Port information & tips for Cuxhaven
Cuxhaven is located at the mouth of the Elbe into the North Sea and is the gateway to the wide world and the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Wadden Sea. The maritime city impresses with its authentic charm, the fresh sea breeze, and the impressive sight of passing ocean giants on one of the busiest waterways on earth. Absolute highlights in the immediate vicinity include the wooden landmark Kugelbake, the historic viewing platform Alte Liebe, and the tradition-steeped Hapag-Hallen. Cruise ships dock at the historic Steubenhöft, which offers an ideal starting point thanks to its excellent location and makes the city center and the charming Lotsenviertel easily accessible in about fifteen minutes on foot.
Cuxhaven is an easily accessible cruise port, which can be reached comfortably by car or train, particularly from the DACH region. The Steubenhöft cruise terminal is centrally located and well-signposted.
Car
Cuxhaven is directly connected to the A27 motorway (Bremen-Cuxhaven) via the B73 federal road. From the A27, follow the signs towards the port and Steubenhöft. Short-term parking is available at the terminal itself, and thanks to various local providers such as Park & Cruise Cuxhaven, you can park your vehicle safely and conveniently near the port for the duration of your trip, often including a shuttle service to the ship.
Train
Cuxhaven station is the terminus for the routes from Bremen and Hamburg and is therefore well integrated into the German rail network. From Hamburg, you can reach Cuxhaven in about 1.5 to 2 hours. From Cuxhaven station, you can easily reach the Steubenhöft cruise terminal, which is located in the immediate vicinity, in just 5 to 10 minutes by taxi.
Airplane
The nearest major international airport is Bremen (BRE), located about 100 kilometers south of Cuxhaven. From there, there are good train connections to Cuxhaven, which usually require a transfer and take about 1.5 to 2 hours. Alternatively, Hamburg Airport (HAM) is also an option, which is around 130 kilometers away. A transfer by taxi or rental car from Bremen Airport takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes, and from Hamburg about 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and bear in mind that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination—is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the journey: For shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
