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In August, the shipping companies Viking Line and Gotlandsbolaget announced a brand-new joint investment in cruise service between Stockholm, Mariehamn and Visby. It has now been determined that the Baltic Sea’s new cruise ship will be called Birka Gotland. Under the management of CEO Susanne Kaarnimo-Knight, cruises on Birka Gotland are starting in late March 2024.

In late March 2024, the first cruise will depart from Stockholm for Mariehamn on the vessel Birka Gotland, which will also sail during the spring and summer via Visby on selected departures. The range of destinations will then gradually be expanded during the summer months with the addition of popular ports of call such as Härnösand, Ystad, Bornholm and Riga.

“The basis of our operations is the two most beautiful islands in Baltic Sea and our love of the sea, its archipelagos and the unique environment in the vicinity. There is great demand for both short and longer cruises in the region. We are especially proud that we can present the opportunity to sail to the gorgeous city of Visby during the spring and summer, which gives passengers the chance to discover the island of Gotland when it is at its most beautiful,” says Susanne Kaarnimo-Knight, CEO of the new company.

The range of entertainment options on Birka Gotland will include numerous restaurants, shopping, spa treatments and entertainment by well-known Swedish artists.

“We offer an attractive alternative to people who want to escape their everyday lives. We know that many are curious about the on-board experience, and we look forward to presenting details shortly,” says Susanne Kaarnimo-Knight.

Tickets for cruises with Birka Gotland will go on sale in January 2024. Birka Gotland will offer passenger onward connections from 78 different Swedish locations. Cruise tickets will be sold on Birka Gotland’s new website as well as through Viking Line’s and Destination Gotland’s channels.

Traffic timetable, Birka Gotland, 2024:

• Stockholm-Mariehamn-Stockholm: Daily departures except for the dates below
• Stockholm-Mariehamn-Visby-Mariehamn-Stockholm: 26 departures during the period March-August
• Stockholm-Mariehamn-Härnösand-Stockholm: 7 departures in May, June and September
• Stockholm-Mariehamn-Riga-Stockholm: 4 departures in September and December
• Stockholm-Mariehamn-Bornholm-Visby-Stockholm: 3 departures in May and August
• Stockholm-Mariehamn-Ystad-Visby-Stockholm: 2 departures in May and August

Link to the original press release of Viking Line.

Text & Pictures ©: Viking Line

©: Martin Ridne/Birka Gotland/Viking Line