By
Laura Hyde |
Cruise calls to ports in the eastern part of the Baltic Sea region are expected to rise in 2024, according to Cruise Baltic’s Market Review 2024.
Cruise Baltic, a network of 32 ports in the Baltic Sea region, reports the Russia-Ukraine war caused a decrease in the number of calls in the eastern ports, while visits to the western part of the region have increased. In 2024, however, destinations in the eastern Baltic are expecting visits to significantly increase, with Klaipeda Port in Lithuania anticipating the number of calls to grow by 41 per cent, the Port of Gdansk in Poland by 90 per cent and the Port of Turku in Finland by 133 per cent, among others.
“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.”
Cruise Baltic is made up of 32 ports in the Baltic Sea region
Cruise Baltic ports anticipate a four per cent increase in the total number of calls to the region in 2024, with 1,926 cruise calls expected, compared with 2023’s 1,853 calls.
“We’re very pleased with this development and to see the growing interest in several of our destinations,” said 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.”
You can read the full market review on Cruise Baltic’s website.