Traveling by sea is fanned by a halo of romance. Even if you just need to get from point A to point B, a ferry ride is not at all the same as a plane trip. And if it is only part of a long journey by car, then both the driver and passengers can enjoy the rest and give themselves a break.
Port of Klaipeda. How and where to get
The city is actively developing shipping. The new terminal of the central port of Klaipeda was constructed in 2014. Now he can simultaneously accept 3 passenger ferries.
Direct international flights from Klaipeda to Karlshamn (Sweden) and Kiel (Germany) are operated by DFDS. Transportation on both routes is carried out daily.
An internal ferry route connects mainland Klaipeda with the Curonian Spit (Smitine). By the way, the old passenger terminal, which is located just south of the new one, also continues to work. It accepts Klaipeda - Curonian Spit ferries carrying only passengers without vehicles. Inland ferries run from early morning until late evening with an interval of 20-40 minutes.
From Lithuania to Southern Sweden. Destinations
Klaipeda - Karlshamn Danish company DFDS ferries depart from the central port of Klaipeda every day at 21.00. The journey takes only one night, at 9 am the next day you are already in Sweden.
Karlshamn is a beautiful city in southern Sweden. Its history is closely connected with the port and fishing. There is even a Salmon Museum in the city! At the mouth of the Merromson River, this same salmon is also caught. And in May, the annual festival dedicated to fishing this fish is held. In general, spring and summer are the time of numerous festivals, holidays and outdoor concerts. Another unique event that takes place in Karlshamn is the Baltic Festival, dedicated to the traditions and culture of all peoples living on the shores of the Baltic Sea.
Unfortunately, there is no ferry from Klaipeda to Stockholm, but you can get from Karlshamn to other major cities in Sweden, Denmark and Norway. The roads are good, the trip will be enjoyable.
11 hours at sea. Things to do
The Klaipeda - Karlshamn route takes 3 ferries in turn: Optima, Athena and Patria Seaways. They are approximately the same in size, capacity, number of services offered and the level of service.
Company ferries are small cruise liners that, in addition to comfortable transportation, offer on-board entertainment.
2 restaurants - a la carte and buffet - will not leave indifferent either adults or children. By the way, with the latter it is better to go to a self-service restaurant. Creating your own menu is a fascinating process. Children will definitely find food to their taste from a huge selection of dishes. By the way, it is better to order dinner at the same time as buying tickets - there will be about 20% savings.
A la carte is a more exclusive option. The chef will appreciate the author's seasonal menu. The prepaid dinner coupon is also valid in this restaurant, covering part of the bill. The difference can be paid on the spot.
In several bars of the ship you can order an aperitif before dinner, spend the evening with a glass of wine, relax while reading a newspaper, or watch a sports match on the big screen.
For souvenirs, gifts for friends and relatives, exclusive alcohol, go to the store on board. Promotions, seasonal discounts, products of the month at special prices and a ship's atmosphere - shopping on a ferry is both profitable and exciting.
Children at this time can spend time in the playroom under the supervision of an experienced nanny.
Cabins on the ship
A ferry is a hotel on the water. Are you a demanding traveler accustomed to comfort? Choose one of the cabins. The beds are soft and comfortable, there is a shower in each cabin, as well as a set of hygiene products.
Commodore de Luxe cabins are the most luxurious, with a double bed and a large window. There are only 3 of them on the ship - be the first! They are located on the upper deck on the bow of the ferry. You can enjoy sunsets and sea views right from the bed.
Double or quadruple cabins are both internal, without a window, and external with a porthole. It is comfort at a reasonable price. By the way, in advance you can order a cabin for allergy sufferers, and for transporting pets.
If the price is the main criterion for ordering a trip, choose a seat in the hall with soft chairs. Silence and dim light at night will allow you to sleep, without overpaying.
Prices, ticket booking and useful life hacks
DFDS offers tickets through a dynamic pricing system. Simply put, summer and weekend are more expensive. If you are not tied to dates, choose a trip on weekdays.
It is most convenient to order tickets on the company's website. The reservation system is simple and intuitive. In addition, you do not have to pay a reservation fee, as when paying at the box office and by phone. The standard price is a passenger and a car. The cost of the selected accommodation and additional services is added to it. The reservation system will offer a choice of cabins (or berths), dinner or breakfast (you can skip this step), as well as tickets for travel on the Öresund bridge. For passengers traveling further to Denmark - a very convenient option, in addition, a ticket for a bridge when ordering a ferry ride is 5 3% cheaper.
Be sure to follow the company's promotional offers. Buying a service package is always more profitable.
One Klaipeda Karlshamn ferry ticket is an entire journey in your pocket. Let it be carefree and pleasant!