Port of Tallinn cruise season kicks off – this year from Saaremaa

The 2024 cruise season at the Port of Tallinn officially began on Sunday, April 20, with the arrival of the first cruise ship of the year – Le Champlain – at the Saaremaa harbour. The vessel brought 163 passengers, primarily from France and the United States. Le Champlain arrived from Riga and departed for Helsinki. Today, on April 22, the ship continues its journey with a visit to Tallinn.

Operated by the French luxury cruise line PONANT, Le Champlain is part of a new generation of environmentally conscious expedition ships. Launched in 2018, the vessel is 131 meters long and accommodates up to 184 guests. It offers an intimate and upscale cruise experience with a focus on culture, nature, and local discovery. On board, guests can enjoy a restaurant, pool, spa, observatory, and even an underwater lounge called “Blue Eye,” offering views of marine life below the surface.

During their visit to Saaremaa, passengers took part in excursions organized by Estonian Holidays to the island’s top attractions, including the Angla windmills, Karja Church, Kaali meteorite crater, and Kuressaare Castle. Free time was also provided for exploring the town of Kuressaare independently. Additionally, some guests enjoyed a folklore performance at the Mihkli Farm Museum or visited the Pöide Brewery.

A total of six cruise ship calls are scheduled for the Saaremaa harbour this season, with the next one on June 21 and the last on September 15.

Today in Tallinn, passengers of Le Champlain have the chance to discover the best of Estonia’s capital. Guided shore excursions take them through the cobbled streets of the medieval Old Town, exploring its Gothic treasures and historical landmarks. Visitors can experience Estonian traditions through a folklore program, walk in the footsteps of tsars at the stunning Kadriorg Palace, and enjoy the elegance of the city’s historic sights. For food enthusiasts, the “Discover Estonian Cuisine” tour offers a delicious dive into local culinary traditions, showcasing authentic flavors and seasonal ingredients.

The cruise season in Tallinn runs from April 22 through October 12, with an additional special visit planned for December. Altogether, the Port of Tallinn expects 115 cruise ship calls this year. The busiest day will be May 14, when five cruise ships are set to dock simultaneously, bringing over 8,000 cruise tourists to the city. On 12 occasions, cruise ships will remain in port overnight for two days, and 34 visits will extend until midnight or early morning -– giving passengers the opportunity to explore not only the sights of Tallinn’s Old Town and city centre, but also to discover destinations beyond the capital.