Nordic Countries - Silja Line Overnight from Stockholm to Helsinki?

Looking at the Silja Line overnight for the Stockholm to Helsinki leg of a late August trip to Scandinavia (romantic getaway :D). Looking at A-Class for 229€ - does anyone have any suggestions for which class to book and/or how to get the best deal on the booking? Is the $$ buffet worth it when we could just pack a sack of tasty food from Stockholm? Should we just fly like normal flyertalkers?

Thanks in advance!

Some hints:
- Viking Line is normally cheaper than Silja
- cruises are often cheaper than one way, you may consider booking a cruise and disregarding the return
- Friday is the most expensive departure day
- If choosing Silja, join Club ONE and get a minimum 10% discount
- booking meals in advance saves you $$

Back to your questions, yes, A-class is a nice outside cabin (with sea views) and probably the class I would recommend to someone not travelling this route often. Of course Commodore class would be the choice of a normal flyertalker :D.

I can't imagine not using the restaurant services on board, to me that is an integral part of the experience. I have had so many buffets on board, though, so I always consider a la carte as an option.

There is nothing fun about flying Stockholm - Helsinki. Besides, taking the boat saves you one night accomodation and expensive airport transfers.

The overnight ferry is very much worth doing, especially from Stockholm to Helsinki. The the first couple of hours you sail through the Stockholm archipelago, which is one of the highlights of travel in the Nordic region.

The Silja line tends to be a bit more expensive than the Viking Line, but tends to get a slightly better clientele (loud drunks can be a problem). The Silja line ships are nicer, with a long, airy, internal walking street with glass elevators going up the atrium wall.

The buffet can be a bit of a zoo, but if you view it as an anthropological excursion to see the effects of free alcohol (wine and beer are available on a help yourself taps) on Scandinavians rather than a refined dining experience, you might enjoy it. The are also some OK a la carte restaurant as well.

Definitely go with Silja Line over Viking, their ships Stockholm-Helsinki are much nicer. €229 is much too much to pay for a one-way even a Friday in high season. Like others have said book a cruise instead of one-way and just don't get on the boat on the return.

Both Viking and Silja work a lot with discount codes, so try to search internet to find some. Though now during high season there aren't many around.

Thanks for all the suggestions. Looks like booking a cruise on August 31st is no different in price than booking a one way. Also, joining Club One costs $ and you have to wait to receive a discount card?

I need to book this today or tomorrow to get the 28 day advanced booking discount - any more suggestions on getting the price down?

Thanks for all the suggestions. Looks like booking a cruise on August 31st is no different in price than booking a one way. Also, joining Club One costs $ and you have to wait to receive a discount card?

I need to book this today or tomorrow to get the 28 day advanced booking discount - any more suggestions on getting the price down?Oops, it seems that they have indeed introduced a registration fee - in contrast to Viking Club that is free, can be joined online and gives discounts on travel immediately.

I agree that the Silja ships are nicer but on Viking Line you can get an outside Lux B cabin for SEK 1340 on that date (code TIPS).

I'm sorry I don't know any current discount codes for Silja.

Well yes, at that price difference I would consider Viking Line with a better cabin and then eat real nice on the boat. In my opinion the Viking food experience is often better (don't know about the buffets). Make sure you check the price for a cruise with a Viking club card (you can see the price without joining) as it is often better.

I checked quickly for you and if you book on silja.se then the price of a cruise is about €207 (SEK1724) in an A-cabin. There was no discount with my club-card.

I checked quickly for you and if you book on silja.se then the price of a cruise is about €207 (SEK1724) in an A-cabin. There was no discount with my club-card.

The lowest I'm seeing is €229 - how are you getting €207? Also, cruises for 8/31 are showing as a full €76 more expensive - €305 vs €229 so I feel like I'm missing something here.

The lowest I'm seeing is €229 - how are you getting €207? Also, cruises for 8/31 are showing as a full €76 more expensive - €305 vs €229 so I feel like I'm missing something here.
Are you using the swedish webpage (in swedish)? I know the Silja booking engine will sometimes remember old reservations in progress so you may also need to clear your cookies for that page. It specifically says this is an offer for the swedish market.

Well yes, at that price difference I would consider Viking Line with a better cabin and then eat real nice on the boat. In my opinion the Viking food experience is often better (don't know about the buffets). Make sure you check the price for a cruise with a Viking club card (you can see the price without joining) as it is often better.My experience this year indicates that the Viking buffet is (to my surprise) better than the Silja one. It used to be the other way around.

The Viking Club price seems to be the same as with the TIPS code, so no difference there.

But the OP seems to have decided on Silja, which is a good choice if money is not the biggest of an issue.

Well yes, at that price difference I would consider Viking Line with a better cabin and then eat real nice on the boat. In my opinion the Viking food experience is often better (don't know about the buffets).

I've worked with group travel in the Nordic region for about 25 years and it has generally been accepted that the Silja Line was a bit better than the Viking Line and better suited for upscale groups. That of course can have changed. Last time I took the Viking Line was in the mid 90's and there was a McDonald's on the ship!

I'd be interested in hearing how the Viking Line has improved in recent years. Is the general ambiance of the ship as nice as the Silja line?

Last time I took the Viking Line was in the mid 90's and there was a McDonald's on the ship!Wasn't it the Silja Europa that had the McDonald's?

Wasn't it the Silja Europa that had the McDonald's?

You're right! According to Wikipedia, the Silja Europa had a McDonald's on her maiden voyage in 1996 and was later replaced by by Silja Line's own hamburger restaurant.

Could be that my negative impression of the Viking Line has influence my memory on this point. Is it time to update my view of the Viking Line?

You're right! According to Wikipedia, the Silja Europa had a McDonald's on her maiden voyage in 1996 and was later replaced by by Silja Line's own hamburger restaurant.

Could be that my negative impression of the Viking Line has influence my memory on this point. Is it time to update my view of the Viking Line?As an anecdote, the Silja Europa was initially destined to be a Viking Line ship, the Europa. It was taken over by Silja after the shipowner company Slite could not handle the newbuild financially and later went bankrupt.

The Silja Europa probably is a too big ship for this traffic anyway and after it went into traffic, all the new ships built have been much smaller and first taken in use for the traffic to Tallinn.

That leaves Silja with what still are the most impressive ships on the Baltic: the Serenade and the Symphony, which were both delivered already in the early nineties. At the time, the promenade in the middle of the ships, together with the promenade facing cabins, were revolutionary and they still have a certain wow-effect. The same idea has recently influenced the world's largest passenger ships, the Oasis of the Seas and the Allure of the Seas.

In contrast, Viking Line is quite down to earth and unpretentious, but provides fine standards and excellent value IMO.

Having cruised with both companies, I'd say Silja is worth some extra for style and clientele. Don't bother with the buffet, where the worst behaviour of man vs food occasionally can be seen. Reserve a table in the a la carte restaurant and savour the best Swedish and Finnish cuisine.

Enjoy your trip!

Went with Silja Line A-Class for €229. I'll try to remember to add our experiences to this thread in a few weeks when we return!

Probably too late now but I have found it is MUCH cheaper buying on for example the Swedish Tallink site in the Swedish language than in English. Same goes for Viking Line.

There's also specials on offer which aren't available on the English site. A couple of translations can save you quite a bit. Also, as mentioned, never book a one-way. Always book a cruise as they're cheaper.

I could really use some help. I just changed my aa award that was ORD-HEL and back over Thanksgiving. I was reading the silja and thought the cruise was two days one way to ARN with a 24 hour stop at an island.

After reading this it seems it is a round trip. Not sure what i am doing and I just change my award ORD-HEL and ARN-ORD. AA was nice enough to do that for me without a change fee.

In my research I was going to do the Commodore with an outside view (hope a window and not a port hole).

I will be with wife and 4 year old.

If anyone can help me understand I would greatly appreciate it. I have no issues using Viking if they have a similar two day trip to ARN not 2 day round trip concept.

Both Silja and Viking ferries between Helsinki and Stockholm do overnight voyages and stay in the port for a day. They make a stop in Marienhamn, Åland in the middle of the night so they can sell tax free in their onboard stores, since Åland is outside the EU tax area, much like the English Channel islands. Most people actually going to Åland use daytime ferries which in Finland leave from Turku and Naantali.

With Helsinki-Stockholm ferries the cruise means that you spend a day in your destination city and take the same ship back in the evening. But the cruise is often much cheaper than one-way ticket, so people often buy a cruise also when travelling just one way. The difference is probably smaller or even other way around with higher class cabins, so chack the prices before booking.

Both Silja and Viking ferries between Helsinki and Stockholm do overnight voyages and stay in the port for a day. They make a stop in Marienhamn, Åland in the middle of the night so they can sell tax free in their onboard stores, since Åland is outside the EU tax area, much like the English Channel islands. Most people actually going to Åland use daytime ferries which in Finland leave from Turku and Naantali.

With Helsinki-Stockholm ferries the cruise means that you spend a day in your destination city and take the same ship back in the evening. But the cruise is often much cheaper than one-way ticket, so people often buy a cruise also when travelling just one way. The difference is probably smaller or even other way around with higher class cabins, so chack the prices before booking.

Thanks, at first reading this I was disappointed I changed my return from ARN but I want to spend some time there, not just half a day. I can either just get off and not take ride back, do a one-way, or come back and find a way back to ARN. Do you think the cruise is worth a trip back and the trouble of getting back to ARN, in terms of something that is cool?

It seems there are options to come back, 10K one way award, train or bus (not sure how a train or bus can get between these points:)).

If a one way cruise gives the experience than I would just stay there.

Thanks, at first reading this I was disappointed I changed my return from ARN but I want to spend some time there, not just half a day. I can either just get off and not take ride back, do a one-way, or come back and find a way back to ARN. Do you think the cruise is worth a trip back and the trouble of getting back to ARN, in terms of something that is cool?

It seems there are options to come back, 10K one way award, train or bus (not sure how a train or bus can get between these points:)).

If a one way cruise gives the experience than I would just stay there.

The entertainment program on board might be a little different, but otherwise it's pretty much the same both ways. And Stockholm is well worth more than just a short day trip, so one-way cruise and flying back from there is an excellent plan. If you want to spend more time at sea and have time, do a day trip to Tallinn from Helsinki.

The open-jaw return is probably a better option.

The main reason anyone goes on the true cruise is to buy tax-free booze on the way there and put it in one of the fridge-lockers. Then drink it on the way back.

Going back "just" to catch a return flight I would personally say is a waste of time if you aren't there for the party, which if you are with a child, probably isn't the case.

The main reason anyone goes on the true cruise is to buy tax-free booze on the way there and put it in one of the fridge-lockers. Then drink it on the way back.
Oh come on, I personally don't know anyone who does that

I think you are vastly exaggerating the "booze" factor. A lot of people come with their children, for the entertainment, food etc.:td:

Still, in this case I agree one way is enough to get the experience.

Oh come on, I personally don't know anyone who does that

I think you are vastly exaggerating the "booze" factor. A lot of people come with their children, for the entertainment, food etc.:td:

Still, in this case I agree one way is enough to get the experience.

Pretty much everyone under 30 seems to do that, from what I've seen. Though to be honest I've taken Viking much more often than Silja, so maybe that has something to do with it. And yes, mid-week is not as bad as weekend.

Even so, they take the boat back to get home.. Seeing the same Tina Turner impersonator two nights in a row is pretty excruciating.

At least among the Finns, the booze-cruising has shifted mostly to Estonia from where there is no import limits and prices are cheaper than in Stockholm-ferries' tax free stores. But naturally many people will take an advantage of the cheaper alcohol prices if they happen to have some other reason to go to Sweden or Finland by boat. But it is now lot quieter than say 20 years ago. And the cheapest cabins and corridors below the car deck are probably still quite a party center.

Nowadays it is quite easy to keep away from the party crowds in those ships if you are not into cuch thing. Of course if you really want to have a drink at the bar at 2am, you probably cannot avoid seeing people who have had one or ten too many. The staff usually does a decent job in keeping some kind of order in quieter areas.

I ended up calling Minnesota TA listed on their website (Viking). For Thurs departure they have an outside room with 4 bunk beds at $170 AI, larger window but pretty high up (so can't see while sitting down). Seemed fair to me, the round trip was more money. No food included, I am taking advise of avoiding the buffet and doing restaurant.

One thing I collect from my travels, this is countries 48 and 49, is a bottle of liquor for the country. Have not done research for liquor that is for each country but is it better to buy Finland and Sweden bottle on this ship or while in country?

Any ideas on cool looking bottles that are made in Finland and Sweden. I still have all the bottles, they never get opened.

Price will be cheaper on the ship.

Hmm, maybe Finlandia and Absolut Vodkas?

I ended up calling Minnesota TA listed on their website (Viking). For Thurs departure they have an outside room with 4 bunk beds at $170 AI, larger window but pretty high up (so can't see while sitting down). Seemed fair to me, the round trip was more money. No food included, I am taking advise of avoiding the buffet and doing restaurant.

One thing I collect from my travels, this is countries 48 and 49, is a bottle of liquor for the country. Have not done research for liquor that is for each country but is it better to buy Finland and Sweden bottle on this ship or while in country?

Any ideas on cool looking bottles that are made in Finland and Sweden. I still have all the bottles, they never get opened.

Does anyone know how to get from Stockholm port to Sheraton Stockholm hotel?

Does anyone know how to get from Stockholm port to Sheraton Stockholm hotel?

As you are taking Viking http://www.vikingline.fi/info/portinfo/portinfo/port_stockholm.asp

Taxi is probably easiest. The Cityterminalen terminus of the "airport bus" is not far from Sheratonh though. If the weather is good, I often just walk to Slussen T-bana station and continue from there, but it is about 15 minute walk. You can also catch a local bus to Slussen, but you need to get the ticket in advance and I'm not sure where to get it. Probably from the terminal.

You can also catch a local bus to Slussen, but you need to get the ticket in advance and I'm not sure where to get it. Probably from the terminal.
I guess you mean that there is a shuttle bus from the terminal, as the info is on the page you provided...

The bus nowadays continues to Cityterminalen and the ticket can be bought onboard.

You can also take the local bus but that involves a short walk.

I guess you mean that there is a shuttle bus from the terminal, as the info is on the page you provided...

The bus nowadays continues to Cityterminalen and the ticket can be bought onboard.

You can also take the local bus but that involves a short walk.

I ended up taking the bus to terminal. After a question or two ended up across street and a few blocks to Sheraton.

No issues at all

Any updates on this thread? Looking to take Silja on Wednesday June 19th from Stockholm to either Helsinki or Tallinn and the prices are through the roof. Tips to get the rate down? I'd of course like A class or better, but they seem pricey.

Any updates on this thread? Looking to take Silja on Wednesday June 19th from Stockholm to either Helsinki or Tallinn and the prices are through the roof. Tips to get the rate down? I'd of course like A class or better, but they seem pricey.

This is just before Midsummer, which is big in Finland and Sweden as well as the beginning of summer holidays for many, so it might be difficult to get the price down.

Any updates on this thread? Looking to take Silja on Wednesday June 19th from Stockholm to either Helsinki or Tallinn and the prices are through the roof. Tips to get the rate down? I'd of course like A class or better, but they seem pricey.
Your trip is in June which is generally less expensive than July-August and on Wednesday which is cheaper than Thursday-Saturday. Especially Friday is expensive. So the following remains:

Viking Line is cheaper but does not do Stockholm-Tallinn
Booking a cruise (immediate return) is usually cheaper than a one-way
-- e.g. Stockholm-Tallinn-Stockholm in B-class = 57 EUR
Look out for discount codes
Join Club ONE (http://www.tallinksilja.com/en/mainMenu/clubOne/benefitsAndDiscounts/trips/helSto/default.htm)
A B-class cabin has the best value/price ratio

Your trip is in June which is generally less expensive than July-August and on Wednesday which is cheaper than Thursday-Saturday. Especially Friday is expensive. So the following remains:

Viking Line is cheaper but does not do Stockholm-Tallinn
Booking a cruise (immediate return) is usually cheaper than a one-way
-- e.g. Stockholm-Tallinn-Stockholm in B-class = 57 EUR
Look out for discount codes
Join Club ONE (http://www.tallinksilja.com/en/mainMenu/clubOne/benefitsAndDiscounts/trips/helSto/default.htm)
A B-class cabin has the best value/price ratio


Thanks for the information. Any thoughts on where to find discount codes? Tried a quick google search and didn't really find anything. Thanks!

Thanks for the information. Any thoughts on where to find discount codes? Tried a quick google search and didn't really find anything. Thanks!It is a bit early to find discount codes for June, at least I didn't find any. On the other hand Stockholm-Tallinn-Stockholm in B-class = 57 EUR is not a bad deal IMHO. And the price may go up later.

It is a bit early to find discount codes for June, at least I didn't find any. On the other hand Stockholm-Tallinn-Stockholm in B-class = 57 EUR is not a bad deal IMHO. And the price may go up later.

Thanks for the tips. Just got 2 A Premium rooms for 77 EUR a piece. Certainly can't complain about that.

Your trip is in June which is generally less expensive than July-August and on Wednesday which is cheaper than Thursday-Saturday. Especially Friday is expensive. So the following remains:

Viking Line is cheaper but does not do Stockholm-Tallinn
Booking a cruise (immediate return) is usually cheaper than a one-way
-- e.g. Stockholm-Tallinn-Stockholm in B-class = 57 EUR
Look out for discount codes
Join Club ONE (http://www.tallinksilja.com/en/mainMenu/clubOne/benefitsAndDiscounts/trips/helSto/default.htm)
A B-class cabin has the best value/price ratio


How long does it take to get a membership number for Club One?

Do the various Silja Line websites accept foreign credit cards or am I forced to book on the International website?

It is a bit early to find discount codes for June, at least I didn't find any. On the other hand Stockholm-Tallinn-Stockholm in B-class = 57 EUR is not a bad deal IMHO. And the price may go up later.

Very confused, how do you get this rate? I'm looking at a one way from Stockholm to Tallinn and it's pricing out at more for a B cabin midweek in June. Are you saying a return B cabin on this route is 57 euros? What am I doing wrong? Which website should I use? I only need a one way, is it possible to get off the ship in Tallinn and not return to Stockholm?

How long does it take to get a membership number for Club One?
I think you get it immediately, but it can take up to four weeks to get the physical card.
Do the various Silja Line websites accept foreign credit cards or am I forced to book on the International website?I don't think there is a difference between the websites/website parts in this respect.

Very confused, how do you get this rate? I'm looking at a one way from Stockholm to Tallinn and it's pricing out at more for a B cabin midweek in June. Are you saying a return B cabin on this route is 57 euros? What am I doing wrong? Which website should I use? I only need a one way, is it possible to get off the ship in Tallinn and not return to Stockholm?
You are probably trying to book a "route trip". You should book a cruise:
http://www.tallinksilja.com/en/
Select online-booking, select cruise tab.

This cruise includes time in Tallinn and I don't know that there has ever been any control if you will reboard the ship or not. And what could they do, probably some people "miss the boat" on their way back anyway. This is not that much different than booking a return flight ticket when it is cheaper than a one way.

You are probably trying to book a "route trip". You should book a cruise:
http://www.tallinksilja.com/en/
Select online-booking, select cruise tab.

This cruise includes time in Tallinn and I don't know that there has ever been any control if you will reboard the ship or not. And what could they do, probably some people "miss the boat" on their way back anyway. This is not that much different than booking a return flight ticket when it is cheaper than a one way.

Thanks for the information. You're right some people will miss the ship. I have been to all inclusive resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico where you need to show the staff a check out voucher (which you get from reception when you officially check out) if you leave with luggage. Just wondering if Silja did something similar. With such a difference in price, why would people book the one way trips? I am aware Silja sells "cruises" at discounted prices and want people to pay for additional purchases onboard, this is how they make their money. I remember taking the ship between Stockholm and Helsinki some years ago and most of the people were only interested in drinking and partying - I'm sure some of these people had hefty bar tabs.

Thanks for the information. You're right some people will miss the ship. I have been to all inclusive resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico where you need to show the staff a check out voucher (which you get from reception when you officially check out) if you leave with luggage. Just wondering if Silja did something similar. With such a difference in price, why would people book the one way trips?E.g because their company is paying or because they are taking their car with them.

I have never seen any kind of control the kind you are describing. The tickets are checked when you board the ship, not when you are disembarking. And cruises are taken in the other direction too, so many people are leaving with luggage.

OR because they don't read Flyertalk! :D

E.g because their company is paying or because they are taking their car with them.

I have never seen any kind of control the kind you are describing. The tickets are checked when you board the ship, not when you are disembarking. And cruises are taken in the other direction too, so many people are leaving with luggage.

Heh, in February I was in a seminar in Åland. On the way back they didn't even check our tickets as we walked to the ship that then continued to Turku...