It might seem like a pipe dream right now in 2021, but one day the world will reopen, and Australians will be able to travel overseas again! One of the fantastic holiday options which relatively few Aussies consider is the opportunity to cruise the Baltic Sea.
A Baltic cruise may include cruising between Helsinki, Finland and Stockholm, Sweden; from Helsinki to Tallinn, Estonia; or a cruise from Helsinki to St Petersburg, Russia. Some cruises will incorporate all Baltic capitals from Copenhagen to St Petersburg.
Rather than just hopping on a cruise liner, some cruise operators offer travel by sea on the Nordic Ferry Service. This is a luxury ferry line that includes overnight travel onboard a first-class ship with comfortable accommodations – just as good as you’d expect from premium ocean travel.
Baltic Ferry between Helsinki and St Petersburg
The ferry ship that transports passengers across the Baltic Sea from Helsinki to St Petersburg is the M/S Princess Maria, and she has been refurbished entirely in recent years. When she was built, the M/S Princess Maria was the largest cruise ferry in the world, accommodating close to two thousand passengers. Passengers today may choose cabin classes over a range of levels to suit personal budgets and tastes. From the more basic to the most luxurious, each class is comfortable and aesthetically pleasing.
A Cruise like No Other
When you cruise Helsinki to St Petersburg, the Russian flavour of your vacation begins as soon as you step onboard: Russian products and other souvenirs that are available duty-free, Russian menus are offered in the onboard restaurants, and Russian-inspired nightly entertainment is provided for your enjoyment.
Aboard ship, there is so much to do and enjoy. You may choose to relax on deck, soaking in the bracing Baltic Sea air and Nordic atmosphere, marvelling at the spectacular coastline and other oceanic sights. Send your children off to have fun in the Kids’ Club while you enjoy the pool, sauna, or gymnasium. Perhaps a cocktail or a beer in one of the bars onboard is more your scene or sip a barista coffee in the cosy cafe. Or are cigars your thing? Hit the Cigar Bar to experience some of the finest tobacco varieties in the world…
Dine buffet style or choose the restaurant for European and Russian cuisine. Enjoy a cabaret in the CUBAR or a live performance and dancing in the Columbus Bar. There is also a sushi bar and even a cinema onboard.
So enjoy some time in Helsinki before you set sail, then arrive relaxed in St Petersburg ready to embrace the true flavour of Imperial Russia. There is nothing quite like a cruise from Helsinki to St Petersburg!
Where do you want to go when we can get our passports out again?
Written by Luke Bonaventura, Staff Writer at www.WHIA.com.au
