Cruise Guide Awards 2025: Palma in Focus, Ships Awarded

Awards in HafenCity — Ships, Music and Plans for Palma

On a cool, windy evening in Hamburg, the Cruise Guide Awards 2025 were distributed. Industry experts gathered in the new HafenCity terminal to crown the best ships of the year. It was not a loud gala, but a focused professional audience with experts, captains and a few curious journalists.

Who went home with trophies?

Among others, the Mein Schiff Relax from TUI Cruises was awarded for its offering around sport and wellness. For family-friendliness, the AIDAnova received an acknowledgment; children's programs and family cabins apparently scored points. In the category 'Routing' the expedition ship Hanseatic inspiration from Hapag-Lloyd Cruises prevailed, praised for its exceptional itineraries.

Palma remains a hub

Interesting for us here on the island: Palma continues to play a central role in the crossover between event and cruise business. For 2026, several event sailings are announced that start in Palma or make a stop there. Especially notable: A music trip with violinist David Garrett is planned — the ship is set to sail from late April to early May. This is already generating reservations.

80s festival on board

Another highlight on the calendar is a retro festival on board Mein Schiff 1 from May 3 to May 8, 2026. On the program are acts such as Nik Kershaw, The Sweet, Camouflage, Samantha Fox and Sydney Youngblood. If you love 80s pop and want to breathe the sea air, you'll find your offering here.

Consequences for Mallorca: More event sailings mean higher occupancy across the entire island chain—from hotels to restaurants to service providers at the port. This pleases restaurant owners in the old town and the small souvenir shops on the Passeig.

Whether you love cruises or view them with skepticism due to environmental concerns: Such awards show where the industry is heading. Family concepts, wellness offers and special routes are clearly trending. And for us here, that means Palma remains a hotspot where culture, tourism and business interests meet. I will certainly take a closer look at the next festival date — perhaps we'll meet on deck, with an espresso and wind in our hair.