STOCKHOLM GREETS 2008 CRUISE SEASON WITH NEW TERMINAL

Record-setting 14 first-time ships set to visit

STOCKHOLM (May 9, 2008) - The grand opening of Stockholm Cruise Center Frihamnen today marks the start of the Swedish capital's 2008 cruise season. The state-of-the-art cruise terminal will play a pivotal role as Stockholm prepares to receive a record-setting 265 ships in 2008, a 5 percent increase over 2007.

The fifth largest cruise destination in Northern Europe, according to Cruise Europe, the Scandinavian capital is expected to receive 30 turnaround calls and upwards of 300,000 passengers during the season, which runs through September 24.

"The added capacity has not only helped serve the demand for Baltic cruising, but has also prompted new business and growth for Stockholm," said Josefin Haraldsson, marketing manager, cruises, Stockholm Visitor's Board. "Fourteen new ships will be calling this season and an increase can already be seen for the 2009 season."

The 3,000-square-meter (32,291 square feet) former cargo terminal underwent a complete interior and exterior renovation and now includes cafés, Internet access, waiting areas and baggage handling. The exterior has created a new city landmark with its brightly lit colors and original design. The terminal's first call will be Royal Caribbean Cruise Line's Jewel of the Seas on Sunday, May 11, beginning a series of mini-cruises with Stockholm as homeport for the line.

Stockholm's popularity as a turnaround destination continues to grow with an 11 percent increase over 2007 projected this season. With the additional turnarounds, including the addition of Princess Cruises, more than 30,000 passengers will have additional time to explore Stockholm -- recently awarded Best Destination Experience (Organized Tours) 2007 by "Dream World Cruise Destinations" magazine -- before or after their cruise.

Highlights throughout the summer include the Archipelago Raid, an extreme sailing competition set for June 13-18, the Red Bull Air Race July 4-7 and Popaganda music festival, Aug. 29-30. Turnaround guests also can enjoy a ferry through the archipelago of 24,000 islands, a stroll through Gamla Stan, or Old Town, or visit one of Stockholm's many museums.

The Stockholm Cruise Network was created to enhance awareness of Stockholm as a cruise port and tourist destination among U.S. travel agents, consumers and cruise lines. Members include the Stockholm Visitors Board, Ports of Stockholm and an extensive local network that includes Scandinavian Airlines System, Stockholm Arlanda International Airport and numerous port agents, ground operators, local transportation companies, hotels and shops.

For more information about the Stockholm Cruise Network, www.stockholmcruise.com.


[Back to Press Releases Main]