Situated on the shore of the Gulf of Bothnia, Kemi stands out as Finland’s northernmost general harbor, which naturally positions it among the northernmost cruise ports in the Baltic Sea region. The Port of Kemi offers well-functioning port services to support cruise operations.
Kemi is now an official member of Cruise Finland. Together with the other Cruise Finland members, we work closely with each other and with key stakeholders across the cruise industry to strengthen Finland’s position as a diverse and attractive cruise destination. Our collaboration supports itinerary development, seamless port operations, and high-quality guest experiences for international cruise calls.
Take a closer look at all our Cruise Finland destinations here and our ports here.
Hanseatic Nature – Four Winter Calls and Growing Popularity
During winter, Kemi has become a rising destination for Arctic expedition cruising. The Hanseatic Nature, operated by Hapag‑Lloyd Cruises, has already visited Kemi multiple times.
Guests traveling onboard Hanseatic Nature got to enjoy the arctic atmosphere in Kemi and the Sea Lapland area. During their visit the cruise guests got to cross out bucket list experiences such as snowmobile riding, a husky safari and visiting a reindeer farm. Even though we already know it, also the feedback we’ve gotten from cruise guests shows just how special Finnish nature is and how valued real winter activities are.
Kemi is a gateway to Lapland
Arriving at the port of Kemi means arriving in Lapland and that is already a highlight for visitors. Shore excursions are well organized to bring the magic of Lapland to cruise travelers and for the crew of the vessel.
Cruise visitors have traveled to Rovaniemi and the Arctic Circle, located roughly 90 minutes north of Kemi by road. This iconic line Arctic Circle – runs through Rovaniemi and Santa Claus Village, where a marked line on the ground makes it visible for visitors to jump or walk over.
At Rovaniemi visitors may also meet Santa Claus, visit reindeer farm or learn about arctic culture and art at Arktikum Science Centre and Museum.
Icebreaker Sampo
One of the region’s most iconic attractions is the Icebreaker Sampo, a historic vessel that once served as a working icebreaker. The Icebreaker Sampo cruise includes an ice-floating experience. Visitors can explore the ship and experience the legacy of winter navigation that shaped the Gulf of Bothnia.
Snowmobile Adventures
Snowmobile excursions across the frozen sea and winter forests provide guests with a thrilling way to experience the Arctic environment.
Reindeer and Husky Farm Visits
Encounters with reindeer and husky teams are consistently highlighted as the emotional highlights of the journey, as quiet reindeer rides and energetic husky safaris offer guests a genuine connection to Lapland’s cultural heritage.
Finland and Sweden in a Single Visit
By visiting three cities, Kemi and Tornio in Finland and Haparanda in Sweden, you can easily experience the unique atmosphere created by the combination of two countries and two cultures. Historically, there have been no borders in this area, and the locals share their identity and live on both sides of the Tornio River.
In the 19th century, Thomas Cook, one of the first tour operators, said that a world traveler is someone who has been to Timbuktu, Samarkand and Haparanda.
So here’s one more experience to add to your bucket list when you visit Sea Lapland.
Kemi – The Arctic Gateway of the Northern Baltic
As part of the Cruise Finland network and as the northernmost cruise port in the Baltic Sea region, Kemi continues to strengthen its position as a unique Arctic destination. With its reliable port operations, easy access to nature, and extraordinary winter experiences, Kemi provides cruise guests with an authentic taste of the Arctic—something they remember long after their voyage ends.