Stockholm Sets First Winter Cruise Calls in Shift to Year-Round Season
Stockholm’s leap into winter cruising signals a push to smooth the Baltic’s seasonal peaks, giving lines a cleaner, more reliable homeport as itineraries diversify.
Ports of Stockholm is forecasting a higher-volume 2025 cruise year, with 137 calls and about 256,000 passengers expected as the port also moves into year-round cruise operations.
The April-to-October peak season is set to end on October 28 with the departure of AIDAmar, but the port group has also scheduled additional calls between November and March, a first for Stockholm.
Higher passenger totals and more turnaround activity in 2025
Ports of Stockholm said the 2025 season represents a clear improvement over 2024, when the destination recorded 119 calls and roughly 196,000 passengers. The year-over-year increase is about 60,000 passengers.
Turnaround activity also rose, with 42 turnarounds in 2025 compared with 38 in 2024, indicating more itineraries beginning or ending in Stockholm.
- Calls and passengers: Ports of Stockholm expects 137 calls and approximately 256,000 passengers in 2025, versus 119 calls and about 196,000 passengers in 2024.
- Year-over-year growth: The port group said the passenger increase is about 60,000 compared with the previous year, reflecting a stronger season overall.
- Turnarounds: Stockholm handled 42 turnarounds in 2025, up from 38 in 2024, pointing to increased confidence among operators in using the city as an embarkation or disembarkation point.
- Winter calls: Beyond the April-to-October period, the port expects 10 additional cruise calls between November and March, primarily targeting the German market.
Stefan Scheja, marketing manager for ferries and cruises at Ports of Stockholm, pointed to a shift in trajectory for the destination. “It’s wonderful to see that the trend for cruise traffic at Ports of Stockholm has finally turned,” Scheja said.
He added: “The positive trend looks set to continue in the coming years.”
A move into year-round cruising, with Germany as a key winter market
While the traditional cruise season in Stockholm runs from April to October, Ports of Stockholm said its schedule now includes cruise calls throughout the year. Between November and March, the port expects 10 calls aimed mainly at the German market.
The port group framed the expansion as part of a strategy to extend the operating season into off-peak months, aligning with demand for shoulder-season and winter itineraries in destinations that remain accessible outside the summer period.
Operators add capacity as a new cruise line makes a first call
Ports of Stockholm said one cruise line called at Stockholm for the first time during the 2025 season, while established operators increased their call frequencies compared with previous years. The port also positioned the stronger season as reinforcing Stockholm’s standing as a leading Baltic cruise destination.
Ports of Stockholm noted that regional itinerary patterns can support call volumes beyond a single port, as Baltic cruises commonly include multiple ports on the same voyage.
Shore power system launched in May
During the 2025 season, Stockholm inaugurated Sweden’s second onshore power supply system for cruise ships. The shore power system, launched in May, is designed to allow ships to connect to electricity directly at the quay.
Ports of Stockholm said shore power use can reduce emissions and lower noise levels while vessels are alongside, supporting the destination’s sustainability focus as it expands cruise activity beyond the traditional summer window.
“We are proud that Stockholm has positioned itself as the most popular destination in the Baltic Sea,” Scheja said.
With the traditional season set to close on October 28 as AIDAmar departs, Ports of Stockholm is moving into a winter period that still includes scheduled cruise activity, with year-round calls now on the calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When does the traditional cruise season end in Stockholm?
Ports of Stockholm said the traditional April-to-October cruise season will end on October 28 with the departure of AIDAmar.
How many cruise calls and passengers are expected in Stockholm in 2025?
Ports of Stockholm expects 137 cruise calls and approximately 256,000 passengers in 2025. The port group reported 119 calls and roughly 196,000 passengers in 2024.
Will cruise ships call at Stockholm during winter months?
Yes. Ports of Stockholm expects 10 cruise calls between November and March, primarily targeting the German market, and said Stockholm will have cruise calls year-round for the first time.
What does shore power do for cruise ships while they are docked?
Ports of Stockholm said shore power allows ships to connect to electricity at the quay, reducing emissions and lowering noise levels in the city while vessels are alongside.
Who oversees cruise marketing at Ports of Stockholm?
Stefan Scheja is the marketing manager for ferries and cruises at Ports of Stockholm and commented on the port’s 2025 performance and outlook.
