Regular turnaround cruises in Helsinki will reinforce the capital’s role as an attractive hub for international cruise tourism. When Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) chose Helsinki as its turnaround port, the decisive factors were the city’s excellent air connections and its unique sense of tranquility.

Turnaround port operations will have a significant impact on the city’s vitality, as the tourists they bring to Helsinki will stay longer and make more use of local services.

A total of 15 turnaround cruise ships are scheduled to call in Helsinki this year.

The smooth functioning of the whole package will require extensive cooperation between a number of operators. A joint effort from the Port of Helsinki, shipping companies, the airport, transport companies and local tourism and accommodation providers will ensure that Helsinki presents itself as a welcoming destination from the moment international visitors arrive.

Air connections are the cornerstone

No less than eight of the cruise ships that will be calling at Helsinki over the summer belong to the American company Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd (NCLH).

“When a cruise line chooses a new turnaround port, the first thing they do is look to the sky”, says Sandra Weir, Vice President of Government Relations and Public Affairs for Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, Ltd. (NCLH). She notes that the groundwork for turnaround operations is laid long before passengers arrive at the terminal. A broad range of direct flights is an absolute must for the shipping company.

“Our top priority is ensuring reliable air connections. The vast majority of guests on our Baltic Sea cruises come from the United States and Canada, so accessibility is everything. Helsinki-Vantaa’s reputation as an efficient airport is a major advantage for us.”

Weir emphasises that Helsinki is not just a stopover. The cruise line offers three-night packages that include city tours, visits to national parks and Porvoo, and – of course – authentic Finnish sauna experiences.

Weir says that Helsinki’s appeal lies in how it combines nature with an urban vibe. It’s rare to find a major city in which you can reach the complete tranquility of the forest in just 20 minutes.

During a visit to Helsinki in 2023, Weir had the chance to experience the city’s top-quality restaurant scene. Looking back on this trip, she highlights the laid-back, welcoming and highly individual atmosphere of Finland’s capital.

Weir found herself comparing the Finnish way of life to her own Canadian background, and recognised some similarities: an appreciation for nature and well-balanced daily life.

It is precisely this personal experience of Helsinki’s smooth functionality and calm energy that she hopes NCL’s guests will also discover.

A new era for the Baltic Sea without St Petersburg

The Baltic Sea cruise market has undergone an upheaval. First came the pandemic, then Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, which removed St Petersburg from cruise itineraries.

“The loss of St. Petersburg forced other Baltic ports to step forward and tell their own unique stories. Now each destination must shine on its own merits. Helsinki is one of the winners,” says Weir.

Helsinki’s role as a turnaround port is also changing cruise itineraries. As cruises now depart from one of the Baltic Sea’s capital cities, ships have additional time to spend at other destinations, such as Tallinn, Riga and Copenhagen. This allows for longer stops that last into the evening, which supports local businesses throughout the Baltic Sea region.

Functional infrastructure and green values

Passenger embarkation and disembarkation is a logistical puzzle in which thousands of people, their suitcases and re-provisioning the ship must all come together within a window of just a few hours. The turnaround terminal being built in Hernesaari is essential for the shipping company.

Efficiency goes hand in hand with responsibility. Helsinki was the first major city to receive Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) certification, which is a compelling argument for operators like NCL.

“Helsinki’s commitment to carbon neutrality, and its plans to electrify quays with shore power is relevant to our operational planning,” says Weir.

Looking ahead, the shipping company hopes for continual dialogue and the courage to evolve. Helsinki is seen as a flexible and forward-looking partner – a city with whom it makes sense to build the next wave of growth in the Baltic Sea region.

International cruise traffic is on the rise

• The Port of Helsinki is strengthening its role as a hub for international cruise traffic.
• More than 110 cruise ships are expected to call at Helsinki during the season.
• Turnaround cruises (that is, full passenger embarkations and debarkations) will bring tourists who will often stay in the city for several days.
• Fifteen turnaround cruise ships will visit Helsinki in 2026. Norwegian Cruise Line will have eight passenger embarkations and disembarkations in Helsinki this summer.