Local Cruise Networks

What is a cruise network?
The existing local cruise networks in the Baltic Sea Region range from formal legal entities to informal cooperative ventures involving local service providers and participants. They all hold regular regional meetings to discuss planning of joint budgets, product development, coordination of services and business evaluation.

Several ports and cruise destinations in the region have been operating local cruise networks for a long time, while others have started only recently and still others are in the planning phase.

Cooperating with cruise networks
Local cruise networks often have a joint secretariat that represents the entire network as an industry information resource, providing promotional material and contacts to local network participants. Most networks hold regular meetings with their decision makers and members from the local cruise industry.

The fact that companies operating within the local cruise industry have joined forces makes it easier for cruise lines and operators, as well as travel agents, to communicate with destinations. Some cruise networks have also set up websites that provide information specifically for the cruise industry.

By contacting the cruise network at a destination, the cruise operator has access to general and specific information about the destination. Similarly, the cruise operator has the ability to communicate directly with the cruise network about any issues and concerns, which can then be addressed quickly and efficiently by the local network and its members.

Major issues that affect more than one destination or port can be directed to one cruise network or local partner, which will then include them as part of the larger agenda at Cruise Baltic general meetings.

Preparing for the future
Local cruise networks have provided the perfect opportunity for destinations and cruise operators to join their strategic efforts and work toward their common goals. Through fruitful cooperation and open dialogue they can continue to improve the cruise product, ensuring that the present and future needs of cruise vessels and passengers are always in focus. We encourage those of our colleagues and partners with relevant cruise business activities in the Baltic Sea Region to contact us with questions, suggestions and concerns to keep the dialogue flowing.