Helsinki cruises are one of the most convenient ways to travel by ferry from Finland directly to other countries with access to the Baltic Sea. Ships and cruise ships leave the pier daily.
Each seagoing vessel is equipped for a comfortable pastime of passengers. For their convenience, restaurants, bars, shops, games and recreation areas, SPA salons and much more always work. Cruises from Helsinki are so versatile that they are perfect for traveling with the whole family, as well as for youth recreation as part of a corporate vacation. The tour can be selected for any purpose.
Saint Petersburg - Helsinki
One of the most comfortable ways to get to the capital of Finland from Russia is to travel by ferry. It can be made on board a ship following the route St. Petersburg - Helsinki.
St. Petersburg has its own company engaged in the transportation of passengers by water - St. Peter Line. A ferry called Princess Anastasia departs from the shores of the Gulf of Finland every Friday at 5 p.m. and travels along the route St. Petersburg - Helsinki - Stockholm - Tallinn - St. Petersburg.
Those wishing to get to Helsinki can purchase a one-way ticket to the city of interest.
The total time of the ferry round trip is 5 days. On board the ferry passengers are waiting for bars, restaurants, a casino, a cinema, a sauna and a pool, as well as Duty Free shops.
In Helsinki, "Princess Anastasia" arrives at 7 o’clock in the morning of the next day, passengers who do not follow further land here. And the ferry leaves for Tallinn.
Where to go
One of the most popular destinations in Northern Europe is cruises from Helsinki by ferry to Norway. Moreover, sailing in this country is significantly different from visits to other territories. They go there to look at the amazing creations of nature - the fjords. Cruises from Helsinki by ferry to Norway pass through narrow sea bays, surrounded by rocky shores of bizarre shapes.
In addition to exploring natural attractions, tourists have the opportunity to get acquainted with the culture of the country, its customs and ancient legends. During a cruise from Helsinki, the fjords are inspected while aboard the ship. And after landing, passengers can take a closer look at nature, coniferous forests and beautiful mountains, as well as try local cuisine.
A few useful tips for those traveling to Norway:
- Cash is best exchanged in advance in Russia. On-site surgery occurs at a not very favorable rate. It’s best to use a credit card to pay.
- Free Wi-Fi is available at Flom Pier.
- So that the study of the fjords and glaciers does not cause discomfort, it is best to take a warm hat with you at any time of the year.
- Unusual handmade chocolate is sold in Geiranger - it is made in the form of a fjord with unusual flavors - whiskey, cheese and others.
- On weekends, neither banks nor shops work in Norwegian ports, so all purchases must be made in advance. On weekdays, local shops close after 16 hours.
- When landing in Bergen, you need to bring a raincoat or umbrella with you. Sunny weather is very rare in this area, but it is constantly raining.
Most often, the cruise program includes not only a visit to Norway, but also other northern countries - Sweden and Denmark.
Traveling to the countries of Scandinavia
Another popular destination is ferry cruises from Helsinki to the northern countries. This is a trip that allows you to get acquainted with the culture and customs of local peoples, admire the wonderful views of the harsh but beautiful nature.
A five-day Scandinavian cruise from Helsinki from Viking and Silja Line allows you to visit the main centers of the countries of the northern region.
The cruise program is structured as follows:
- On the first day there is a ferry boarding from Helsinki to Stockholm.
- Upon arrival in the capital of Sweden, passengers go ashore and go on an excursion to the old city of Gamla Stan, where the ancient buildings of the Middle Ages peacefully coexist with modern boutiques and gallery and exhibition centers. After that, tourists are given free time, which they can devote to walking around the city or an independent trip to museums.
- In the evening, travelers move to Oslo, where in the morning they will have a sightseeing program for sightseeing in the Norwegian capital (City Hall, Central Street, Akershus Castle, the Royal Palace and the Frogner Park), then also free time until 4 pm when the ferry leaves for Copenhagen .
- Upon arrival in Denmark, tourists go on a sightseeing tour to explore the town hall, a monument to the writer Hans Christian Andersen, the zero pillar and the old square. Further, passengers are provided with free time until the evening.
- The next destination is again Stockholm, but without the required programs. Until 16-00, tourists can freely move around the city and independently explore the sights.
- Then the ferry leaves for Helsinki again to complete the program.
The price of tickets, depending on the class and comfort of the cabin, can range from 90 to 830 euros.
In addition, the following will be paid:
- fuel surcharge - 35 euros per person;
- visa - about 70 euros;
- medical insurance - 5 euros;
- excursions not included in the cost of the cruise ticket;
- it is more profitable to book meals on board the ferry in advance with packages - the price will be from 176 euros per adult.
As a rule, a cruise from Helsinki to Denmark, Sweden and Norway takes a single tour.
New Year on board
There are several different options for sea voyages that allow you to celebrate the New Year in an unusual place.
For example, Viking Line, Silja Line and others offer New Year's cruises from Helsinki on ferries.
The Viking Line Grace ferry makes a 4-day voyage. Departure on December 30th. The cruise program is structured as follows:
- At 15 o’clock, passengers depart by ferry to Stockholm via Turku.
- At 6 in the morning, the ship arrives in Stockholm, there passes a sightseeing tour, a trip to the museum island. Then the tourists are accommodated in a hotel where, at will, for an additional fee, you can enjoy New Year's dinner.
- The next morning, after breakfast, passengers can travel to the ancient city of Uppsala, then at 18 o’clock they leave for the terminal. The ferry leaves at 20 hours.
- After that, the tourist group sailed to Helsinki by ferry.
On the Tallink of Silja Line, you can make a 2-day New Year cruise on the route Helsinki - Tallinn - Helsinki.
The ferry from the departure point departs at 18 hours on December 31. On board you can dine in buffet style, all meals - at an additional cost. The restaurant serves both international and traditional Finnish dishes. Any drinks are included in the price of dinner.
Then passengers will enjoy a festive show program. Plus, there will be several nightclubs, bars and restaurants on board.
New Year's Eve is taking place on board the ferry.
On the 2nd day, passengers will receive an additional paid breakfast and free time in Tallinn from 8 a.m., they will leave for Helsinki at 13 o’clock. Arrival at 4 p.m.
Helsinki Cruise to Germany
At any time of the year, Finnlines ships can sail across the Baltic to the town of Travemunde, which is located in Germany. Most often, such trips are made by tourists intending to make a trip to Europe. After all, this city is only an hour away from Hamburg and three hours from Berlin. For such purposes, a one-way ticket is suitable.
Sea tours to Germany without landing ashore are much less popular, but even in this case, tourists will be able to fully relax - there are many amenities and entertainment on board the vessel for comfortable sailing and enjoying views of the open Baltic Sea.
Travel time to Germany is about 29 hours. Ships from Helsinki depart every day at 5 p.m. Arrival at the port of Travemunde is 21:30. In the opposite direction, the ship leaves at 3 a.m., and arrives in Helsinki at 9 a.m. the next day.
On the route Finland - Germany, three identical vessels sail - Finnlady, Finnstar and Finnmaid. Each ferry has 11 decks with Duty Free shops, restaurants, cafes and bars, a gym and a sauna. On summer evenings, live music is played at the bar. The theme of the buffet is changed every week in the restaurant. Moreover, dishes can be completely diverse - from simple berries to Asian cuisine.
It is noteworthy that meals will cost less to those who book the package online before the trip, paying for meals on board will be slightly higher. For example, the cost of two dinners and lunch for an adult will be 72 euros with a preliminary reservation, and if paid directly in a restaurant - 89 euros.
Also, on ships bound for Germany, pets are allowed.
Sailing in Europe
Helsinki cruises in Europe are another popular travel destination. There are several multi-day programs that allow you to choose the right one and see the desired European cities.
One of these is a cruise from Helsinki on a Pullmantur Cruises liner, which sets off on an 8-day journey through the capitals of Europe. The route was built in such a way that during the voyage it is possible to visit several large cities - St. Petersburg, Stockholm, Tallinn and Rostock. The maximum cruise rate for the all-inclusive system will cost 1300 euros. The price includes meals and any drinks, accommodation, as well as the ability to use all the services available on board. But excursions and visas in the ports in which the ship enters, you need to pay separately.
The Monarch cruise ship leaves every Saturday at 9 p.m. from Helsinki. The vessel has an average size and one of its advantages is the ratio of passengers to the area of public areas. there are not so many tourists on board. But at their services are restaurants, shops, bars and a large outdoor pool located on the upper deck.
Since 2018, the Swedish cities Malmo and Nynashamn have been added to the route.
Europe in 12 days
The Italian company Costa Cruise proposes to make a 12-day sea cruise from Helsinki on the ship Costa Pacifica. The route is circular and is constructed as follows:
- Helsinki;
- St. Petersburg;
- Tallinn;
- Riga;
- Clapade
- Gdynia
- Keel;
- Stockholm;
- Helsinki.
The passengers of this cruise may have the impression that this is not a Baltic cruise from Helsinki at all, but a trip through the Mediterranean Sea. This is primarily due to the theme of the cuisine of restaurants and bars. Mostly Italian dishes can be ordered in them, and the smell of fragrant spices is even on the decks. Theater performances can be enjoyed in the evening, and live music is always played in the relaxation areas and bars. Disco and various pool parties are regularly held at night. During the day you can take part in sports.
For children, entertainment is also provided here - play areas are equipped, and every day animators entertain small passengers with various programs depending on age.
Short cruises without going ashore
Especially popular are mini-cruises without disembarking - these are daily flights on which you can have a good time and at the same time make purchases in Duty free stores.
A mini-cruise from Helsinki to a Viking Line is just one of those. The ferry leaves from the exit point to Tallinn. Having bought the corresponding ticket, the passengers of the vessel do not go ashore upon arrival to the capital of Estonia, but wait for departure, calmly sipping cocktails in the bar or relaxing on the deck, making purchases in stores on board.
In addition to boutiques, there are bars, SPA-salons, restaurants on the ferry, and for the entertainment of guests, shows are organized with the participation of professional artists.
Tourists reviews
Mostly the reviews of those who have already managed to make a cruise from Helsinki are positive. Everyone says that this is an affordable way to make an exciting sea voyage.
On board ferries and liners, anyone will find something to their liking. For young and active - bars, discos, casinos and parties, for children are equipped with play areas. For those who prefer a relaxing holiday, there are cinemas, restaurants and saunas. Also, on most ferries, gyms and swimming pools are equipped, sports are regularly held - this will appeal to those who prefer to lead an active lifestyle.
If the cruise lasts more than one day, then the creative staff of the ship (animators, artists) prepare exciting show programs, performances. So you won’t be bored while swimming.
Although a ferry ticket is inexpensive, it is worth considering that meals will have to be paid separately. You should also stock up on cash to buy souvenirs in ports.
Tips from experienced travelers
Helsinki cruises on liners are very popular. Some have already managed to make some exciting sea voyages. Many, having been in the same voyage, returns there again with friends, relatives and children. And no wonder, because on board always waiting for delicious food, lots of ways to have fun and just relax. For the comfort of passengers, cozy cabins are equipped and interesting routes are prepared.
For those who are going on a sea cruise for the first time, some tips will be helpful:
- Cabins are divided into 2 classes: economy and premium. In the first case, the class is denoted by the letters A, B and C. They do not have portholes; in their place, usually a picture, a mirror or just a place is curtained with curtains. There is a window in the Class A cabin. Each cabin has 2, 3 or 4 shelves (berths), a room with a toilet and shower is equipped. Premium cabins have a double bed, some have a berth for two more children. Also very often there is a TV.
- Sometimes a traveler can find such an unpleasant phenomenon as pitching. If a ship sets sail at night and at that time a person is already sleeping, then it will go unnoticed. But if this happened somewhere in a disco or in the corridor, then in this case there are handrails for stability on all sides of the board. You also need to make sure and take along special pills for motion sickness. Active pastime will help the body quickly adapt to the rhythm of the Baltic Sea.
- Another good tip is not to overeat. This can be difficult, given that in the ship's restaurant dishes are served in buffet style with a huge assortment. But excessive food intake can overshadow the trip with a sudden deterioration in well-being. Therefore, to go for the main course is best after satisfying the hunger with some light meal.
- You should take swimming trunks or a swimsuit with you for any swimming - there are always functioning spa centers or separate saunas on board. Of course, these attributes can be rented directly on the ferry, but they will cost at least 10 euros.
- On any liner there are open decks where passengers can breathe in the sea air, and this, as you know, is very good for health. Plus you can enjoy beautiful views of the sea landscape.
- Boarding starts 1.5 hours before departure. Shops on board will be closed at this time. They will begin work immediately after the ship leaves the port.
- It will not be possible to move furniture (exception - 1 lower shelf in economy cabins for two people traveling together. Fold it out, you can get a double bed). All tables, chairs, armchairs, benches and sofas are firmly screwed to the floor to avoid the risk of tipping over while rolling.
- Gambling is allowed on cruise ships cruising the Baltic Sea. There are casinos and children's slot machines. All profits go to charity funds.
- On ferries they love to travel with children, as there is plenty of entertainment for them. The walk on the big ship itself is already an adventure. Plus, animators always organize contests, relay races and quizzes with prizes that young travelers will definitely like. For very small, a room for mother and child is equipped.
- Drinking alcohol on board is not prohibited. However, there are a number of rules that are closely monitored. Firstly, you cannot bring your alcohol on board, it will be taken away at the entrance and returned only at the end of the cruise. You can drink alcohol only in the bars and restaurants where it is served. Drinks purchased at Duty Free stores can only be opened after swimming is complete. Silja Line ferries serve special Tallink Silja Ships Wine wines and champagnes, and you won’t be able to try it anywhere else.
- It is forbidden to bring boilers and other electrical appliances intended for cooking on board, as well as the food itself, except for baby food and products for allergy sufferers.
- Smoking is allowed on the ferry, but only in designated places. In the cabin, tobacco is strictly prohibited - the administration can equate actions with hooliganism, and the smoker will be dropped off at the nearest port without returning the ticket price.
- You don’t need to take a lot of things with you. The cabins always have clean linens, toiletries and towels. It is convenient to take light cabin shoes with you.
- There is an unspoken dress code on board. After 5 pm, it is customary to dress in cocktail clothes: for men in suits (not necessarily business), for women in beautiful dresses.
- It is most convenient to pay cards on board and in ports, but no one is safe from unpleasant surprises - the terminal may break or the bank’s service will be temporarily stopped. Therefore, it is best to take some cash with you in reserve, at least in two currencies. The first is the euro, the second is the national currency of the country of destination.
- Internet and cellular communications on board are unstable. Wi-Fi on ferries is not functioning. During swimming, there will be a lot of activities more interesting than digging in the phone.
How not to overpay for a cruise
Before buying a tour, it is important to carefully prepare, this will help to purchase a ticket for a cruise ship much cheaper than at a price in the tour operator’s catalog. The following facts require special attention:
- Cruise price may vary depending on the country of location of the tourist. Cruise companies may have their own price for different territories.
- When choosing tours, you need to study the average price level so that the discounted price is not expensive, and vice versa.
- Most often, it is advantageous to buy tickets 2 months before the start of the cruise. But sometimes it happens that at this time everything is already sold out.
- Alternatively, you can contact several agents, describing them your wishes, and as appropriate tours appear, they will send the appropriate options.
In any case, everyone will be able to find a suitable route for recreation and travel.