By
Rebecca Gibson |
Port of HaminaKotka in Finland welcomed 20,000 passengers during 13 cruise ship calls in summer 2023, which generated around €4 million ($4.3 million) for the region.
The port hosted both maiden calls and visits from ships that have previously docked in HaminaKotka. Two of the ships anchored in the Eastern Gulf of Finland by the remote island of Ulko-Tammio.
Most passengers came from six source markets: the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the British Isles and Germany. They were able to visit key attractions such as Valkmusa National Park, the Langinkoski Imperial Fishing Lodge, River Kymijoki, Maritime Centre Vellamo and the towns of Kotka and Hamina.
“The absolute highlights of the season were the visits by Silver Wind, the luxury cruiser of Silversea Cruises, at the island of Ulko-Tammio in early June,” said Petra Cranston, project manager for cruise business at the port. “The visitors spent a day on the island, getting to know its beautiful natural environment and interesting fortification history. These visits also attracted considerable international attention.”
Port of HaminaKotka expects the Eastern Baltic cruise market to grow from 2026 onwards and is already planning to ensure it can meet this demand.
“In the future, there will be an increase in new types of cruises utilising the archipelago, like the ones last summer to Ulko-Tammio,” said Cranston. “In this case, a cruise ship can offer visits both at a sea port and an island in the outer archipelago, hence giving the visitors an opportunity to whole new experiences. The year 2024 seems to be about the same as 2023. The focus will be on Kantasatama.”
Read how the Port of HaminaKotka is raising awareness of the Kotka-Hamina region to encourage more cruise guests to visit in our interview with port CEO Dr Kimmo Naski.