Helsinki handles 16% more cruise passengers

The Port of Helsinki has become a more popular international cruise destination this year than ever before, according to a press release issued by the Helsinki Port on Monday.

During the cruise season that ended on October 22, a total of 603,500 cruise passengers arrived in Helsinki, the release said.

The number of passengers was 16 per cent higher than that of the previous year.

There were a total of 303 ship visits to Helsinki. This was the first time the number exceeded 300. This translates to a 6-per cent growth from last year (2018:285).

The largest percentages of cruise passengers came from Germany (32%), the United States (21%), and the United Kingdom (10%).

The top three nationalities remained the same as the previous year, although the proportion of German visitors grew slightly. The proportions of other nationalities among the visitors to Helsinki were all less than 5%.

The new LHD quay in Hernesaari which serves large cruise ships also proved to be functional. It was opened by the Port of Helsinki at the beginning of May.

“We have had good feedback on wastewater reception and the general functionality of the quay from experienced captains as well as pilots,” said Harbour Master Antti Pulkkinen from the port.

“All in all, this season was a success and we were pleased that no large cruise ship had to skip Helsinki due to bad weather in September or October,” Pulkkinen added.