Whilst staying in Helsinki recently we planned a two day Roundtrip Cruise to Stockholm. Cruise ferries depart daily at 4.45 p.m. and arrive in Stockholm the next morning enabling visitors to spend a day in the Swedish capital before returning to the ferry for the return voyage.
Embarkation
Tallink-Silja Line have two identical cruise ferries operating on this route named Symphony and Serenade. They have been in service since 1990 but with numerous updates still offer a high quality experience. The ships are sizeable and able to accommodate up to 2,852 passengers in 986 cabins with room for 395 cars.
The ferries depart from Helsinki’s Olympia Terminal which is just a short walk from the city’s vibrant market square and also accessible by tram lines 2 or 3 (single tickets €3.10). Passengers are permitted to board the ferry from 3.30 p.m. so we arrived around 30 minutes early to print out our tickets and boarding passes from a self-service check-in machine, counters also available if preferred. Our boarding passes also doubled up as disposable room keys with our cabin number and deck printed on them. The Olympia Terminal has cafe facilities and seating in the departure lounge whilst waiting to board.
At 3.30 p.m. promptly we passed through the boarding gate just needing to show our passports for identification purposes before progressing on board.
The gangway entrance leads onto the impressive 143m long Promenade Deck where we were welcomed on board by a smartly dressed crew member before taking one of the four glass lifts which are positioned at each corner of the ship, up to our cabin on the 10th deck.
Cabins
We had arranged to stay in an A-Class sea view cabin which are located on Decks 5 and 8-11. The cabin seemed more spacious than we had expected and there was plenty of room to store our large suitcase and other bags.
One of the beds was ready for use whilst the other had its bedding in place but had been pushed up against the wall to create more space. We were happy with twin beds but the beds can be pushed together by moving the bedside table to one side if preferred.
The cabin was bright and airy with its nautical themed blue and white striped curtains and wall mounted pictures. Other features included open hanging space, a small desk/dressing table with stool, wall mounted television, hairdryer, telephone and a small but well equipped en-suite shower room. The cabin benefitted from good Wi-Fi reception and once logged in, this worked well throughout the ferry. Four berth versions of these cabins are also available with the addition of two bunk beds.
We noticed that we had only been provided with one pillow each but on enquiring at the information desk on the promenade deck, our cabin number was noted and two more pillows were speedily brought round to our cabin to ensure we had a good night’s sleep. The ferry feels like a cruise ship as passengers retain the same cabin for the return trip and are able to leave their belongings safely on board whilst spending the day in either Stockholm or Helsinki.
Other types of cabin are available to suit all budgets ranging from inside B & C class cabins on the lower decks without windows to the very popular Promenade deck cabins which have windows overlooking the ship’s promenade so that you can look out and see what’s going on and be enchanted with the changing shades of lighting. Also available are family room and Moomin cabins which are decorated with the Finnish fairy-tale characters. For those passengers wishing to celebrate a special occasion then swish suites and commodore class cabins are also on offer.
On-board facilities:
Sun Deck (Deck 12)
Being wintertime and short days we decided to go out on deck before the ferry departed.
This is the best place for photo opportunities of the Helsinki skyline if it’s still light when leaving port. It’s accessed by heading to the back of the ship and then taking the lift up to Deck 12 to go outdoors.
As the boat is quite sizeable there is a large expanse of deck to explore which must be lovely in summertime when passengers are able to sit outside enjoying a drink whilst taking in the views of the UNESCO Suomenlinna Fortress soon after departure. The passageway through the fortress is very narrow and as the ship needs to navigate this stretch very slowly there are superb views from the ship’s top deck over the fortress.
Seaview Lounge (Deck 8)
As it was too cold to stay out on deck very long we returned our coats to the cabin and then went to sit in the cosy Seaview Lounge at the front of the ship to enjoy a drink and to watch the ferry depart.
There was lots of ice around Suomenlinna Island which lies just outside Helsinki harbour and it was fun to watch the boat crunching its way through and leaving a trail behind. Both Silja Symphony and Serenade cruise ferries are sturdily built and equipped for ice breaking conditions.
Sitting in the comfortable chairs by the large windows was very relaxing and we remained there for quite sometime after it became dark.
Promenade (Deck 7)
We then went for a wander along the promenade deck which is the central hub of the cruise ship.
The ‘street’ is lined with a variety of designer and gift shops with several restaurants to choose from including Grill House, Happy Lobster, Tapas and the Bon Vivant Wine Bar.
Live music takes place on a stage along here each evening and with all the wall lights changing colour to imitate the northern lights it’s a great place to stroll and to soak up the atmosphere.
Also to be found on this deck is the information kiosk where you can make enquiries and book city centre transfers.
The Grande Buffet (Deck 6)
In addition to the more intimate dining experiences on board the ship, the Grande Buffet is by far the most popular and I recommend feasting on the abundant selection of dishes in at least one direction. Although not essential, it’s preferable to pre-book a dinner reservation as it is slightly cheaper and a reserved table will be assigned to you.
If you book the dinner and breakfast package for both outward and return there are even more savings to be had. Also, if you only wish to enjoy the buffet one way the voucher can be redeemed in any of the other other restaurants on board up to the buffet value.
The buffet has two sittings at 4.45 p.m. and 7.30 p.m. with the earlier one being ideal for parents with young children. We had reserved a table for the later sitting and enjoyed the vast array of high quality dishes with an emphasis on Nordic flavours along with a selection of international dishes.
There’s also plenty of options for vegetarian, vegan and gluten free diners. With a good choice of desserts, a chocolate fountain with fresh fruit, ice creams and delicious Finnish Fazer chocolates, we were spoilt for choice. Wine, beer and soft drinks are readily available on tap and included in the buffet price making it a very good priced meal in comparison to local restaurants.
Breakfast is served each morning from 7.30 until 9.30 a.m. in the Grande Buffet and there was lots of tempting food to set us up for the day from delicious poached salmon, to cold meats, eggs, yoghurts, fruit, pastries, juice and hot drinks.
Tax Free Superstore (Deck 6)
This vast superstore is on the same level as the Grande Buffet and contains beer, wines, spirits, chocolates, gifts, cosmetics and designer goods all at affordable tax free prices with considerable savings from the shops of Stockholm or Helsinki.
For passengers with cars large saver packs are available and on our return to Helsinki we bought some wine and chocolates to enjoy during the remaining few days of our holiday.
Starlight (Decks 7 and 8)
At 7.00 p.m. and 9.00 p.m. each evening live entertainment takes place in Starlight. During our trip we were enthralled by a Queen Tribute ‘Game of love’ on the outward voyage and ABBA ‘Thank you for the music’ on our return.
Both shows lasted 45 minutes and were of a very high quality and beautifully choreographed.
We were so thrilled to discover that the ABBA tribute was taking place that we pre-booked premium seats directly in front of the stage for the best views.
These seats can be booked in advance and consist of various snack packages. We opted for coffee and petit-fours which arrived with a full pot of coffee for us to enjoy throughout the show. More details here.
After the shows finished, the stage lowers to create a dance floor and a live band plays until the early hours. Whether you wish to dance or not, the music is uplifting with classic hits that everyone enjoys.
Day in Stockholm
After a smooth crossing and a good night’s sleep in our cabin we opened the curtains to a view of the boat passing through the scenic Stockholm archipelago.
At 10.00 a.m. Silja Symphony docked in the Värtahamnen ferry pier and we walked along to the nearest metro station at Gärdet, taking around 10 minutes. For passengers not wishing to walk so far then it’s possible to take a bus to the metro station from the ferry terminal or Bus 76 which is ideal if you wish to spend time in Djurgârden Island and visit the historic ship at the Vasa Museum there.
We spent some of our time exploring the old town (Gamla Stan) with its colourful houses. Moving on, we viewed the exterior of the Royal Palace and Parliament buildings before continuing across the Royal Bridge to Skeppsholmen Island for a coastal walk.
Before returning to the boat there was time for some city centre shopping and naturally we couldn’t leave Stockholm without sampling Fika, Sweden’s answer to the British afternoon tea consisting of mouthwatering cinnamon buns and coffee. Absolutely delicious!
We then returned to the ship and enjoyed Silja Symphony’s facilities once again for our return journey.
What a wonderful time we’d had on the cruise ferry trip and whether it’s summer or winter I’d definitely recommend adding the excursion to your itinerary if you are staying in either Helsinki or Stockholm as you are then able to explore a second Nordic capital.
Cabins vary in price depending on class and season but are often cheaper than a hotel stay making the trip both good value and lots of fun.
During our trip we were guests of Tallink-Silja Line and as always, all views and opinions are entirely my own.
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I would love to take a cruise someday! Great pictures!
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Thanks Cary. The mini cruise between Helsinki and Stockholm is really nice and a great way to visit another capital city.
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Hello Marion. Wow. I am glad that you visited again in Finland. I remember that you spent your time in Espoo, while vising Finland. Now we live in Espoo for two years. I came here accidently, because I was searching photos for my YouTube. I am no more blogging, but I continue in YouTube. Here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvzS6QOsS9jdyXtBN8xffXw.
I take photos, which I have presented in WordPress and I shoot videos and shoot photos. I wish all the good to You, Have a wonderful day. Matti
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How lovely to hear from you Matti. I’m glad to hear you are now both settled in Espoo. We try to return to Finland at least once a year as it’s so lovely. I’ll check out your YouTube channel now. Best wishes, Marion.
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Happy Friday Marion. It was nice to read that Finland is still in your minds. We have lived a quiet life during couple of years. Korona and then war. The afraid of possible war is in our minds, because our deceased fathers were war veterans. I remember the real story, which my mother told. My mother was pregnant when Helsinki was bombed in February 1944. Hearing the sounds of sirens, she wondered whether to go to a nearby bomb shelter or not. If she hadn’t gone, I would never have been born, because a bomb hit a nearby bedrock and the pressure wave partially destroyed our home.
To avoid possible loss of our home, we bought a small apartment on the western coast line in Pori. Tom Jones will have a concert on Thursday, July 13, 2023. We have tickets already. We spend there occasionally few weeks. It is very beautiful town.
Why I decided to make videos again after many years. I felt I needed to train my brain. There are many video processing programs. I selected a free program called ShotCut, note no r-letter in the name. It requires brains to planning how and what is needed to get photos acting like videos. With it, I can zoom photos, moving from one area to another inside the photos. This means that they are like small videos.
Thank you for your kind comment. Have a good day. Matti
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It is a good idea to travel from one capital to another in a Baltic atmosphere. However, a single day to visit one or the other city may seem a bit short. Great suggestion!
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Taking the cruise ferry was a lovely way to travel between the Nordic capitals but of course just spending a day in Stockholm provides only a taster of what the city has to offer. A good reason to return to explore further. Thank you for your interest, it’s much appreciated.
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This looks great, I have always had a strong sense of romance with overnight travel, especially by train or boat. The buffet looks pretty epic.
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The cruise ferry between Helsinki and Stockholm is like a holiday in itself, in fact I didn’t really want it to end it was so comfortable and entertaining. I’m yet to travel on an overnight train but the Caledonian Express is on my wish list! Thanks for taking the time to comment.
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What a wonderful cruise Marion. I love the idea of the street on the boat. Crunching through the ice sounds lovely as does sitting in the cosy seaview lounge.
We wanted to visit Stockholm a few years back from Gothenburg but Copenhagen was the better option. Hopefully we will get there one day and take that cruise.
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The mini cruise was a holiday in itself Alison and the perfect way to visit another of the Nordic capitals. With delicious food, entertainment, dancing and a comfy cabin, it was a lovely way to travel.
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Love a holiday in a holiday 😉
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I am really impressed with the cruise, everything looks so beautiful! Also, the buildings in Old Town Stockholm are gorgeous.
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The mini cruise was very impressive and a splendid way to visit Stockholm! Thanks for your interest.
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Well done as ever great pictures and descriptions!!! I have used these ferries several times and the entry into Stockholm is worth getting up early for as the ship passes VERY slowly past hundreds of beautiful small islands, amazing views. My only complaint was that the locals tend to take this trip so that they can drink duty free beers for hours at a time without too much consideration for other travellers. Shame, but great experience anyway!!! Simon
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So pleased you enjoyed my review of the Tallink-Silja Line ferry Simon. It was a really lovely trip and although it didn’t come light very early we did enjoy seeing the views over breakfast on our way into Stockholm.
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Wonderful – an overnight ferry to see another city – I really like the idea! And the sea view cabin is a lovely bonus, isn’t it? And it seems to me, even though it was very cold, you still had beautiful views from the Seaview Lounge. Your seafood starter looks delicious, but wow, those desserts – yummy! And I love ABBA shows! What a lovely journey Marion – thanks for sharing.
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Thanks for your interest Corna. Taking the overnight ferry didn’t use up too much time and with good fun, entertainment and a comfortable cabin the time passed all too quickly! Glad to hear you also like ABBA shows too!
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I had no idea that there was a ferry you could take between Helsinki and Stockholm, although I figure it shouldn’t be a surprise! That grand buffet really looks…grand (haha), and I’m glad you got to check out the Swedish capital (especially its colorful Gamla Stan)!
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Travelling on the cruise ferry was an ideal way to visit Stockholm and as the journey us mostly overnight, it doesn’t take out too much time. With lots of good fun, entertainment and a comfortable cabin all at a good price, you can’t really go wrong. Thanks so much for contributing.
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I love that you can visit Stockholm so easily like this for a couple days. A fantastic way to explore between the two cities. The ship seems so bright and vibrant and fun! 🙂
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It’s a lovely way to visit another of the Nordic capitals Meg with so many nice things to see, do and eat on board.
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You make it look so appealing. While I’ve travelled extensively you always manage to find places I have not been and it’s almost as good as being there with your explanations and illustrations.
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You are so kind with your comments Ian and it makes my day to read how much you have enjoyed my posts.
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I don’t think I’ve ever seen such an elaborate ferry! Dinning rooms, shopping malls and a concert hall! Wow, I’d take that ferry any time I could 🙂 Maggie
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Taking the cruise ferry between Helsinki and Stockholm was a wonderful experience Maggie as well as an opportunity to visit another Nordic capital.
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What a beautiful excursion Marion. That ferry looks more like a cruise ship. I assume it is only a passenger ferry (no cars). The shopping, food and entertainment look wonderful and you also get time to explore the city at the other end. Thanks for sharing. Allan
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It was a splendid round trip Allan. The cruise ferries actually hold 450 cars as well as freight so passengers can see more of either Finland or Sweden. Its the most luxurious cruise ferry Ive travelled on and we enjoyed every minute of it. Thanks so much for taking the time to comment.
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This looks like a perfect weekend splurge, Marion! The ship is fabulous as are the destinations. They’ve taken a “ferry ride” to a higher level by making it as fun as any other (longer) cruise. I enjoyed every second of your post.
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So pleased you enjoyed this post about my cruise ferry trip Kellye. It was so relaxing and the perfect way to spend a day in Stockholm.
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Taking a ferry seems like a comfortable way to travel to Stockholm. The Seaview Lounge looks beautiful and how fun that there’s even live entertainment each evening.
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The mini cruise between Helsinki and Stockholm was so relaxing and with delicious meals and live entertainment great fun. Thanks so much for taking the time to comment Linda.
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I do love a mini cruise, I get excited from the minute I step into the terminal! This one looks a lot a fun and a great way to combine a couple of destinations without blowing the budget. That’s a fabulous shot of Helsinki taken from the ferry.
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The Helsinki Stockholm mini cruise was so much fun (I’ve never been on an actual cruise) but this was just the right length to keep us entertained and of course an opportunity to visit Stockholm. Thanks Helen for your interest.
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What an amazing ferry! It doesn’t resemble, in any shape or form, some of the many cross-channel ferries on which I used to travel back in the day. I can understand why it is called a cruise ferry. I love the photo of the Helsinki skyline. As soon as I read one of your posts, Marion, I always want to visit the destination!
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Thanks for your kind words June. Taking the cruise ferry was so relaxing and an opportunity to visit Stockholm.
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There’s even a Moomin Store on the Cruise ship! Seeing the city from the sea and exploring its many islands and waterways is the best way to really get to know Helsinki’s hidden side. Although Tallinn is just a two-hour ferry ride from Helsinki across the Gulf of Finland, this medieval city is a world apart in terms of atmosphere. Thanks for sharing and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Tallink-Silja line felt like we were on a cruise ship (not that we have though) ) and it was a lovely experience. Thanks for your interest Aiva.
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Is that a Moomin gift shop I see? Now that’s a cool addition!
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Yes, indeed it’s the adorable Moomins. Lovely to see the Finnish characters aboard the ferry.
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Yes, it’s a Moomim gift shop. The adorable moomins get pride of place on board.
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I love Scandinavian ferries. But it’s been ages since I took one. Bill and I went from Bergen in Norway to Liverpool in England. We had such a fabulous time we practically forgot to go sleep in our cabin.
Obviously they have become even more customer-friendly and glamorous since we last experienced a sail.
I suppose you could spend three or four nights in Stockholm before using your return leg if you had the time. Or just take a single leg in either direction as part of a larger jaunt around Scandinavia.
This is a marvellous write-up as usual, Marion.
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Thank you for your interest Gwen. Tallink-Siljja Line operate very comfortable ferries that definitely feel like a holiday themselves. You can if course stay at either Helsinki or Stockholm more days. It’s just on the type we did where you keep the same cabin for the return.
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The advantage of that dawned on me later, Marion.
When I was a young backpacker I used to take the night train back and forward between the same two cities to avoid paying overnight accommodation. But my luggage (not that it was much) had to come with me unless I left some in a locker each end.
With this ferry service, you could book consecutive nights doing the same thing – so you could have three days sightseeing in Stockholm and three days in Helsinki. No need to check your luggage nor to decide where to eat! Sounds like a plan to me. x Gwen
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A great idea Gwen!
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