Baltic Sea’s eastern ports predicted to see rise in cruise calls this yearBaltic Sea’s eastern ports predicted to see rise in cruise calls this year

Geopolitical issues led to fewer calls at the eastern ports while the contrary applied to the western part of the region. However, among the emerging trends for 2024, the cruise network reports more cruise lines regaining interest in eastern destinations with Klaipeda anticipating calls to increase by 41%, Gdansk by 90% and Turku by 133%.

‘Last year’s situation called for a new and strengthened narrative for our region,’ said Klaus Bondam, director of Cruise Baltic. ‘This, combined with our new strategy, enabled us to redefine and retell the story of the Baltic Sea region. The aim of our work is to support our members and push the positive development in the region in every way we can.’ 

In addition, Cruise Baltic reports a general increase in the size of vessels deployed in the region, a rising interest for cruises with smaller vessels and a changed pattern in the number of calls that will be received by each port. 

Smaller ports

Smaller and upcoming cruise destinations are among the cruise ports expecting more calls and cruise passengers, such as Arendal which predicts an increase in calls by 77%, Nyborg where the number of calls is envisaged to double and Helsingborg, anticipated to increase calls by 125%. 

‘We’re very pleased with this development and to see the growing interest in several of our destinations,’ added Bondam. ‘Cruise guests are, like all other travellers, on the lookout for new and unique experiences, and by promoting new aspects of our region towards the cruise lines, we stay relevant among our target group.’