Sailing Silja Tallink: Sailing from Helsinki to Stockholm
Cruising was always a daring sea adventure that I wanted to experience. But I had no idea what I was missing until I sailed with Silja Tallink – one of Scandinavia’s most opulent cruise ships. My journey on this majestic vessel gave me a taste of what it was like to be truly adrift – but don’t worry, you’ll still be able to indulge in a smorgasbord of luxurious amenities! When I first laid eyes on the colossal vessel lounging across Helsinki Market Square, I couldn’t help but feel a sudden surge of wanderlust. Silja Tallink’s mesmerizing maritime designs have the power to transport you to a dreamy Scandinavian cruise—even from a distance.
The joy of sailing a Scandinavian cruise was palpable when I first caught a glimpse of the large Seal Logo embossed confidently on the ship’s funnel. If I dared to look down, there was a beautiful blue and white striped pattern that made me hum in delight! The ship’s name and the window panels were both bedecked in a fetching shade of blue, with the rest of the ship a serene off-white to match the sea’s hue. When I arrived for my embarkation, I was simply ecstatic beyond words – an absolute delight!
My eyeballs nearly popped out of my head when I first laid eyes on the sheer size of the cruise! Talk about impressive! Fortunately, my tickets were pre-purchased online, so checking in was as easy as pie. I was sure I had made the right decision by booking the room on the upper deck, after all, it had the best views! Little did I know, I had made a miscalculation; the higher deck cabins rocked and rolled far more than the lower and central decks. With only one cabin size and one large suitcase, I had no choice but to put my luggage in the cruise’s common storage per their policies. Of course, I got it back before disembarkation – but let’s just say I had a few interesting stories to tell upon my return.
My miniature companion, my trusty piece of luggage, accompanied me to my cabin as I hopped on board. At around 5 o’clock, the boarding process began. If you’re joining the voyage, remember to bring your boarding pass and passport, as you’ll need them to pass through the security checkpoint that stands between you and the lobby. That walk can be quite a schlep, so make sure you don’t forget them! As I strode closer to the grand entrance of the cruise, I couldn’t help but feel elated. Moomins, Seals and other cutesy mascots lined the walls, setting the atmosphere for an exciting adventure.
I was ready to take on the wonders of the Promenade zone! The shops and restaurants that flanked either side of the Promenade, courtesy of Silja Tallink, promised to be the perfect accompaniment to an unforgettable cruise. Stepping into Tallink is like walking into a magical amusement park, with something new and exciting to explore every few steps. The tantalising Earthen aroma and the enchanting piano notes create a captivating combination that is sure to leave you in awe. Make your way to the end of the Promenade and you will find the elevators that will whisk you away to the deck of your choice. Enjoy the magnificence!
My 10th-floor cabin was cosy and compact but had everything I needed – two beds, a large window to soak up the view, a dressing table small enough to fit in a pocket, and an en-suite bathroom. The bathroom was a real treat with premium toiletries, fluffy towels and even a hairdryer – now that’s what I call a home away from home! I quickly spruced myself up and rushed to the closest deck’s balcony, completely mesmerized by the breathtaking Baltic vistas. Although Scandinavian sailing is synonymous with a nip in the air, it still made me reluctantly leave the balcony after only 15 minutes of taking in the view. After all, it’s the northernmost part of Europe and the chilly winds just get too intense!
I couldn’t believe my eyes when I arrived at the Silja Tallink: interiors that radiated luxury! My delight was amplified when I realized that this cruise liner allowed Fido on board. At 7:30 pm I stopped by to watch a mesmerizing aerial dance performance. Let me tell you, I have never seen anything like it – the show was simply incredible! We made a port stop in Tallinn, Estonia at 8 pm, adding to the already incredible experience. I eagerly ventured to the 12th-floor deck, ready to take in the astounding vistas of Estonia’s stunning shoreline. As we ventured further, we encountered a plethora of uninhabited islands, their crystal-clear waters gleaming in the sunlight. We were now but a stone’s throw away from Europe’s tech capital – Silicon Valley!
As the sun lingered in the sky until 10 p.m., I had just enough time to capture the stunning beauty of the Tallinn harbourside before I had to make my way to the Grand Buffet restaurant. The SEK 395 (42.50 EUR) grand buffet was a lavish spread of culinary treasures, featuring the most sought-after seafood from Scandinavia! And, boy, was it worth it. The all-you-can-eat buffet at this place is a veritable smorgasbord of the finest Finnish and Swedish delicacies – everything from succulent oysters to herring and mussels to crayfish and caviar! If you’re in the mood for something a bit more refined, try Tavolàta, the Italian restaurant, or Sushi & Co, the Japanese eatery.
Afterwards, I decided to test my fate at the in-house casino on Deck 6. But if you’re more of a card shark, Deck 7 is your paradise, offering plenty of opportunities for poker, roulette, and slot machine enthusiasts. So, why not roll the dice and see where your luck takes you? I decided to take a gamble on a luxury cruise and it paid off! After only investing $20, I won an incredible $100. I couldn’t help but take full advantage of the opportunity to participate in some duty-free shopping and pampering. I treated myself to some relaxation at Sunflower Oasis Spa and an hour of bliss in the heated Jacuzzi. Little did I know that winning on international waters would be so rewarding!
After a night of groovin’ to the beats at Disco Zenith, I returned to my cabin on the 10th floor, ready to crash like a rock star. I dreamt all night long and woke up early, before the sun, to capture the beauty of the sea and the islands at sunrise, which is usually around 5 a.m. around these parts. Luckily, breakfast was served shortly afterwards at 6:30 a.m., so I could refuel after a night of dancing and a morning of photography.
Time was of the essence! We were served a scrumptious Swedish breakfast that included cold cuts and pickled Herring – and if that wasn’t enough, the Moomins also decided to join us! The Moomins, clad in their finest ensembles, proceeded to saunter from table to table, shaking hands with all the guests. The children were especially in awe of these life-size, hippo-esque mascots, who seemed to bring the party to life!
At noon, Silja Tallink had been beckoning me to disembark, so I dropped my luggage off at 11:45 p.m. and joined the long line of passengers in anticipation. After what felt like forever, I finally got off the cruise ship 2 hours later with all the other passengers and was suddenly thrown into the fresh Swedish air of Stockholm’s port. I couldn’t help but take a few pictures of the beautiful harbour. By 1.30 p.m., I was out, breathing in the sweet scent of freedom!
