Stockholm's tourism industry benefits greatly from cruise ships, with 270 docking each year and over 650,000 passengers. This boosts the local economy through tourist spending on businesses, attractions, and services. On-board, passengers enjoy entertainment, dining, and spa services, while on land they can explore the city's history, culture, and architecture, including the Royal Palace, Gamla Stan, and Vasa Museum.
Cruise ships play a significant role in the tourism industry of Stockholm, Sweden. Every year, approximately 270 cruise ships dock in Stockholm's harbours, bringing in over 650,000 passengers. These numbers significantly contribute to the local economy, bringing in substantial revenue from tourist spending on local businesses, attractions, and services.
Activities on cruise ships in Stockholm are plentiful and diverse. Passengers can enjoy on-board entertainment, restaurants, and spa services while taking in the beautiful views of the Swedish archipelago. Once docked, passengers can explore the city's rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning architecture, including the Royal Palace, Gamla Stan (the Old Town), and Vasa Museum.
The history of Port Stockholm, also known as Stockholm Harbor, dates back to the 13th century when Stockholm was founded on Stadsholmen island. It has always played a crucial role in the city's economic development, thanks to its strategic location as a gateway to the Baltic Sea. The port facilitated trade and communication with the Hanseatic League in the Middle Ages.
In the modern era, Port Stockholm has continued to flourish, becoming one of the largest and busiest ports in the Baltic Sea region. It has three main harbors: Frihamnen, Stadsgården, and Värtahamnen, which handle cargo, passenger ferries, and cruise ships respectively. In 2016, the port was expanded with the addition of the Norvik Port, a new container terminal located in Nynäshamn, further boosting its capacity.