Harbour tour
From the a&o Hostel in Hamburg, you’re just a few minutes’ walk from the Landungsbrücken. A harbour tour will give you a taste of just how vast the world of the Port of Hamburg really is.
The four a&o hostels in Hamburg
All a&o hostels in Hamburg offer free high-speed Wi-Fi, a generous breakfast buffet and friendly 24-hour service. Start your cruise day well-rested and energised – and feel free to ask at reception for the latest HVV timetable to the terminal.
- a&o Hamburg Hauptbahnhof
Just a few minutes’ walk from the main station. From here, you can easily reach all three terminals by S-Bahn or U-Bahn. Perfect location for train travellers. - a&o Hamburg City
Centrally located in Hammerbrook, just a 3-minute walk from the Berliner Tor S-Bahn and U-Bahn station (S1, S2, U2, U3). Features a roof terrace with views over Hamburg. - a&o Hamburg Reeperbahn
Right in the heart of St. Pauli, with a nautical charm. Ideal for anyone looking to spend the evening before their cruise in Hamburg’s liveliest district. - a&o Hamburg Hammer Kirche
The cosiest of the four hostels, in Hamm-Mitte. Quiet, family-friendly atmosphere.
Ready for your cruise adventure? Book your pre-cruise stay now at one of the a&o hostels in Hamburg – with a best price guarantee, a central location and everything you need. Have a great time on your cruise and may there always be a hand’s breadth of water under your keel!
