The 2016 cruise season starts on 3 May when the cruise ship MSC Musica arrives in Stockholm. This summer half a million cruise passengers are expected to visit Stockholm and spend a combined total of around SEK 0.5 billion during their stay.
Each year sees the visit of more than 40 cruise shipping companies, with more than 80 different cruise ships calling into Stockholm.
The season opens on 3 May when the MSC Musica calls at Stadsgården. It is anticipated that 240 cruise liners will call at Ports of Stockholm before the season closes on 13 October with the departure of the cruise ship Aidamar. The shipping company Viking Ocean Cruises will continue its turnarounds in Stockholm and will increase its presence with an additional vessel, the Viking Sea.
The work of developing Stockholm as an international cruise destination is a joint effort shared between Ports of Stockholm and the Stockholm Visitors Board.
Vessels are becoming larger and can accommodate more passengers. In time for the start of the cruise season, Ports of Stockholm has substantially improved service at the Port of Nynäshamn with a 260 metre-long extendible pier, which can connect directly to the vessel.
Cruise passengers, who primarily come from Germany, the USA, England and Italy, spend a combined total of around SEK 0.5 billion in Stockholm on hotel stays, restaurant visits, sightseeing and shopping.