Lovely with these old steam ships.
I have the deepest respect for all the effort to keep them afloat and steaming.
Huge costs and lots of rules and regulations to follow.
Our little railway has a close connection to the the coal fired s/s Mariefred. She has run the very same route between Stockholm and Mariefred every year since she was built in 1903! Probably rather unique.
She was close to being scrapped when the old owner finally gave up in the beginning of the 1960-ties, after being unprofitable for years. But she was taken over by a foundation with a support society and has kept running in spite of two devastating fires (both starting at night) and change of boiler.
Pictures: (the link does not quite work, click on the suggestion)
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Mariefred_(ship,_1903)
Every day during the summer we run our train through the town down to the harbour to meet "Maja" (as she is affectionately called) when she arrives from Stockholm.
Most days she then runs a short tour across the bay to Taxinge Näsby, a beautiful mansion open to the public with park and family friendly beach. This is also the end station for our railway. Thus we sell tickets for a combined train and boat round trip. This is very successful and as it works in both directions both trains and boat are often packed. See map:
https://www.oslj.nu/en-GBThe current captain has run the ship successfully for 40 years, but at an age of 75 he is now training younger to take over.
Stockholm has a large fleet of steam ships, two of them are even running in regular service as part of the Stockholm local transit system. And it is a along standing tradition that you are always welcome to visit the engine room.
Most of the steam ships also have good dining on board, having steak and fried potatoes is a traditional favourite.