Finnish cruise ferry operator Viking Line announced Tuesday that it will suspend service between Helsinki and Stockholm due to the developing COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.
Finnish authorities have closed the country’s borders during the state of emergency in effect in Finland.
“To safeguard the security of supply between Finland and Sweden, we are maintaining service on the Turku–Åland–Stockholm route. We are also still making one sailing to Tallinn from Helsinki six days a week. The situation is highly exceptional, and I would like to take the opportunity to thank all our customers, partners and in particular our own employees for the understanding they have shown in this difficult situation,” said Jan Hanses, President and CEO of Viking Line.
Vessels Mariella and Gabriella will cease operating on the route from March 18 to April 13, 2020. Mariella will make its last voyage from Stockholm to Helsinki on March 17; Gabriella will make its last voyage from Stockholm to Helsinki on March 18.
Viking Line suspends service between Mariehamn and Kapellskär from March 17 to April 13, 2020. Rosella will operate between Mariehamn and Kapellskär.
Viking XPRS’s timetable is changed for the period March 17–31, with a reduced number of departures. Viking XPRS will operate between Helsinki and Tallinn.
All cruise service with Viking Cinderella has been canceled from March 16 to April 16, 2020. Viking Cinderella will provide cruise service between Mariehamn and Stockholm.