Although last year did not meet the expectations of all shipping companies, there are now signs of growth on the horizon. New things are being introduced all the time, as competition for people’s leisure time is fierce. Helsinki will also become a changeover port for international cruises.

One of the Port of Helsinki’s long-standing goals will be realised next year when Helsinki becomes a changeover port for international cruises. Norwegian Cruise Line has booked seven cruises with changeovers in Helsinki for summer 2026, and the same number for summer 2027. There have been no changeover cruises in Helsinki for many years.

“These kinds of cruises generate significantly more income for everyone, as more services and accommodation will be purchased. Cruise passengers may arrive at the changeover port a little ahead of the cruise or stay on a bit longer after the cruise. The port is within easy reach of the airport,” says Kaj Takolander, Vice President of Passenger Services at the Port of Helsinki.

The cruise ships that sail between Helsinki and Copenhagen will change all of their approximately 2,500 passengers at each end of the cruise.

“We need to organise premises for security checks in Hernesaari,” says Takolander.

International cruises are of interest not only at the Port of Helsinki, but also elsewhere in Finland.  Which is why, in the year before last, Finnish ports began cooperating through the Cruise Finland network, which includes ports from HaminaKotka to Oulu and organisations that specialise in promoting tourism in port cities. Associate members include ship agents and tour operators.

“International shipping companies appreciate getting an overall picture of Finland rather than having to meet everyone one by one.

“The network maintains a website (cruisefinland.com) and participates in trade fairs and tourism events.

“One current trend is ‘expedition class’, which means cruises for a few hundred passengers to places that big ships can’t reach. They’re looking for authentic experiences. ‘Expeditions’ have already visited Helsinki, but no cruise liner sails to the Baltic Sea just to visit Helsinki. Which is why we should market the whole of Finland,” says Takolander.

Entertainment for teenagers too

Both maritime and land traffic will definitely increase, there will be more sea connections, and we will also have access to Europe by land instead of only by air. 

“Last year was a good year for passenger traffic, even though expectations were high after our excellent result for 2023. The year did not go quite as expected, but it wasn’t bad either,” says Minna Tuorila, Commercial Director, Viking Line.

Viking’s Helsinki–Tallinn route did very well, and the ships set an all-time record. The Helsinki–Stockholm route saw an overall rise in volumes on the back of international traffic.

“We also made five cruises to Visby during the year. Our market share target for the Helsinki–Stockholm route was 70 per cent, and this was achieved. We have managed to attract more Swedish customers to Viking Glory, which departs from Stockholm in the evenings.

“We’ve invested in onboard entertainment in particular. What’s on offer for families with children aged 12 and above during the summer? They can now attend mocktail school and make-up events, and can even decorate their mobile phones.

“More and more customers are seeking great food experiences, and a lot is being invested in onboard dining. There are also plenty of local dishes and ingredients on board, which can be traced back to their origin. Finnish happiness is of interest to tourists, and international travel is on the rise,” says Tuorila.

Themed cruises to Germany

Finnlines’ themed cruises to Germany have been so well received that a dozen more will be organised this year. There have, for example, been cruises for tango enthusiasts and literature lovers, which have attracted a new clientele.

“New itineraries have been developed with Kristina travel agency, such as trips that include two nights in a hotel in Hamburg,” says Marco Palmu, Head of Passenger Services at Finnlines.

Finnlines’ global passenger traffic is doing well. Total volumes increased by 34 per cent last year, which means that the company’s vessels carried just under one million passengers. The figures also include drivers.

“We’re satisfied with last year, and the new ships on our Finland–Sweden route naturally contributed to that. There were more than 400,000 passengers, including drivers.

“Growth should continue this year, and the new route that we opened from Sweden to Poland last April will also help. This is a new challenge for us.

“We expect growth this year as well, and we believe that our largest customer group will also grow in tandem with our recognisability – that is, people holidaying in Sweden or Norway, and travellers coming to Finland from Sweden.”

Palmu says that the number of German bus groups is increasing, and is almost back to what it was before Russia’s war of aggression.

“We still get half as many German and Dutch groups coming here than Finnish bus groups going to Germany.

Attending a concert in Tallinn

Cruise travel has not yet returned to 2019 levels. 

“That’s a pity, because in Sweden, Denmark, and Norway, travel, for example by air, clearly exceeds the 2019 levels,” says Margus Schults, CEO of Tallink Silja.

Remote work and connections have also had an impact on business travel.

“Whereas meetings were always held physically in 2019, it’s now easy to move them to Teams. The market is in turmoil, and the number of large B2B fairs and events has declined. 

“We’re investing in our ships, as we’re competing for our customers’ free time and tourism. The pandemic taught people that there are more ways to spend their leisure time.

“There is natural demand in the summer. We have eight very popular and fairly traditional cruises to Visby from Helsinki. However, customers are also looking for something a bit different, so there will also be three cruises from Helsinki to Riga. We need to introduce new things all the time, as competition for people’s free time is fierce.

“Many artists are holding concerts in Tallinn this summer, such as Justin Timberlake, 50 Cent, AC/DC and David Guetta. We’re working with concert organisers to change our departure times, so that the last ship leaves later and concert-goers can get back home the same night,” says Schults.

Welcome onboard!

Eckerö Line’s business developed favourably in 2024. The company, which turned 30 last year, experienced growth in passenger numbers, cargo volumes and net sales alike. A brand makeover will also propel Eckerö Line into 2025.

“2024 was a very positive year for us overall. It’s great that we were able to further increase our passenger numbers even though m/s Finlandia was docked, and therefore out of service, for about five weeks. So thanks are due to both our customers and personnel, who have done an excellent job,” says Taru Keronen, CEO, Eckerö Line.

The rebrand is not only aiming to encapsulate Eckerö Line’s strategy, which focuses on the customer and employee experience, but is also seeking to highlight the differences between the company and its competitors.

“Our brand story focuses on our personnel and providing the best service in the Gulf of Finland. We want passengers to feel welcome onboard our ships,” says Keronen.

“Eckerö Line’s ships are like small villages, complete with all the services of a small village.

Many cities

MSC Cruises plans to operate three cruises to Helsinki this summer. The company expects demand for its Finnish and Baltic Sea routes to grow, reflecting the region’s future growth potential.

“Cooperation between Helsinki and other Baltic countries has encouraged us to further develop our ports as gateways to attractive destinations for visitors from around the world,” says Jon Olav Stedje of MSC Cruises.

“The Port of Helsinki, like the city itself, is committed to sustainability, and has already made progress with its environmental initiatives and sustainable tourism practices, which is welcome.

“Helsinki and other Baltic capitals are attractive to MSC Cruises’ customers thanks to their rich history, stunning nature and incredible architecture. 

“Many of our guests are interested in trips ashore, as they offer people the chance to learn more about a city and the local culture.”

Stedje says that Finnish customers want their cruises to be relaxing and enjoyable holidays that offer good value for money.

“They also want to visit several countries and cities on the same trip without having to pack or unpack.”