Ports of Stockholm welcomes a new customer – Gotland Alandia Cruises – a collaboration between Gotlandsbolaget and Viking Line. The company has started a new route using the popular and newly refurbished ship, Birka Gotland, departing from Ports of Stockholm’s quay in the city centre.

20 March marked the maiden voyage of M/S Birka Gotland. Viking Lines and Gotlandsbolaget’s newly established company, Gotland Alandia Cruises, is investing in a completely new cruise offering centred on the Stockholm – Mariehamn – Visby route during the summer months. The company also offers a selection of cruises to popular destinations such as Riga, the High Coast and Ystad.

‘We are extremely pleased with this new initiative and to welcome newly refurbished M/S Birka Gotland to central Stockholm. Two of our successful customers, Viking Line and Gotlandsbolaget, are combining their specialised knowledge to launch a completely new and long-awaited initiative,’ says Johan Wallén, Chief Commercial Officer at Ports of Stockholm.

Ports of Stockholm is one of the world’s largest passenger ports, with more than seven million ferry passengers a year. Scheduled ferries generate several billion SEK in purchasing power in the Stockholm region.

‘It is fantastic that we are able to offer travellers a completely new cruise product with M/S Birka Gotland departing from central Stockholm. Our investment also provides important new jobs and contributes to purchasing power in the Stockholm region,’ says Susanne Kaarnimo-Knight, CEO of Gotland Alandia Cruises.

The new company has invested in upgrading the ship (formerly M/S Birka Stockholm) and has revitalised selected on-board areas such as the spa and the duty-free shop.