I'm more active over on the "other side" these days, where I'm the photography guide.
A...
I'm more active over on the "other side" these days, where I'm the photography guide.
A tenner this month, and a fiver last month in the PF almost tempts me to write more here though!
Member since:04.03.2003
Reviews:99
Members who trust:43
A lot's changed since the days of the Vikings, around 1000 years ago. Travel is certainly a lot more enjoyable, and you don't need to wear a helmet either. There's a bit of a choice when it comes to sailing in the North of Europe, here's one of them - Viking Line.
THE COMPANY *********** Viking Line started operation over 40 years ago, and is one of the most popular ferry companies to operate crossings between Finland, the island of Åland, and Sweden.
THE SHIPS ********* The company has 7 ships, M/s Amorella, Cinderella, Gabriella, Isabella, Mariella, Rosella & Ålandsfärjan. Most are reasonably modern, being built in the late 1980's, or early 1990's.
Of the 7 ships, the Cinderella is the largest, 11 decks, 191 metres in length, and 29 in width, with a 2500 person capacity. It's also perhaps the most beautiful and is known as the 20-hour party boat. It includes a three-storey night-club, with a 1000 person capacity and 23metre long bar. There's also a casino, sauna, jacuzzi & massage pool, movie theatre, playroom, duty-free shops, and various pubs, restaurants and cafes. The size of the cabins (of which there are a choice of 10 types) range from a suite which is a comfortable 50 square metres, to a "C2P" (under the car deck) which is a cramped 7,9 square metres. Cabins are non-smoking, but there are plenty of other places where you can smoke on the ship. All the cabins have
a toilet & shower, radio and air conditioning. Telephones and postboxes are also available on the ship.
The other six ships are all smaller, but many with the same facilities. The ship that you sail on depends on the route you take.
THE DESTINATIONS **************** The ports served by Viking Line are; Stockholm (Sweden) Helsinki (Finland) Kapellskär (Sweden) Långnäs (Åland) Mariehamn (Åland) Turku (Finland)
Most ships sail every day from Helsinki & Turku in Finland to Stockholm (Sweden) and vice versa.
The Åland Islands (which belong to Finland) are reached from Turku or Helsinki in Finland and also from Stockholm or Kapellskär in Sweden.
The port terminals themselves are modern, with computerized check-in, and friendly staff to greet you, and issue boarding passes. Boarding is reasonably quick and trouble free.
PRICES ****** Prices are somewhat difficult to explain, as they vary widely depending on the type of cabin, the route, the time of year, size of your party etc, so I will provide a couple of examples from experience.
Day crossing between Stockholm and Marieham, and back again, April, 2 adults & 1 child - total cost £22. This included a huge full buffet lunch, including deserts, fruit etc for us all, with unlimited drinks, (wine or beer) and non-alcholic. No cabin is included in this price, but it's a day crossing, so you don't need one.
Night crossing between Helsinki and Stockholm (basic cabin, one way only) Mon-Wed, August, including lunch - £15 per person.
You can of course take your car, caravan or bike, and prices are very reasonable.
WINING & DINING *************** Eating on board is one of the most pleasurable experiences of the trip. The lunch-buffet consists of a traditional and plentiful selection of hot and cold foods. Special themes are often provided depending on the season. The good thing is you can eat and drink as much as you like! The range of food includes plenty of fish, meats, salads, vegetables and so on, and the deserts are worthing of mention too, with plenty of fruit, ice creams, and freshly made specialities. Whilst you don't get free vodka, the self service red and white wine selection is above average and the beer is a well known local brand. Hot drinks are also available, as is soft drinks including juices. You are allocated tables prior to entrance to the restaurant, which means everyone knows exactly where they are sitting. There never seems to be much of a queue, and the restuarant is never overcrowded. Time is limited, so you can't stay there all day, but it's so so limited that you ever feel rushed. Waitresses are constantly around, to remove used plates and glasses etc, so you always feel comfortable.
Breakfast is not included, but is available on both day and overnight trips, and is well-priced.
SAFETY ****** Viking Line ships are among the safest, and the company have taken every step to ensure that your welfare is taken seriously. Lifejackets for each and every passenger (including children) are on the ship. Lifeboats which will take each and every passenger are on each ship. All employees are trained to deal with any emergencies, and teams of crew are also specialised in various areas of safety. Even on the older ships, the safety equipment has been updated to comply with the latest regulations and standards. Smoke detectors are everywhere - cabins, corridors, restaurants etc, and are linked with the latest electronic equipment, but crew regularly check the whole ship, to make sure everything is as it should be. Fire extinguishers are everywhere, and fire safety notices are in each cabin, as well as elsewhere on ship. Cameras monitor the vehicle deck throughout the journey (you are not allowed back here when the ship is moving). Viking Line is certified as complying with the IMO (International Safety Management) Code, and was the first shpping company in the Baltic to achieve this. The ships also include a sick room if you should fall ill during your journey.
SHOPPING ******** Duty-free is available on board whilst the ship is in motion, and provides a great way of stocking up with a few wines, spirits and whatever you care to indulge in. If you can't quite remember what your allowance is, the sales staff will help you out. Best buys include Spirits, local confectionary, as well as the wide range of perfumes and cosmetics. Here's a selection of mens and womens perfumes you can purchase;
Big price lists are available on board for you to browse through before deciding on your purchases.
ENTERTAINMENT ************* There's always something to keep you occupied, whatever your age. Shows and singers, childrens entertainers, discos, video and arcade games, casino, slot machines and so on. Plenty to spend your hard earned cash on! Some of the artists are Finnish, some International, so there may be times when you can't always understand everything, however much is in English.
STAFF/LANGUAGE ************** I can imagine staff get a bit bored doing the same thing over and over, day after day, but on the whole, they always seem happy and cheerful, in all areas of the ship. They usually speak 3 languages or more, including English. Many of the announcements are also multi-lingual, as is website, and various brouchures.
TAKE NOTE ********* There are a few things you should know about. If you are under 20 (or 23 on some days), you must travel with someone older, ie if there are 2 of you, both 19, you'll not be accepted. Take your passport, you may not need it, but it's a good idea for identification.
So, all in all a good company, comfortable ships (although not the most luxurious of them all), pleasant staff, and plenty to occupy you. Good value too, no wonder why Swedes and Finns spend so much of their free time on board....
For more details, and booking, prices etc, visit the website http://www.vikingline.fi
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Advantages: Lots to do for everyone lots of fun, great family holliday Disadvantages: If you get the wrong part of the park can be slightly noisy at night
May 4th, 2003
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