This year, the international cruise ship season of the Port of HaminaKotka extended from June to September, and a total of six cruise ships visited the Port, bringing with them about 6000 visitors. The Covid-19 pandemic together with the unstable geopolitical situation and the consequent absence of St Petersburg as a port and travel destination have affected international cruise traffic on the Eastern Baltic Sea since 2020. Expert estimates suggest that the cruise market will pick up from 2026 onwards.
Consumers are increasingly interested in cruise ports on the Eastern Baltic Sea, and alternative ports suitable for Baltic Sea cruise itineraries, such as HaminaKotka, are becoming more and more interesting. In terms of cruise itineraries, the location of the Port of Hamina-Kotka near Tallinn and Helsinki is good, and Helsinki Airport enables it to serve as a turnaround port - if necessary. As the climate warms up, the pleasant Nordic weather attracts travellers and creates demand, especially during the hottest summer months.
The Kotka-Hamina region offers a wide range of things to do
The Kotka-Hamina region offers a wide range of things to do for cruise passengers. Cruise passengers favour nature sites in particular, not forgetting museums, churches and other cultural attractions. New excursion products are developed constantly together with tour operators based on feedback from cruise lines.
“The clientele of international cruises is getting younger, and the more mature generation of cruise guests are in a better physical condition. Especially nature activities, such as whitewater rafting and walking tours in urban parks and nature reserves, are very popular, and they are actually among the best things we have to offer in our region,” says Petra Cranston, Project Manager, Cruise Business, of Port of HaminaKotka Ltd.
The year 2025 is expected to be similar to 2024 in terms of visits by international cruise ships.
“In 2025, we can again welcome vessels making their inaugural call here. This is the result of long-term sales and marketing efforts,” Petra Cranston says.
(Photos: Jarno Koivula)
