A new record for Viking Line:
Over 5.6 passengers in 2006
During the year 2006, 250,000 passengers more than the year before travelled
on Viking Line's ships. The total number on all routes was 5,621,990 passengers,
indicating an increase of 4.6% to the year before. The new market areas, such as
the Baltic, China and Russia, also showed a rapid growth. The development was
positive in all operating sectors and segments. The cargo sector also deserves
special thanks for its good results.
The greatest increase (19% / + 176,000 passengers) was recorded on the
Helsinki - Tallinn route, where 1,083,000 passengers travelled on the Rosella.
The share of Estonian passengers in particular has grown considerably on this
route. The passenger volumes of m/s Mariella and m/s Gabriella on the Helsinki –
Mariehamn - Stockholm route increased by nearly 3% - or by 30,500 passengers -
reaching 1,122,000, whereas the volumes of m/s Isabella and m/s Amorella on the
Turku - Mariehamn - Stockholm route grew by nearly 15,000 passengers to a total
of 1,940,000. In Sweden, m/s Cinderella's cruises from Stockholm to Mariehamn
and the summertime cruises to Riga attracted nearly 45,000 passengers more in
2006 than the year before. A total of 1,034,000 passengers travelled on m/s
Cinderella in 2006.
Viking Line transported nearly 450,000 cars, with an increase of 8% to the
year before. The company's cargo sector also showed a positively development in
2006. The vessels transported 90,000 trucks, representing an increase of 3%
compared to the previous year.
A comprehensive overhaul of m/s Mariella
M/s Mariella was docked in the autumn for a large-scale overhaul. Thorough
research was conducted to find out about customer preferences and wishes, and
the revamping of the vessel's services was planned accordingly. The alterations
focused on decks 6 and 7, which were extensively redecorated. The tax free shop
was expanded, and exiting new restaurant concepts were introduced onboard, such
as the Wine & Tapas Bar restaurant and Casual Dining restaurant christened
Ella's Little Italy. The aim is to also make similar improvements on the other
vessels, with m/s Isabella next in line.
The new fast passenger ship Viking XPRS to start operating in 12 months
The structure of the traffic between Helsinki and Tallinn has changed, and
the old, conventional vessels no longer meet customer requirements as to comfort
and pleasant travelling. The new vessel Viking XPRS symbolises the company's
faith in the future and growth of the sector. The building of this vessel for
the Helsinki - Tallinn route started in autumn 2006, the keel laying ceremony
took place in Helsinki in March and operation will start in January 2008. The
Viking XPRS will bring together the best features of traditional passenger
vessels and fast catamarans. The aim will be to combine comfort, a friendly
service and safety with fast and reliable operation in all weather conditions.
The Viking XPRS will operate in ice class IA Super, which will guarantee
reliable navigation also in the wintertime. It is estimated that the voyage
across the Gulf of Finland will take some two and a half hours.
For further information:
Ms Johanna Boijer-Svahnström, Head of Information, tel: +358 (0)18-27748
Ms Christa Blomqvist, Information Officer, tel: +358 (0)9-1235242
Mr Boris Ekman, Vice Managing Director, tel: +358 (0)18-27802
Mr Risto Peltola, Marketing Director, tel. +358 (0)9-1235226
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