The Viking Grace, en route from Stockholm to Turku, encountered a technical fault in its navigation system, preventing it from stopping at Åland as scheduled. Communication Director Christa Grönlund indicated that this issue disrupted the travel plans of approximately 800 picnic cruisers, composed mainly of Finnish travelers, with a portion from Sweden. The passengers were aboard a trip that originated from Turku on the Viking Glory, and due to the navigation failure, they were diverted to Stockholm rather than returning directly to Turku.

Grönlund further explained that the ship's navigation system required a complete shutdown and restart to resolve the issues; however, there was no danger posed to passengers during this disruption. The ship remained stationary at sea near Kapellskär for several hours while the problem was addressed. The incident highlights the vulnerabilities in maritime navigation systems and serves as a reminder of the potential impact on passenger itineraries when such technical difficulties arise.

As a result of the navigation issues, passengers on these picnic cruises are entitled to compensation, though this will not be issued automatically. Travelers will need to file for compensation actively, adding an extra layer of complexity to an already disrupted trip. This incident raises questions about the effectiveness of response protocols and support for passengers affected by technical failures aboard vessels, particularly in regions relying heavily on maritime travel.