Silja vs. Viking line
 

Has anyone taken the overnight ferry from Stockholm to Helsinki and back? Much difference between the two? What are the accommodations like?

ttt

A few years ago I took the overnight ferry on Silja and thoroughly enjoyed it. It was February so there was a lot of ice floating in the sea. It was fascinating. I remember the room being rather small, sort of like an inside room on a cruise ship and there were a couple of restaurants on board to choose from. A third person traveling solo but along with the 2 of us said she had to climb over her bed on entering to get to the other side! It was nice sitting at the tables along the windows and watching the ice float by and seeing Helsinki come into view.

Our family took the Silja ferry last July and loved it. we had read that it iwas less of a "party"line than Viking and since we were going on the weekend we chose Silja. Our friends in Finland also recommended Silja and we had nothing but positive things to say. The food was great (better than the cruises we had been on, at least Carnival which may not be saying much), the staff was very friendly and we received a discount with our ScanRail Pass. One of the things that impressed me was that the prices of everything we saw on board were incredibly cheap. I was looking at make-up that was $20.00 cheaper than in US. Locals tell us (and we certainly saw) that beer/alcohol is so cheap that they go aboard for the partying and the booze. Our berths were comfortable but the absolutley best part was the scenery. The ride from Stockholm to Helsinki was terrific- so incredibly beautiful and peaceful!! A great memory. Enjoy!!!!!!

The Silja line is the local's choice, and we took it upon my cousins' recommendation. We left Helsinki on a full moon night with the old city slowly receeding. Had a wonderful buffet, followed by watching some animated polka action and a late turn-in to the tiny sleeping quarters. Awoke to the islands outside of Oslo in the early morning fog.

Thank you all. Are the rooms big enough to accommodate a family of 3, and would you recommend ones with the windows looking out to sea or inside? Are the ones on the Silja line larger? Also, I have heard that the Viking line is more of a "party" ship than the Silja. Does that mean the Silja line is sedate, or that both lines have fun, but there's -- how should I delicately put it -- less barfing or rowdiness on the Silja line?

We had 2 adults and 2 children in a room with 2 bunkbed type berths; it was enough room for the time you will be there. There was a small area with a mirror in the bedroom area. I would definitely get a room with a window. We sat and stared outside after we came in. There was plenty to do on Silja but it certainly was not rowdy. We would do it again if we went back.

Thank you, Pat. Very helpful advice. Can you leave your luggage in the room if you're doing the daytrip in Helsinki? And what amenities does the room have (i.e. toilet only, or shower; radio, water, etc.)? Thanks again. Shannon

Shannon:<BR><BR>Yes, you can leave your luggage inside the cabin while on your tour of Helsinki. All cabins are equippe with toilet and shower, some of the more expensive ones come with bathtubs and balconies (reserve far in advance for those, though!). There is a radio and phone in every cabin. Again the more expensive ones have added amenities as tvs and complimentary minibars. At any rate go for an outside cabin.<BR><BR>Check out their website for descriptions of the cabins, pictures and diagrams at: http://www.silja.com<BR><BR>Maybe the reason for Silja's reputation of being less rowdy is the fact that they will not sell deck passages, a thing Viking has been said to do. Actually, I have used Silja several times between Stockholm and Helsinki, and have never been aware of barfing in the hallways :-).<BR><BR>Enjoy your trip<BR><BR>Phil.

Thanks, Phil, and all others. The silja website is great. Now, if they can only give the prices . . . !

topping

Has anyone taken the Viking? I'm going on a tour and that's the line they use.

mvpl,

I am responding even though I only have Silja Line experience.

Frankly, I don't think there will be much of a difference. Those carriers have been rivals for ages and they both manage to keep up a high level of service and comfort. Ferry experts have been debating the issue of whether one company excels repeatedly on webforums such as www.faktaomfartyg.com (in Swedish language only) and as far as I was able to follow no clear winner could be identified.
If there is a chance, do try to get an outside cabin, which will provide you with lovely views of the Stockholm archipelago and if you are lucky with a beautiful sunrise in the morning.
The smorgasbord on both lines has been widely acclaimed (with an edge to Silja, as I recall, but that may be subjective).

Enjoy your trip
hsv

I forgot to add a link to the Viking wepage in English, should you not have found it so far:

http://www.vikingline.fi/index.asp?lang=en