My wife and I are planning on visiting Helsinki and want to take the ferry to Stockholm at the end of August but aren't sure of the best way to do it. I've read that taking the ferry from Turku is a lot more picturesque then from Helsinki.

As I see it:

Option 1: Take train from Helsinki to Turku in the early afternoon, see the sights, and then take the night ferry, which leaves around 21:00. Pro: Save on a hotel room (which aren't cheap in TKU on a weekday)

Con: As the sun is already starting to set, wel won't be able to see much in the dark. Plus, we'll need to sleep, and the ferry arrives in Sweden around 06:00, just around sunrise!

Option 2 would require us getting a hotel room in Turku for the night and getting to the port for the 08:00 departure.

On a related note: can anyone explain the difference in cabin classes, and which ones are the better values?

Many thanks!

We took the Tallinn to Stockholm Ferry in 2007 so can't give specifics about the Turku Ferry.

Are you planning to visit the islands as part of your trip or do you just want to see them as you pass?

Food on board for evening meal and breakfast were expensive even by European standards. I would guess that a day ticket on the Ferry + meals + accommodation on land might be cheaper than an evening cabin + two onboard meals.

Unless you are after luxury, an inside cabin (no windows) will be cheapest. It just means you have to enjoy the view from on deck or in a lounge. It all depends on how you like to spend you money.

When in Stockholm the Vasa Museum is brilliant. We thought an hour would be planty to see and "Old Ship" but spent the whole afternoon in there.

Skansen and a boat trip are also well worth doing, about a day to do both.

Took the night ferry Stockholm to Turku late March about 30 years ago (no trouble sitting up all night and saving on a cabin at that age). Recall it being fairly scenic in the morning as the ship made its way to Turku between small islands and ice floes. At Turku hopped on the train straight away for Helsinki (where the harbour was frozen over).

Thanks for the feedback,

We just want to see the islands from the ship.

Someone recommended that I take the Helsinki-Stockholm ferry, as it leaves at 5PM and will allow for more sightseeing.

PeterSale, I've heard good things about quality/value of the ferry buffets (at least on the Helsinki-Stockholm line). How much did you pay?

I've taken the ferry back and forth between Stockholm and Helsinki several times, most recently on the magnificent Silja Symphony in 2006.

I travel with EurailPasses so the bunk in a four bunk cabin below the car deck was free. Check the web site http://www.tallinksilja.com/en/ for full details.

The buffet dinner is one of the greatest meals you will ever eat. You get two hours of eating and drinking (includes wine and beer) for €35. The fish layout is outstanding. The cheese board is a little hidden but don't miss it. I suggest the second seating because there are a lot of youngsters at first seating.

This is a party boat. After dinner head for the aft bar. I think it is called Joe's Place, but only open until 24h. Then there is a dumb disco and another dancing bar with live R&R music that went on to well beyond my operational memory. You can step outside on a balcony for fresh air and watch the ship's wake.

This ferry ride and dinner are among my favorite European experiences, going back about 30 years.

As the ship approaches Stockholm it slowly weaves its way through the Stockholm Archipelago. There are thousands of islands out there.

I agree with spaarne. We have taken the Helsinki - Stockholm ferry. The buffet dinner is fantastic - do not miss it.

It was beautiful leaving Helsinki - it was sunny and much to see. In the early hours I went out to see the many islands on the way to Stockholm. It was very beautiful.

I have been to Turku - we went via train and stayed overnight. It was to visit a relative and to see the church. The next day we took the train back to Helsinki. Stayed a couple of days and then went via the Silja ferry to Stockholm.

Thanks for the input!

I've seen photos of the Slija boats, and they do look impressive, inside and out! This will be my first time on a cruise ship, and it looks to be quite the experience!

So, if the Turku ferry is out, can someone suggest some day trips from Helsinki? I'm already planning staying (if not 2) days in Tallinn. The towns I keep seeing mentioned are Porvoo, Tampere and Turku.

Well, Porvoo, Tampere and Turku (and Tallinn) are near enough for a day trip. Just about everything else is too far. Wait, no, Fiskars is near enough. An artesan community between Helsinki and Turku.

I can't remember the cost of the buffet, but as I said it was expensive for what we got.

Tallinn is lovely, but if you have already seen lots of castles/medieval history it is not worth the cost of the ferry. Unless, of course, this is why you travel.

Everything Spaarne said. We are NOT cruisers, but the night trip on Silja almost convinced us -- it was absolutely brilliant. Don't remember it being expensive at all. Buffet was a seafood lover's DREAM. The buffet wine sucked, but just head downstairs to the giant duty free supermarket and pick up something decent, and open it up with your meal.

I've travelled Helsinki - Stockholm and vv. I agree the buffets were impressive, the food in the a la carte was good too. You will get great views from onboard. If you have two days to spare I'd fly to Lapland and visit the region, it's well worth it if you have the time.

Neos4517,
The Silja ferries from Helsinki dock at Stockholm at 09:30. Look at the Google map for Stockholm. It shows the ferry routes through the Archipelago. You get a good view of plenty of islands big and small. Some are just rocks barely breaking water.

P.S.
If you go to the Google satellite image over Stockholm you can see one of the Silja ferries tethered at the dock. Zoom in for absolutely amazing detail. The glass house structure covers a huge multi-story atrium in the middle of the ship. Also, I have some pictures of the Silja Symphony on my site at http://tinyurl.com/eulga. The ship plan can be seen in expanded view with a click.