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Special Cruise to the Festival Maritim in Vegesack

A relaxed panorama cruise on the Weser to Bremen-Vegesack – right in time for the popular Festival Maritim, during our anniversary year.

Cruises on the Lower Weser have been at the heart of our company for 100 years. To mark our anniversary year, we are taking you to one of the largest maritime summer events in the Bremen region: the Festival Maritim in Vegesack.

The cruise is operated with our passenger vessel MS “Gräfin Emma”. It offers indoor seating and outdoor deck space, so you can enjoy the summer river landscape in any weather.

Outbound Cruise to Vegesack

The cruise starts at the Martinianleger and takes you in a relaxed pace downstream to Bremen-Vegesack. After about an hour, you reach the pier in Vegesack (Signalstation). Here you can disembark with ease and head straight to the Festival Maritim – the festival mile is right next to the pier.

Festival Maritim in Bremen-Vegesack

The Festival Maritim is one of the most popular summer events in the region. Open-air at the Weser, it offers:

  • Several stages and live bands
  • Maritime atmosphere right by the water
  • A wide range of food and drink stalls

A festival for all generations – families, couples and groups of friends.

Two Ticket Types to Choose From

Whether you want to visit the festival or stay on board for the cruise, choose your preferred ticket type when booking:

One-Way

The single trip to Vegesack. Ideal if you want to enjoy the festival at your own pace and arrange your return journey yourself (e.g. by bus or train).

Return

The comfortable option with two return choices – you decide flexibly on the day:

  • Option 1: Stay on board the MS “Gräfin Emma” and continue enjoying the Weser as a panorama cruise. Upstream with views of the Weserstadion and a relaxed return to the Martinianleger around 4:30 PM. Ideal if the cruise itself is your main goal.
  • Option 2: Disembark in Vegesack and experience the Festival Maritim. Return at 5:50 PM from Vegesack, leaving you a good three hours of festival time. The MS “Oceana”, sailing in from Bremerhaven, picks you up at the pier and brings you back to Bremen.

What Awaits You on This Cruise

  • Anniversary cruise during our centenary year
  • Panorama Weser cruise on the MS “Gräfin Emma” to Bremen-Vegesack
  • Direct access to the Festival Maritim in Vegesack
  • Available as One-Way or Return ticket
  • For Return tickets: two return options to choose from on the day

Date in 2026

Saturday, August 1, 2026

This anniversary cruise takes place once only – secure your place in good time.

Date in 2026

The Anniversary Cruise to the Festival Maritim takes place once only on Saturday, August 1, 2026. Departure at 1:45 PM from the Martinianleger.

Outbound Cruise to Vegesack

Your Outbound Cruise on August 1, 2026 at a Glance
Pier / Programme Departure / Arrival
Boarding Bremen / Martinianleger from 1:30 PM
Departure Bremen / Martinianleger 1:45 PM
Passing the Signalstation Vegesack around 2:30 PM
Arrival Vegesack 2:45 PM

Return Options to Bremen

From Vegesack, the “Return” ticket type gives you two ways to get back to Bremen. You decide flexibly on the day.

Return Options on August 1, 2026 at a Glance
Return Departure / Arrival
Option 1: Stay on board the MS “Gräfin Emma” – panorama cruise upstream with views of the Weserstadion, arrival at the Martinianleger around 4:30 PM
Option 2: Festival visit in Vegesack – return on the MS “Oceana” from Vegesack, arrival at the Martinianleger Departure Vegesack 5:50 PM

Fares 2026

Prices per person. Choose your preferred ticket type when booking.

Fares 2026 per Person for Both Ticket Types
Ticket Type One-Way Return
Adults €16.50 €23.00
Children (4–14 years) €8.50 €11.50

What's Included in the Price?

  • Panorama Weser cruise on the MS “Gräfin Emma” from the Martinianleger to Vegesack
  • Commentary about the route on board
  • Indoor seating and outdoor deck space
  • For “Return” tickets: two return options to choose from on the day

Booking & Payment

Online booking:

  • Immediate confirmation by email
  • Mobile ticket or PDF for printing
  • Flexible payment options: PayPal, credit card, SEPA direct debit

Tickets in person:

  • Tickets available in advance (up to one week before departure) at the ticket counter at the Martinianleger or at our office at Schlachte 2
  • No tickets sold on board

Booking by phone is also possible.

Our Recommendation: The Anniversary Cruise to the Festival Maritim takes place once only and seats are limited. Secure your ticket online in good time.

Cancellation Terms

  • Cancellation up to 1 month before the cruise: 80% refund of the ticket price
  • Cancellation between 1 month and 10 days before: 70% refund of the ticket price
  • Cancellation between 10 and 4 days before: 30% refund of the ticket price
  • Cancellation 3 days before or later: no refund

Comfort on Board

For this cruise, we operate our passenger vessel MS “Gräfin Emma”. It offers high comfort and ample space for the relaxed Weser cruise to Vegesack.

Onboard Facilities

  • Onboard catering with snacks as well as hot and cold drinks
  • Comfortable seating indoors and outdoors
  • Weather-protected indoor areas with panoramic windows
  • Outdoor decks with open-air seating
  • Modern sanitary facilities on board
  • Commentary about the route during the cruise

Catering on Board

Our onboard catering offers:

  • Snacks and light meals
  • Cake and pastries
  • Hot and cold drinks
  • Beer, wine, sparkling wine, and non-alcoholic alternatives

Payment on board: Card (debit or credit) or cash.

Seating

  • Free seating on board
  • Table reservation for larger groups on request

Accessibility

Information for guests with limited mobility:

  • Boarding via ramp possible
  • Indoor area (main deck) accessible
  • Our crew is happy to assist with boarding and disembarking
  • Space available for wheelchairs and walkers
  • Sanitary facilities are unfortunately not wheelchair accessible
  • Access to the outer decks is unfortunately only via stairs

Please let us know your needs before the cruise: Phone +49 421 33 89 89 or email info@hal-oever.de. We will be happy to make all necessary arrangements!

Bicycles

Unfortunately, bicycles cannot be carried on this cruise.

Dogs on Board

  • Dogs are warmly welcome (€4.00 per dog)
  • Please keep on a lead
  • Water for our four-legged guests is provided

How to Reach the Martini Pier in Bremen

We look forward to welcoming you at the Martini pier! To make your journey as relaxed as possible, we have compiled the best car parks, park and ride options, and public transport connections for you.

Please note: Unfortunately, there are no parking or stopping facilities directly at our office and ticket counter.

Address for your sat nav: Schlachte 2 (office), Schlachte 1 (ticket booth), 28195 Bremen

By Car — Parking Options

Car parks nearby
Car park Distance Address Number of spaces Price per hour
Day rates: approx. €15.00–22.00 (varies by car park). All prices are provided to the best of our knowledge — deviations possible.
Parkhaus Pressehaus 350 m Langenstraße 31 450 €2.60
Parkhaus Mitte 400 m Pelzerstraße 40 800 €3.00
Parkhaus Hillmann 500 m Beim Paulskloster 280 €3.00
Parkhaus Am Brill 600 m Am Brill 350 €2.40
Parkhaus am Markt 230 m Wachtstraße 32 300 €4.00

Important note: Parking in Bremen's city centre can be limited, especially on weekends and public holidays. Please allow enough time to find a space!

By Coach

Arriving with a group by coach? Several designated coach parking spaces are available in Bremen. A current overview of all locations and availability can be found on the City of Bremen coach parking page.

Park + Ride Options

A more affordable alternative:

  • P+R Huchting, P+R Norderländer Straße or P+R Hinterm Sielhof
  • By tram to the city centre in 15–20 min.
  • Parking fee: €0.00 (free)
  • Tram ticket: approx. €3.40 per person
  • EV charging stations partially available

By Public Transport

Lines to the Martini pier:

  • Lines 2, 3, 4, 6 → stop "Domsheide" (4 min. walk)
  • Lines 1, 8 → stop "Brill" (3 min. walk)
  • Line 25 → stop "Martinistraße" or "Domsheide" (2–4 min. walk)

Tickets:

  • Single journey: from €3.40
  • Day pass: from €9.50
  • Family day pass: from €9.50 (up to 4 people)

Recommendation: Travel by public transport! Purchase your tickets conveniently via app.

By Train

  • Bremen Hauptbahnhof (central station) → 20 min. walk or tram (2 stops to "Domsheide")

By Bicycle

  • The Weser Cycle Path passes directly by the Martini pier
  • Bicycle parking available at the pier

On Board Our Ships

To help you enjoy your trip in comfort, we have compiled everything you need to know about life on board.

When can I board the ship?

Boarding is possible from 15 minutes before departure at the designated pier. An earlier boarding time can be arranged upon request.

In the event of delays beyond our control, or if the ship is made available earlier than scheduled, waiting time charges may apply.

Where does the trip go?

Our trips usually start and end at the Martini pier in Bremen's city centre. On request, the trip can also begin or end at a different pier — in this case, a deadheading surcharge will apply.

The route depends on the duration of your trip and can be freely chosen by you. Tides, lock operating times, bridge opening times, and speed restrictions will need to be taken into account.

If your preferred route is not possible, we will find a suitable alternative together. A stopover during your trip is of course possible.

What languages are spoken on board?

Our crew speaks German. Menus and buffet signage can also be provided in English or in both German and English.

If you would like English-speaking service staff on board, please let us know and we will do our best to arrange it. For English or other language commentary on the route and sights, we can arrange an external speaker (at additional cost).

What is the price for children?

Children under 4 travel free of charge. For children aged 4 to 13, we charge half price for catering.

Any supervision of children on board required must be provided by the organiser. We are happy to accommodate children's wishes when it comes to catering.

Is smoking allowed on board?

Smoking is permitted on the outer decks in designated areas. Smoking is not allowed in any indoor areas.

Will I get seasick on board?

On the Weser and its tributaries, there is usually no swell. Our ships therefore generally do not rock. Due to passing traffic, turning, and docking manoeuvres, the ship may move slightly for brief moments.

On trips in the Weser estuary, for example near Bremerhaven, some swell may be noticeable.