The Tallinn - Helsinki Baltic Sea Crossing with TallinK Silja Line

Let me begin with a TIP: When booking for a city trip to Tallinn (Estonia) or Helsinki (Finland) I strongly suggest to visit both cities instead of just one. They are very near each other and are not big cities to explore. Even if you are pressed with time, you can do both for at least a minimum of 4 days. You’ll get more out of your travels when you combine both!

At the Port of Tallinn. The old town is just walking distance as you can see.

A Few Facts and Choosing a Boat

The crossing of the Baltic Sea between Tallinn (Estonia) and Helsinki (Finland) takes between 1.5 and 3 hours depending on the type of vessel you are going to take. I chose TallinK Silja Line (which is a merger of 2 shipping companies I believe) because of three things:

• Schedule was convenient to my plans. 

• It takes approximately two hours which is a doable journey considering the port is just walking distance from the old town. 

• I felt safer crossing with a big boat.

A much faster hydrofoil catamaran such as Linda Line takes only one hour and a half. I know these kinds of boats and I do not really feel comfortable with them which is the reason why I decided to go for a much bigger one.

I once had a hellish boat ride many years ago (2007) together with the Dutchman in the Philippines with Ocean Jet, a catamaran. The route was Cebu – Tagbilaran – Dumaguete. The sailing started alright but fifteen minutes into it the sea turned harsh and the waves became bigger. Then everything else was insane, the boat was slapped sideways and we were engulfed by two-metre high waves! Someone collapsed, the children were crying, the women fervently praying and the woman seated near us has already taken out the life saver jacket and was screaming to god for mercy. Moreover, the boat was leaking and Dutchman was already eyeing the exit doors, should the boat bowl over.

Read here: Hellish Boat Ride to Tagbilaran, Bohol - Ugh, what a nightmare. I thought it was our end.

My boat is the Superstar from TallinnK leaving at 13:30 but boarding is 12:50-13:10.

Because the trip only takes two hours, I decided to just buy the standard class ticket, the Star Class. I bought the ticket on-site at the terminal (it is upstairs). There is no need to buy them online or pre-booked really. Just arrive at the terminal early and buy.

Make sure you board half an hour before the actual sailing. My boat leaves at 13:30 and I passed the boarding gates at 13:06 and while I was taking a picture of the massive ship from the window of the boarding tunnel at 13:09, a man approached me informing me to hurry up because they are closing gate. It looks like I was the last passenger they are waiting? Huh, oh dear me, everyone was quite early!

This is the picture I took from the boarding tunnel window when I was asked to hurry up and get on board, haha.

A few minutes after I boarded, they removed the boarding tunnel connecting to the ship, and it’s not even sailing time yet.

Tallinn Old Town is very near the sea port, no need to hire a cab unless you have a mountain load of luggage. I managed to walk with my luggage from my hotel to the terminal in about ten minutes, maybe twelve.

Finland and Estonia are part of the member Schengen countries so there’s no immigration involved.

Alcohol and the Finnish

Many people swear the Finnish can head-on compete with the Russians when it comes to drinking. But it doesn’t erase the fact that tax-inflated alcohol in Finland (or the rest of Scandinavia) costs an arm and a leg. Which is why the Finnish frequently hop over to neighbouring Estonia for some good alcoholic measure. Alcohol and spirits in Estonia are cheap.

Endless shelves and cases of spirits and alcoholic drinks.

I actually got held up inspecting the duty free shops in the terminal. They were all filled with only one thing: Alcohol and Spirits. It was my first time to see duty free shops selling only booze! The demand is overpowering. You know, we learn something new each day as we travel =)

Because there is such a big demand for cheap alcohol from Eastern Europe in the Nordics, party cruises catering to the young group and alcoholics now sail regularly in the Baltic Sea. Not my kind of party and cruise really but it could be for you.

Crossing the Baltic Sea with the Superstar

Now let me show you the boat. First thing I did when it sailed was to go up the upper deck. I want to bid my last farewell to beautiful Tallinn. We shall meet again my dear.

Port of Tallinn. I read that the sea port of Tallinn will soon be expanded. Tourism is booming for the city but they can only handle a number of vessels. If they want more cruise liners to dock, they need to make space.

Goodbye for now Tallinn! You are one surprise jewel to me. I really enjoyed visiting you and I wish many others come to visit you as well and experience your beauty.

This is what happens when you try to take a selfie with the wind at your back.

This is a much better selfie with the wind in your face. Better indeed. I do not have to eat my hair.

After doing a DIY tour on the upper deck with a disappearing Tallin city skyline in the horizon, I proceeded downstairs to inspect the rest of the ship. I checked the different lounges, the cafes, bars and restaurants, the shopping scene as well, and the public areas of the boat. The Superstar liner is massive. It is so huge it could be a big building on its own!

Go here to read the facts: TallinK Silja Line - Superstar

See pictures below of the bars and cafe lounges.

The Dolce Vita Bar on deck 8, in the bow of the ship.

I believe this is the Sole Bar located on deck 9. I love those gigantic glass windows.

After my inspections it was time for my late lunch.

Lunching in Style at A La Carte Restaurant

I wanted to sit at the window but helaas all the tables were taken. The waiter said he doesn’t know when the guests will be done so I might just need to choose from any of the available tables I want to sit down. It looks like the tables at the windows were reserved in advance or people come here early to get them.

I decided to sit sat at the back of the restaurant where I can relax and share the view of the Baltic Sea with an older woman. I wanted her place so bad and was hoping she would leave but she just kept sending in her order every half an hour. Fine. *sulking inside*

I ordered a small bottle of Prosecco, a little celebration to finishing the Tallinn leg of the journey and starting the Helsinki and Porvoo legs.

My lunch: Cesar Salad with Gambas and Croutons and Parmezan Cheese. I do not like Croutons and it looks like they served me the whole bag.

Dessert: Creme Brulee with Strawberry Ice Cream. This was good.

Sitting here at the restaurant I must say is a much better option than the business class ticket.

There’s less people here, you are not in some busy and noisy place (I had a peek at the business class lounge and it was busy), there’s personalised plated food and drinks, elegant and relaxing ambiance with soft music, views to the Baltic Sea (even if you only see water, it is somewhat soothing) and much cheaper altogether. I am not sure about the WIFI, I didn’t bother going online because I just want to enjoy the moment.

I wanted her table *sniff*. You can see outside the window the Helsinki Port. We just arrived.

Welcome to Helsinki!

After two hours of sailing, I am in Helsinki, Finland! The next thing I know I am in the lobby of the port terminal and looking outside the street to a tram waiting for passengers.

The Superstar TallinnK Silja Liner docked on Helsinki Port.

Meanwhile at the lobby of the Helsinki port terminal...

Crates of alcohol and spirits are offloaded.

I stepped out of the terminal and on to Finnish soil, and made my way to the tram driver who was smoking on the platform. Said my hellos and asked if he can help me a bit. I showed him the map pointing to the street where my hotel is located. He told me it’s not that far but its best that I take the tram and get off at a certain street then walk back. He’ll take care of me he said and will let me know when I should get out.

Ah, the Finnish are not only friendly, they are helpful as well.

Travel Period: May 2013
Destination: Tallinn, Estonia | Helsinki - Finland

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