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05/24/08
NEW CRUISE TERMINAL OPENS IN STOCKHOLM FOR THE 2008 SEASON
Stockholm is kicking off its 2008 cruise season with the opening of the new Cruise Center Frihamnen. 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 turnarounds and upwards of 300,000 passengers during the season, which runs through Sept. 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 for Stockholm Visitors Board. "Fourteen new ships will be calling this season and an increase can already be seen for the 2009 season."
The 32,291-square-foot 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 was scheduled to be Royal Caribbean International's Jewel of the Seas on May 11, which begins a series of mini-cruises with Stockholm as homeport for the line.
Stockholm expects to increase the number of turnarounds to grow by 11 percent increase over 2007. With the additional turnarounds, including the addition of Princess Cruises, more than 30,000 passengers will have additional time to explore Stockholm 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 take a ferry through the archipelago of 24,000 islands, 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, call us at 866.377.2228, or e-mail info@SevenSeasEvents.com 
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