Almost 165,000 travelers chose the Baltic Sea's only dedicated cruise ship Birka Gotland during June, July and August 2025. Compared to the summer of 2024, 6,000 more have visited Visby, while the number of families with children on board has increased by 27 percent.

The cruise ship Birka Gotland, with its home port in Stadsgården in central Stockholm, is now completing its second summer since its relaunch in 2024. During the summer, in addition to Åland and Gotland, the ship has also visited the High Coast, Ystad, Bornholm and Riga.

New for this year is the major focus on families with children, with Pelle Svanslös and Maja Gräddnos as the ship's school holiday mascots.

"We are really satisfied with the cruise summer, and especially happy that families have discovered how nice it is to travel with us. Of the total of 165,000 passengers, families with children have increased the most, with a full 27 percent more children on board compared to the summer of 2024," says Kenneth Gustavsson, CEO of Gotland Alandia Cruises.

The ship's sales statistics also show that interest in Visby and Gotland remains. Despite fewer calls, nearly 6,000 more people have visited Gotland with Birka Gotland this summer, compared to last year. Slightly more Gotlanders have also chosen to travel with the ship than in the summer of 2024. The longer cruises have also attracted holidaying Swedes, not least thanks to Birka Gotland's close collaboration with the various Baltic Sea destinations.

"After a great summer, we are now looking forward to a packed autumn of experiences. In September, we are offering a special cruise to the harvest festival on Åland for the first time. We are also welcoming star chef Danyel Couet on board, investing in a sparkling disco concept on Fridays and presenting popular Swedish artists on Saturdays. Just in time for the autumn holidays, Pelle Svanslös and Maja Gräddnos will be joining us again! This will be a Birka autumn you just don't want to miss," says Kenneth Gustavsson.