Cruisin' the Finnish seas

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Cruisin’ the Finnish seaS

How do you get a holiday within a holiday? Hop on a cruise ship and sail the beautiful Finnish coastline or try a a round trip to neighboring countries Sweden, Estonia or Russia. Eat, dine, be entertained and get a taste of what the Finnish cruise life has to offer.

Finland’s location makes it a perfect starting point for a cruise. Interesting cities such as Stockholm, Tallinn and St Petersburg are a stone’s throw away. But it’s as much about the journey as the destination. The cruises by passenger ships such as Viking Line and Tallink Silja Line offer children’s entertainment, culinary delights, comfortable accommodation and vivid nighttime entertainment. Additionally, from Finland you have the unique opportunity to travel to Russia visa-free.

You can also try an inland cruise in one of the thousands of lakes Finland has for offer or if you’re traveling in the north, experience the real life ice-breaker Sampo in Kemi. Needless to say, all cruise ships are winter-proof and sail the seas no matter what the weather or how thick the ice.

Coast and Archipelago

Coastal Finland with its stunningly beautiful archipelago offers a variety of fascinating destinations that are easy to reach.

Coast and Archipelago

Entertainment on board

On a cruise ship heading to Stockholm or Tallinn there won’t be a dull moment. There are different programs for adults and children. Kids can run around fun play areas, while adults can relax and enjoy spa-like treatments.

Hungry? Head to one of the many restaurants aboard to sample local seafood delicacies. At night, the ship transforms into a colorful scene with different performers and DJs. Take advantage of the fabulous tax-free shopping possibilities and browse the designer products.

Photo: AS Tallink Grupp

Åland Islands

The Åland Islands are like its own country in Finland. Located between Sweden’s capital Stockholm and Helsinki, this autonomous Swedish-speaking area offers visitors beautiful beaches, nature trails and golfing opportunities.

The best way to reach the island is by cruise ship as you can eat, shop and marvel at the amazing archipelago on the way to the capital Mariehamn.

Santa’s ship

Tallink Silja Line is the official carrier of Santa Claus. Silja Symphony and Silja Serenade turn into wonderlands during Christmas sailing between Helsinki and Stockholm. At other times, the ships offer various themed cruises.

Sailing to nearby Russia

While in Finland, why not cruise to nearby Viborg or St.Petersburg? You can start the journey from Helsinki or Lappeenranta. Have a relaxing trip to your destination with good food and music. Once there, enjoy these historical cities on foot or with a tour guide.

Helsinki from the other side

To get a different perspective of Helsinki, try one of its cruises. Far away from the bubbling capital, listen to the waves hitting the boat. Breathe in the clean sea air and marvel at the old mansion houses as the boat makes its way, mingling between more than 300 islands around Helsinki. Cruises depart from Market Square in the summer, and guided tours are offered in several languages. For a day trip sail all the way to the medieval town of Porvoo.

Inland cruises

In the land of lakes, it is easy to find different island cruises. You can travel on old steamboats, modern ferries, small and big boats. So, put on your sailing cap and sit aboard to enjoy music, food and familiar views of different shades of blue and green.

Break the Arctic ice with Sampo

Ever dreamt about sailing the Arctic? This is possible on the icebreaker Sampo. It offers unique cruises in the Gulf of Bothnia leaving from Kemi in North Finland. The four-hour cruise includes good food, a guided ship tour and amazing scenery. All this is topped off with a dip in the freezing water dressed in warm impermeable survival suits!

The evening cruise is special with a four-course meal and a chance to experience the magical Northern Lights. If this isn’t extreme enough, choose a snow safari that will take you to and from the ship on snowmobile.

from germany to finland by ferry

Finnlines is a shipping operator of passenger services in the Baltic Sea and the North Sea. The passenger ferries sail between Germany and Finland on 6 days per week. Finnlines sail on the route Travemünde–Helsinki all year round with the comfortable and steady Star class vessels. They will bring you to Finland safely with their three identical ships: Finnstar, Finnmaid and Finnlady. After 29 hours on board you’ll reach the Land of the Thousand Lakes – safe and well rested.

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Cruisin’ the Finnish seaS