Stockholm Cruise Season Ends With Strong Growth

Ports of Stockholm have announced the close of this year’s traditional cruise season, noting a significant rebound in activity and an increase in ship visits compared to last year.

One of the year’s highlights was the inauguration of Sweden’s second shore power facility for cruise ships in Stockholm - an initiative aimed at enhancing sustainability and solidifying the city’s reputation as a premium, year-round destination.

“It’s wonderful to see that the trend for cruise traffic at Ports of Stockholm has finally turned, with a clear upturn this year,” said Stefan Scheja, marketing manager of ferries and cruises at Ports of Stockholm.

“The positive trend looks set to continue in the coming years. We are proud that Stockholm has positioned itself as the most popular destination on the Baltic Sea, which also strengthens the number of calls throughout the region. For the first time, we now have calls during all months of the year,” Scheja added.

According to Ports of Stockholm, the departure of AIDAmar on October 28 will officially mark the end of the traditional cruise season, which typically runs from April through October. Over the course of the year, the port expects to handle 137 calls and welcome around 256,000 passengers.

In May, Stockholm celebrated the opening of its second onshore power connection for cruise ships, allowing vessels to plug directly into the city’s electrical grid. This advancement reduces both emissions and noise pollution, further reinforcing Stockholm’s role as a sustainable cruise hub.

Cruise operations will now continue through the winter, with 10 calls scheduled between November and March, primarily catering to the German market, marking a milestone as Stockholm becomes a true year-round cruise destination.