Hanko and Kotka to open their ports for the first time to Viking Line’s passenger ships
Viking Line has launched five new destinations from Helsinki this year.
Viking Line is arranging two unique cruises in partnership with port operator Port of Hanko and the City of Hanko as well as Port of HaminaKotka Ltd and the City of Kotka. In July, M/S Viking Gabriella will set sail from Helsinki to Hanko and Kotka. The western harbour in Hanko has rarely been visited by such a large passenger ship as Gabriella.
“This is a unique opportunity for both local residents and passengers. Residents will be able to see Gabriella close up while passengers will be able to visit these ports on a Finnish cruise vessel. We are really enthusiastic about our new Finnish destinations. After a long winter, I think people need a change in their everyday lives and a change of scenery. A cruise to other destinations in Finland is a very safe alternative,” says Viking Line Sales Director Kaj Takolander.
Gabriella will arrive in Hanko on the first day of the traditional Hanko Regatta, when the city will be bustling with events. Passengers will be transported straight to Hanko’s city centre, where they will have time to spend the entire day.
The guided programme includes a tour of historic Hanko and a visit to the fortress on Russarö Island, which is otherwise closed to visitors. Lunch for Viking Line’s guests will be served at Hanko Casino.
“This is a new and exciting opportunity to show off our city, for instance to people who don’t have a car of their own, since there will be time during the day to explore Hanko on foot. The Hanko Regatta has a programme for boat enthusiasts, there are 30 kilometres of sandy shores for families dreaming of a day at the beach, and the city has a great deal to offer history buffs,” says the Mayor of Hanko, Denis Strandell.
“For me, the highlight of our programme is the excursion to the fortress on Russarö Island that we’re arranging together with the City of Hanko. Russarö Island is a key area of strategic defence for Finland, and the island is open only a few times a year to a very limited number of visitors. Our passengers will be able to visit at least the Russarö lighthouse, completed in 1863, and the old soldiers’ home,” says a pleased Kaj Takolander.
In late July, July 29, M/S Viking Gabriella will cast anchor in Kotka Kantasatama, located a short walk from the city centre. The city will then be hosting the Kotka Maritime Festival, so it will be humming with life.
“It’s nice that people can arrive on a big cruise ship in the port city of Kotka. There’s a lot to see. Viking Line’s passengers can stroll through the beautiful surroundings of Sapokka Water Garden or join a guided walking tour through the delightful parks of Kotkansaari Island. We’ve been visited by international cruise ships before, but Gabriella is the first big Finnish cruise ship. It’s a great honour for us that Viking Line’s vessel will berth in our port, and having such an uplifting visit in these exceptional times is especially welcome,” says Kimmo Naski, CEO of Port of HaminaKotka Ltd.
Earlier this year, Viking Line announced that it is also launching cruises to Riga, Visby and Turku, with tickets now on sale. Kotka is already Viking Line’s fifth new destination for this summer.
Departure times: Hanko Regatta, M/S Gabriella, July 8
Helsinki–Tallinn 4:30 p.m.–7:15 p.m.
Tallinn–Hanko 8:30 p.m.–10:00 a.m.
Hanko–Tallinn 7:00 p.m.–9:00 a.m.
Tallinn–Helsinki 10:00 a.m.–12:45 p.m.
Departure times: Kotka Maritime Festival, M/S Gabriella, July 28
Helsinki–Tallinn 4:30 p.m.–7:15 p.m.
Tallinn–Kotka 8:30 p.m.–10:00 a.m.
Kotka–Tallinn 7:00 p.m.–8:30 a.m.
Tallinn–Helsinki 9:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
For further information:
Kaj Takolander, Sales Director
kaj.takolander@vikingline.com, tel. +358 400 507908
Johanna Boijer-Svahnström, Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications
johanna.boijer@vikingline.com, tel. +358 18 270 00
Christa Grönlund, Communications Manager
christa.gronlund@vikingline.com, tel. +358 9 123 5242
