Passenger numbers on picnic cruises increase by 23% during Finnlines’ summer season
Demand for short leisure trips increased during the summer season at Finnlines, a freight and passenger shipping company. Passenger numbers on day-long picnic cruises on the Naantali–Långnäs route rose by 23% compared with the previous summer. Finnsirius, which celebrates three years in service this September, has already carried more than 638,000 passengers and professional drivers.
Although the total number of passengers during June–August 2026 remained stable compared to the previous year, growth was recorded across several passenger segments. Growth was particularly strong among young adults aged 18–24 and passengers aged over 55.
“Summer is a busy travel season for us, and one particularly interesting trend is the growth in the number of couples and larger groups of ten or more travellers. We are seeing signs that calm and unhurried travel appeals to an increasing number of passengers across different age groups,” says Marco Palmu, Head of Passenger Services at Finnlines.
Vehicle volumes remained at the same level as during the previous summer season.
Finnlines operates regular freight and passenger services from Finland to Germany, Sweden and Åland, as well as from Sweden to Germany and Poland.
“Finnlines offers an attractive alternative for travellers who appreciate a more relaxed journey. During the voyage, passengers can enjoy quality time together, spa facilities and onboard dining,” Palmu says.
Growth in different passenger segments
In addition to the increase in Picnic cruise passengers, passenger numbers on evening and night departures on the Naantali–Långnäs–Kapellskär route increased compared with the previous year.
On the Helsinki–Travemünde route, the number of Finnish groups increased by 13% and German groups by 6% compared with the previous year. The total number of bookings also increased, although the share of families and groups of three or more travellers was slightly lower than before.
On the Malmö–Travemünde route, cycle tourism continued to grow. The upward trend has been visible since the pandemic. The number of bicycles carried increased by 7% compared with the previous summer. On this route, the number of German groups increased by as much as 17%.
Passenger volumes on the Malmö–Świnoujście route remained almost unchanged from the previous summer. However, the number of Polish groups almost tripled, while the number of German passengers increased by 6%.
Mobile application attracts tens of thousands of downloads
Finnlines launched its new mobile application in July 2026. The app has generated significant interest and has already been downloaded tens of thousands of times.
Growth was also recorded in Finnlines’ Star Club loyalty programme. The number of journeys made by Star Club members increased by 4% compared with the previous year.
Finnsirius marks three years in service
Finnsirius, which began operating on 15 September 2023, has established itself among passengers travelling on the Naantali–Långnäs–Kapellskär route.
During its first three years of operation, Finnsirius has carried more than 638,000 passengers and professional drivers. Among private passengers well over half have been men. Travellers aged over 45 have accounted for 55% of all passengers, while just under one-fifth of passengers have been children.
Finnsirius has transported approximately 146,000 passenger cars, coaches, motorcycles and bicycles, as well as 18,000 pets.
Passengers from around the world have travelled on board Finnsirius. During its first three years in service, the vessel has welcomed passengers of 159 different nationalities.
The vessel’s dining services have proven particularly popular among passengers. Long-standing favourites include Micke’s Brunch and the Archipelago Buffet. During the vessel’s first three years in service, the Archipelago Buffet has been served to more than 61,500 passengers, while 16,000 passengers have enjoyed Micke’s Brunch.
More information
Marco Palmu, Head of Passenger Services, Finnlines Plc
[email protected], +358 40 773 4894
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Finnlines Plc
Finnlines is a leading shipping operator of freight and passenger services in the Baltic Sea, the North Sea, and the Bay of Biscay. The company is a part of the Grimaldi Group, one of the world’s largest operators of ro-ro vessels and the largest operator of the Motorways of the Sea in Europe for both passengers and freight. This affiliation enables Finnlines to offer liner services to and from several destinations in the Mediterranean, West Africa, Atlantic coasts of both North and South America as well as Asia and Australia.