Operator
Cassen Eils Ferries
The operator behind the MS Helgoland – a profile of its history, fleet, check-in, luggage and refund rules.
- Founded in Cuxhaven in 1952, the oldest surviving Helgoland ferry operator, part of the AG Ems group since 2010
- Daily year-round Cuxhaven–Helgoland: MS Helgoland in around 2.5 hours, catamarans in around 75 minutes in season
- Check-in in Cuxhaven at least 45 minutes before departure at the jetty, printed e-ticket required
About Cassen Eils
Table of Contents
About Cassen Eils
Cassen Eils is the oldest surviving Helgoland ferry operator. In June 1952, Captain Cassen Eils and Ludwig Visser founded the company in Cuxhaven and launched a scheduled service to Helgoland with the MS Rudolf. Between 1970 and 1990 the operator sailed from several ports, including Cuxhaven, Büsum and Norderney; in 1999 it withdrew from the Baltic to focus on the North Sea. Since September 2010, Cassen Eils has been part of the AG Ems group from Emden, which also runs the Borkum ferries, while continuing to trade under its own name. It remains based in Cuxhaven, at Bei der Alten Liebe 12, right at the jetty.
The group also includes Adler & Eils GmbH & Co. KG, its cooperation with the Adler-Schiffe services, which run to Helgoland from Büsum and Hooksiel.
Fleet
The flagship is the MS Helgoland, delivered in 2015 as Germany's first newbuild with LNG propulsion technology and awarded the Blue Angel eco-label since 2018: 83 metres long, up to 21 knots, carrying 1,040 passengers across eight lounges with catering and three sun decks; a lift serves all decks. For the fast service the operator runs the catamarans Nordlicht, built 1989, 272 passengers and up to 38 knots, and Nordlicht II, built 2021, 450 passengers and 35 knots – both with an outdoor deck and an upper-deck Captain's Class available for a surcharge.
The MS Flipper, from 1977, sails to Neuwerk, the seal banks and the Kiel Canal, while the Wappen von Cuxhaven runs North Sea excursions; smaller vessels serve Fedderwardersiel and burials at sea.
Route on this page
Cassen Eils runs the Cuxhaven – Helgoland line, daily year-round with the MS Helgoland in around two and a half hours, plus the catamarans in around 75 minutes in season. The seaside steamer berths at Helgoland's South Harbour, making the island accessible by wheelchair and pushchair too; there's currently no tendering. In heavy weather the operator cancels catamaran sailings and transfers passengers to the MS Helgoland. All departures are listed in the timetable.
Check-in, luggage and pets
Be at the jetty at least 45 minutes before departure with your printed e-ticket ready. On the MS Helgoland, one piece of hand luggage up to 55 x 40 x 23 cm and 10 kg is free, but only 4 kg on the catamarans; suitcases and larger items are checked in at the jetty, up to 20 kg each, for a fee and with optional delivery to your accommodation on Helgoland. Pushchairs and wheelchairs travel on both ship types, but mobility scooters, hand carts and bike trailers aren't carried on the catamaran. Dogs on a lead travel at the standard fare; other animals by prior arrangement.
In Cuxhaven the operator recommends the car park at the ferry terminal with number-plate recognition, accessed via Cassen-Eils-Straße; bus route 1006 stops at the Alte Liebe, around a 20-minute walk from the station.
Tickets and fares
Tickets are available online, at the counter in Cuxhaven and on board; duty-free shopping is only available on the island, not on the ship. The price depends on the ship, the season and the seat category. Cancel up to seven days before departure for a full refund, between two and seven days for half the fare minus a small fee, and nothing after that. The booking window on the route page shows the exact fare for your travel date; the overview of Helgoland ferry operators shows which operator runs which service.
FAQ Cassen Eils
Frequently asked questions
Questions and answers about Cassen Eils
Which route does Cassen Eils run to Helgoland?+
The Cuxhaven – Helgoland line, sailed daily year-round with the MS Helgoland seaside steamer and, in season, additionally with the Nordlicht and Nordlicht II catamarans. There are also sailings from Cuxhaven to the island of Neuwerk, plus excursion trips from Cuxhaven and Fedderwardersiel.
Which ships does the operator use?+
The MS Helgoland, built in 2015, 83 metres long, for 1,040 passengers, with LNG propulsion and the Blue Angel eco-label; the catamaran Nordlicht from 1989 for 272 passengers and Nordlicht II from 2021 for 450 passengers. Further ships such as the MS Flipper and the Wappen von Cuxhaven serve Neuwerk and excursion trips.
When do I need to be at the jetty?+
At least 45 minutes before departure, with a printed e-ticket. Suitcases are checked in at the jetty; the operator allows one piece of hand luggage up to 55 x 40 x 23 cm and 10 kg on the MS Helgoland, and 4 kg on the catamarans.
Can I bring my car?+
No, Helgoland is car-free. In Cuxhaven, Cassen Eils recommends the car park at the ferry terminal with number-plate recognition, accessed via Cassen-Eils-Straße. The Alte Liebe is around a 20-minute walk from Cuxhaven station, or take bus route 1006.
Can my dog come on board?+
Yes, dogs on a lead travel at the standard fare. For other animals, the operator asks you to get in touch beforehand.
Where can I find the timetable and prices?+
Departures are listed in the timetable. The price depends on the ship, the season and the seat category; tickets are available online, at the counter in Cuxhaven and on board, with the exact fare for your date shown in the booking window on the route page. Cancelling up to seven days before departure gets a full refund, and between two and seven days a 50% refund.