Saaremaa cruise season ends today

Today marks the end of this year’s cruise season at the Port of Saaremaa with the visit of the Norwegian cruise company Vestland Classic’s ship Nordstjernen. The vessel arrived from Pärnu and will continue its journey to Stockholm.

Nordstjernen, whose name means North Star, was built in 1956 and is one of the classic vessels of the Norwegian fleet. With its ice-class hull and preserved retro-style atmosphere, the ship offers passengers an authentic seafaring experience reminiscent of the golden age of ocean travel.

The tourism company Arensburg Reisid has arranged an excursion for the mostly German passengers, taking them to discover the Angla Windmill Hill, the Kaali meteorite crater and museum, as well as a guided walk through Kuressaare.

Season overview

This season, six different vessels from five cruise lines called at Saaremaa a total of seven times, bringing 1,227 passengers to Estonia’s largest island.
Most visitors came from the United States, followed by France, Canada, Germany, Australia, and the United Kingdom. In total, passengers of 39 different nationalities visited the island, making Saaremaa a truly international meeting place.

Saaremaa as an unique cruise destination

Among Baltic Sea ports, Saaremaa stands out for its untouched nature, distinctive cultural heritage, and warm, welcoming atmosphere. With its seaside Kuressaare Episcopal Castle, authentic rural architecture, and unique natural landmarks – such as the Kaali crater – Saaremaa is a valued destination for cruise travelers.
Adding to the experience are the island’s culinary traditions, relaxed pace of life, and genuine hospitality, which together create a memorable impression and entice cruise guests to return again and again.