63 ASSOCIATION HIGHLIGHTS: INTERVIEW Cruise lines are planning itineraries with contrasting calls, combining quieter destinations such as Härnösand in Sweden with cities like Helsinki in Finland (left) The best of both worlds Ida Katrine Skaarup of Cruise Baltic tells Rebecca Gibson how the network supports itinerary planners in multiple ways While places like Copenhagen in Denmark and Riga in Latvia are perennial favourites on Baltic Sea itineraries, cruise lines are looking beyond capital cities to offer guests more distinctive experiences. Increasingly, they are exploring smaller destinations such as Saaremaa in Estonia, Mariehamn in Finland, Fredericia in Denmark, and Härnösand or Kalmar in Sweden. “The Baltic Sea region gives cruise lines the opportunity to combine major capitals and iconic attractions with smaller destinations where the experiences can feel very different,” says Ida Katrine Skaarup, head of secretariat at Cruise Baltic, a network of 31 ports in the Baltic Sea region. “In smaller destinations, guests may be able to walk straight from the ship into the town, interact more closely with local communities, or experience nature and culture in a more intimate setting. Härnösand, for example, is the gateway to Sweden’s spectacular High Coast, while Kalmar is a walkable city with an impressive castle, rich culture and a very dedicated local community.” Cruise Baltic helps cruise lines plan itineraries combining renowned and lesser-known destinations. Its website provides detailed port information, including pier lengths and depths, draft restrictions, facilities, shore power and services. Meanwhile, the joint Cruise Baltic and Cruise Norway Itinerary Planner enables cruise lines to check port availability and scheduled calls. “These tools help cruise lines quickly identify destinations that may suit a particular ship and itinerary before speaking with the ports,” says Skaarup. Cruise executives can also explore the region first-hand through Cruise Baltic’s familiarisation trips or meet members at the network’s biannual summits and other industry trade shows. “They can have one-to-one conversations with destination representatives to better understand shore excursion options and how to incorporate a call into an itinerary,” says Skaarup. While Cruise Baltic encourages cruise lines to consider smaller destinations, it also works with members to make sure calls are appropriate for local capacity. “Our aim is to ensure the right ships visit the right destinations,” explains Skaarup. “Capacity and conditions differ significantly across the region, so planning and communication are very important. The Itinerary Planner helps cruise lines avoid unnecessary congestion by considering alternative destinations and dates. We can also connect cruise lines with suitable destinations, while our partners work closely with local stakeholders to ensure cruise calls benefit both guests and communities.” Cruise lines can view the Itinerary Planner at planner.cruisebaltic.com Photo: RHöga Kusten Destinationsutveckling “ Our aim is to ensure the right ships visit the right destinations” Photo: Mikko Huotari
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