Eurofans around the world are looking for some good news after a rough first half of the year. And while restrictions are being lifted in many countries, there’s still much uncertainty and cynicism in the air. Eurovision fans in Finland, however, have decided they will not stop the party. OGAE Finland have announced that the Eurovision Cruise will go ahead as planned.
The Eurovision Cruise has been taking place for several years and has been something of an annual event for diehard Eurovision enthusiasts. It takes place in the summer a few months after the contest and ferries fans between Helsinki and Tallinn.
This year’s event was scheduled to take place on the beloved Silja Europa on 29 August. But with cruises being grounded due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the trip was shrouded in uncertainty, however organisers maintained their commitment for the event to go ahead.
Last year, the cruise was hosted by Krista Siegrids and featured Vicky Rosti, Hera Bjork, Euroband, Selma and KEiiNO. Many hundreds of fans board the boat every year, and it’s hard to imagine that safe measures such as social distancing are realistic at such an event. Our many bloggers who have attended confirm that the dance floor and docks were basically always crowded during their stays.
COVID-19 in Finland and Estonia
As everywhere in the world, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused major disruption in northern Europe. A state of emergency was declared on 13 March in Estonia and 16 March in Finland, and both countries closed schools and limited public gatherings. However, throughout June, restrictions have gradually been lifted. From 15 June, travellers entering Finland from Baltic and Nordic countries, except Sweden, have no longer been required to quarantine. From 1 July, Finland will tentatively allow outdoor events with more than 500 people. And from 1 June, Estonia will admit people with no symptoms from the European Union, but quarantine requirements may apply.
Understandably, all cruise companies in the Baltic Sea have had to cancel their voyages. However, ferry traffic between Estonia and Finland has been restored in time for the busy summer. Estonia still has restrictions on travelling in groups and on entertainment venues; most places do not allow over 50% capacity. Nonetheless, cruise companies such as Tallink have begun preparations for summer adventures, so it seems as though there is optimism on the horizon.
Eurovision Cruise in 2020: Erika Vikman and Saara Aalto
The official announcement of the Eurovision Cruise only briefly mentions the pandemic, saying “Please do acknowledge that we will continuously monitor the situation with COVID-19 and keep you informed about changes. Currently we believe this Cruise to happen”. There are no mentions of how the pandemic may affect the event, if at all.
The cruise itself will feature UMK runner-up Erika Vikman, and Finland’s 2018 representative Saara Aalto. Those are two big names on the Finnish music scene. Both singers have thus far had an eventful 2020. Erika Vikman was one of the favourite national final performers of the year, winning many fan polls. In May, she was also revealed as The Wasp on The Masked Singer and placed third in the event. Saara Aalto got married in April to Meri, her girlfriend of six years, who took her last name. The couple have yet to have their actual wedding given the circumstances, but are very happy together.
In these troubled times, it is reassuring to hear that events such as these still keep fans excited. Let’s hope conditions allow everyone to stay safe.
What do you think? Will you take the cruise this year? Who else would you like to see aboard? Tell us your thoughts below!
I can understand the concern among people in here, but Tallink Silja has said only 50% of any ships capacity will be used and there has been plans on how to make sure people keep the distance between them including restaurants and such on the cruise
If you have anything Covid-19 related symptoms you won’t be able to get on the ship and you will get a refund in that case, but it has been adviced that people don’t book cruises if they’ve got something like a cough etc.
They shouldn’t let international fans go to the cruise. It could prevent new virus-wave.
Remind me not to go to Estonia in September because no doubt this will be a factor if they have a spike in cases…
This is so unsafe
people never learn
If it’s a party cruise, it’s going to be virtually impossible to enforce measures!
Cruise ships are like the number 1 place where viruses spread! Look at the Diamond Princess cruise for e.g.
Cruises are a petri dish for germs and the Corona Virus. Is watching Erika Vikman wiggling her tush to Cicciolina worth getting Covid 19?