Helsinki - Stockholm ferry/cruise

[FlyingFiona]

Need to get to Stockholm next summer and overnight ferry/cruise from Helsinki seems like it'd be a fun way to see the islands of Stockholm as one arrives in.

Anyone made the journey and able to recommend a ferry operator? Or share any expereinces.

 

[Cossie]

Need to get to Stockholm next summer and overnight ferry/cruise from Helsinki seems like it'd be a fun way to see the islands of Stockholm as one arrives in.

Anyone made the journey and able to recommend a ferry operator? Or share any expereinces.

Any of the major operators, most go via the Aland Islands. It is an odd place, part of Finland, but Swedish speaking, they have a special status within the EU, meaning duty free products can be bought, alcohol in particular. Normally a quick stop to satisfy regulations.
Long time ago I went from Turku to Stockholm, but more recently Riga to Stockholm, fabulous going into Stockholm in the morning.
They can be very busy particularly in summer, book early.

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[Dr_Goz]

Done the cruise a few times with 2 young kids.

Overnight cruise, don't really see anything but darkness.

In the morning, it is quite nice sailing into Stockholm, especially if there is a bit of ice on the water as the ship breaks through it.

We stick with Silja line. Plenty of children's activities to do on board, great play area, nice restaurants, entertainment and duty free shopping (alcohol very popular).

 

[dajop]

Overnight cruise, don't really see anything but darkness.

Although at certain times of the year (now, around the summer solstice), one would expect a reasonable amount of daylight. Stockholm today, twilight from 2am, sunrise about 3:30am and sunset around 10pm, with twilight to 11:30pm.

 

[Stealthflyer]

I’ve sailed an overnight Helsinki to Stockholm with Viking Line. It was very enjoyable. It’s the only cruise I’ve ever done so I don’t have anything to compare it to though. A highlight was saying hello to all the dogs on board (so civilised). The dinner buffet was delicious but the phrase “feeding time at the zoo” comes to mind.

 

[anat0l]

I've done the overnight cruise going the other way, viz. Stockholm to Helsinki. I was weighing up my options between this, a train or a night in a hotel followed by a flight; the overnight cruise was the most economical, particularly when booked close to the date of departure.

Cannot quite remember the operator (without pouring through all my photos); I think it might have been Viking Line. I took this ferry in winter, so when I boarded the ship, even though it was relatively early in evening, there was no light left (and it was even drizzling). It's a fairly long cruise in a way, as in you do spend quite a bit of time on board, particularly when there isn't much of a view (except after first light, maybe). I think it was something like depart Stockholm at 1800-ish and arrive Helsinki at 1000-ish.

I had the cheapest inner cabin, which was comfortable enough. Nothing snazzy, but it was clean, and I had a separate shower and toilet in the bathroom (and the shower was decent pressure).

Can't quite remember the dining situation; I think it was a buffet style. Not glamorous but all clean. @Stealthflyer 's "feeding time" remark probably rings true. I think I bought some food from a cafe/store on board for dinner and breakfast, rather than dined at the onboard restaurant.