Port of Rouen to Launch 2025 Cruise Season with Silver Dawn and Record Arrivals

The Port of Rouen will open its 2025 cruise season with the arrival of Silver Dawn, a luxury ship from Silversea Cruises, on April 13. The ship will dock at 3:45 PM and remain in port for two nights, leaving on April 15 at 7:15 PM.

Passengers will have more time to explore Rouen and nearby areas during this extended stay. Highlights include the stunning Rouen Cathedral and guided day trips to Paris, Versailles, and Giverny, all within a short drive.

Rouen is expecting a strong year for ocean cruise activity, with 18 calls scheduled in 2025. Cruise lines visiting include Silversea, Phoenix Reisen, and Fred. Olsen, NYK Cruises, Azamara, Windstar, and Plantours Kreuzfahrten.

Some of the notable ship visits include Deutschland on April 25, Amadea on May 7, and Balmoral on several dates, May 13, May 26, July 29, September 5, and December 17. Other expected ships are Asuka II, Silver Spirit, Azamara Quest, Silver Shadow, Star Legend, Azamara Journey, and Hamburg.

River cruising will also see major growth. The port has 954 river cruise calls planned for the year. One key moment will be the debut of Viking Cruises’ new Viking Nerthus, arriving on April 21.

Guests on river cruises can enjoy Rouen’s historic markets, charming streets, and famous regional cuisine, some of which have earned recognition from UNESCO.

To handle this growth, the Port of Rouen is upgrading its infrastructure. Shore power connections are being installed for ships up to 250 meters in length. This helps reduce emissions and supports cleaner cruise operations.

The ocean cruise terminal is also being modernized to better serve future visitors and improve passenger flow during peak times.

Rouen continues to focus on sustainable tourism. The city’s investment in eco-friendly port facilities supports ships that use cleaner energy and helps reduce environmental impact.

Looking ahead, Emerald Cruises will launch a new ship, Emerald Lumi, on the Seine in 2027. The ship will sail roundtrip from Paris and include a stop in Rouen.

Thanks to its location on the Seine River and proximity to Paris, Rouen remains a popular destination for both river and ocean cruise travelers. With more ships, better facilities, and strong support for green tourism, the city is preparing for a standout year.