ASSOCI ATION HIGHL IGHTS One region, countless experiences Ida Karine Skaarup tells Rebecca Gibson how Cruise Baltic is helping cruise operators to plan memorable, safe and sustainable itineraries in the Baltic Sea region From exploring colourful capital cities to shopping in high-end boutiques, dining in world-class restaurants, touring Unesco World Heritage Sites, visiting contemporary art galleries, taking boat trips in archipelagos, participating in festivals and witnessing natural phenomena such as the northern lights, cruise guests can enjoy a vast variety of excursions and attractions all year round in the Baltic Sea region. “Our region offers both large, wellknown cities and smaller hidden gems, as well as multiple unique, sustainable and immersive shore excursions designed to suit guests of every demographic,” says Ida Karine Skaarup, manager of Cruise Baltic, a business-to-business network of 32 ports and destinations in eight countries in the Baltic Sea. “The short distances between many of our destinations enables cruise lines to cater to both guests wanting to spend more time in each port and those wanting to visit lots of places in a short time frame.” According to Skaarup, CruiseBaltic.com provides the ideal resource for cruise lines looking to plan compelling cruises in the region. It offers a comprehensive overview of the 32 destinations, highlighting practical information about piers, terminal facilities, berthing fees, transport links, key tourist attractions, available shore excursions, and more. The site also has an Itinerary Planner tool, which was developed in collaboration with business-to-business network Cruise Norway. Cruise lines can use the tool to create draft itineraries by selecting sailing dates and checking the availability of berths at their preferred ports in the Baltic Sea region and Norway. “We’re living in uncertain times and cruise lines are continually having to change their itineraries and find new destinations,” says Skaarup. “Our website is a one-stop information hub offering all the tools and logistical, practical and sustainability information they need to plan safe and exciting cruises – and quickly adapt them if necessary.” Cruise Baltic’s website also offers a firstof-its-kind overview of all the available shore power facilities at each Baltic Sea port. “More cruise lines are equipping ships with shore power systems, so we’ve made it easy for them to identify which ports provide shoreside electricity,” says Skaarup. “The overview gives technical details, such as hook-up fees and the maximum output of the shore power facilities, as well as information about which ports plan to supply shore power soon. “It’s part of our work to continue delivering exceptional and sustainable cruise facilities, services and experiences in the Baltic Sea region.” CFIP 7 3
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