Half a million cruise passengers are expected to visit Stockholm this summer season and spend a combined total of around SEK 0.5 billion during their stay. 240 cruise ships will call in before the season closes.
Each year, Stockholm sees more than 40 cruise shipping companies docking at its ports. This year the season opened when MSC Musica called at Stadsgården last Tuesday. Cruise passengers come primarily from Germany, the USA, England and Italy.
It is anticipated that 240 cruise liners will call at Ports of Stockholm before the season closes on 13 October with the departure of the cruise ship Aidamar. The shipping company Viking Ocean Cruises will continue its turnarounds in Stockholm and will increase its presence with an additional vessel, the Viking Sea.
The work to develop the city as an international cruise destination is a joint effort shared between Ports of Stockholm and the Stockholm Visitors Board.
Vessels are becoming bigger and can accommodate more passengers. In time for the start of this cruise season, Ports of Stockholm says it “substantially improved service” at Nynäshamn port with a 260-metre extendible pier that can connect directly to the vessel.
The port of Nynäshamn is the most southern port of Stockholm and is located approximately six kilometers south of Stockholm.
“Cruise tourism contributes enormously to visitor revenue and is significant for the entire Stockholm region. The number of vessels seeking overnight berths at Ports of Stockholm continues to rise, which is positive as those passengers remain in the region for longer, visit more attractions and therefore spend more on sightseeing, hotels, restaurants and shopping in Stockholm,” says Karin Wanngård, City of Stockholm Commissioner of Finance.
“This year’s cruise season is expected to be almost as good as the record-breaking previous year. We are however concerned about the proposed increase in the fairway dues to be paid to the government, as this could have major consequences for cruise traffic,” says Johan Castwall, Ports of Stockholm Managing Director.
Record Number of Cruise Passengers to Stockholm, compiled by Admin.
Feature image (on top) Visit Stockholm