Passenger travel on the upturn on Finnlines’ ships
The number of private passengers increased by over 17 per cent in 2023 compared with 2022. Finnlines also raised its passenger services to a new level when the first of two Superstar-class freight-passenger (ro-pax) vessel, Finnsirius, entered the route between mainland Finland, Åland and Sweden in mid-September 2023.
The number of passengers, including truck drivers and private passengers, totalled 695,000 in 2023, a significant increase by 7 per cent. Leisure travel went up by over 17 per cent on Finnlines’ ships in 2023, a significant increase compared with the previous year. The greatest growth was on the route between mainland Finland, Åland and Sweden, 49 per cent, followed by the route between Finland and Germany, increase 11 per cent.
New arrivals on the route between Finland and Sweden
Finnlines’ passenger traffic entered a new era in September 2023 when the new ro-pax vessel, Finnsirius, debuted on the Naantali–Långnäs–Kapellskär route. Finnsirius is Finnlines’ flagship, designed specifically for the fast-paced route between Finland and Sweden.
Finnsirius offers upgraded services and more travel comfort than the previous generation of ro-pax vessels. The ship has many cabin categories, ranging from basic compact cabins, to cabins which can accommodate six, and luxurious suites. Passengers can choose among seven bars and restaurants to dine. There are conference rooms and lounge facilities, a large duty-free shop, a spa with gym and yoga rooms, activities for children and even two outdoor areas for pets. The magnificent archipelago is present through large panoramic windows. It can be said that the Superstar-class Fitnnsirius can offer a cruise-level traveling experience.
Sister vessel, Finncanopus, on its way to Europe
Finnsirius’ sister vessel, Finncanopus, was delivered to Finnlines in December and is now heading for Europe. The original plan was to sail through the Suez Channel, but due to the safety reasons Finncanopus will divert around the Cape of Good Hope.
“Finnsirius has been complimented and warmly welcomed by passengers. When Finncanopus arrives in February, passengers will have access to the same first-class facilities and services on morning and evening departures. Today we can also offer day trips,” says Marco Palmu, Head of Finnlines Passenger Services.
“The current Star-class ro-pax vessel Finnswan will be transferred to our route between Sweden and Germany. This way we can improve our passenger services on another important maritime connection,” says Marco Palmu.
Picnic cruises depart from Naantali at 10:30, change of ship in Långnäs at 15:00 and arrival at Naantali at 20:10 hours.
Special programme during the summer
Three Star-class ro-pax vessels will continue to operate between Finland and Germany. On the routes between Finland and Germany and Finland and Sweden, music entertainment for all ages and fun programme for children will be provided during the summer season 2024.
Details of the maiden voyage of Finncanopus will publicized as soon as the ship is in Europe. Follow our news and offers at www.finnlines.com/.
More information:
Marco Palmu, Head of Passenger Services, Finnlines Plc
marco.palmu@finnlines.com, +358 40 773 4894
Photo requests and other enquiries:
communications@finnlines.com
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 coast of both North and South America as well as Asia and Australia.