Sometimes, a vacation begins the moment you close your front door behind you. In my case, that might have been a bit too literal when I first took the ferry from Travemünde to Helsinki in 2019. Given my extensive preparations—or so I thought—I was firmly convinced that I would only spend one night on board. Surprise: it turned into two. How I missed that in my planning? No idea. In any case, I hadn’t booked a cabin because I wanted to keep it cheap. What followed was an adventure in itself, and let me tell you: it was a learning experience that lasted 29 hours.
A Semi-Freighter with Charm… and Character
The ferry that awaited me had character. Let’s just leave it at that. From worn carpets in the hallways to seats that had seen better days—this was all part of the charm, I suppose. But hey, the staff more than made up for it. They were friendly and provided a surprisingly good buffet, which brightened everything up. A tip for fellow travelers without a cabin: bring a towel! You can shower for free at the sauna, and believe me, that’s a luxury on this ship. Yes, this ship has a sauna and jacuzzi included in the booking price, and they’re available for both men and women (separately, of course). Just keep in mind that it’s typically a nude sauna experience, so be prepared for that.
Here, I’m sharing photos to illustrate what I mean by character. After my last complaint letter, I’ve noticed a positive response; it’s clear that they’re taking the feedback seriously, and I really appreciate that. It may sound a bit nitpicky, but for the price I paid—even without a cabin—I think the ship could have a bit more atmosphere. Of course, it’s not a cruise ship, and that’s something to keep in mind, although there is a jacuzzi and sauna on board.
Sleeping Where You Can (and Where You Might Not Want To)
For budget travelers like me, there was a space with “flight seats”—think airplane seats in a separate room. I thought, perfect! But unfortunately, the air conditioning had other plans. With icy blasts of air blowing directly overhead, sleeping in those seats became quite the challenge; it was way too cold. I eventually found my spot on the top deck, where sleeping was more feasible, even if it meant cuddling up with my thick jacket. It wasn’t exactly the Ritz, but it had its charm—it was a starry night… at least when you looked outside.
#protip: Bring a towel, your toiletries, and a sleeping bag!
Back for a Second Chance in 2024
In 2024, I decided to give it another shot, this time better prepared with a cabin booked. The ship felt almost reborn. Everything was cleaner, better maintained, and even the food was more extensive than I remembered. While the ferry still carries containers and freight, making it no classic “luxury cruise,” the comfort was a significant step up. And that buffet? It was as if they had read my mind. I’d never seen so many choices and delicious dishes on a ferry. My girlfriend was just as enthusiastic; nothing brings people together like good food.
The cabin came with a TV, offering a limited selection of channels, but that was perfectly fine! If you want to travel on a budget while still enjoying the luxury of a cabin, you can opt for a shared cabin and see who your “partners in crime” will be for the next two nights (men and women don’t share cabins). But be careful what you eat—and what your cabin mates eat. In these cozy little cabins, one wrong meal can lead to a midnight gas attack. With two to four people in such a small space, one little toot and you’re in the danger zone! The good news is, if you do get seasick quickly… that’s not really a problem anymore.
Speaking of seasickness, here’s a remedy that really helps—just put it on before you set off:
seaband-usEntering Helsinki: A Magical View of the Islands
Arriving in Helsinki itself was the cherry on top. As you enter the harbor, some of the 300 islands that make up Helsinki come into view. While everyone crowded below by the doors to the car deck, I stood on the deck, soaking in the sight as we glided past several islands. Here’s my pro tip for every traveler: step outside and take in the view, even if it’s misty. And when the ship finally backs into the harbor, you’ll have more than enough time to head downstairs.
(it is in dutch but in the discription you can read the english version of what I m saying)
Conclusion: A Trip to Remember
While the price tag may seem higher than driving, when you factor in the convenience, relaxation, and meals on board, it’s worth the investment. Depending on your vehicle’s fuel consumption, it might even end up being cheaper (and don’t forget to consider hotel bookings if you need them). So, if you’re an adventurous traveler who enjoys unique crossings, give the ferry to Helsinki a try. It’s an experience that starts the moment you step on board.
I understand that for an adventurer with enough time, driving might still be the way to go. Of course, nothing’s stopping you from that. But for someone with limited time like me (one month), Finland is the perfect base to start your journey through the high north. You skip a lot of driving through the beautiful south of scandinavia, making it a more efficient choice.
How to Book the Perfect Ferry Trip: My Experience with AFerry
Since my first ferry trip to Norway in 2018, I’ve become a huge fan of AFerry. And no, this isn’t a sponsored post (though I wouldn’t say no to a collaboration! 😉). What makes AFerry special to me isn’t just the great prices, but especially the service and user-friendly experience they offer. Let me share my story about my first trip, and you’ll quickly understand why it’s more than just about the price!
Why AFerry?
AFerry is a leading ferry booking website with over 4,000 routes worldwide. Their partnerships with more than 80 major European ferry companies make it easy to compare prices and find the best deal for routes to popular destinations like France, Ireland, the Netherlands, Spain, and more. You can book effortlessly through their website or mobile app, the latter offering an additional benefit: a lifelong loyalty discount of 5% for all bookings made through the app (after your first booking!). With that 5%, they might just always be the cheapest option. AFerry.com
My First Trip with AFerry
When I booked my trip to Norway through AFerry, I quickly found the cheapest option and secured it. However, shortly before departure, I received news that my booked ferry needed to go into dry dock and wouldn’t be sailing. AFerry contacted me right away and offered a refund or an alternative route of my choosing—completely free of charge! I decided to take advantage of this and chose a crossing from Bergen to Hirtshals, which was quite a bit farther than my original departure point—an 18-hour trip instead of 4 hours, meaning I’d also spend a night on board. To my surprise, they also booked me a cabin that I didn’t have to share, at no extra cost! I didn’t have to pay an extra cent!
This unexpected upgrade, combined with the smooth communication and excellent service from AFerry, made my first experience with them unforgettable.
Since Then, I Keep Coming Back
Since then, I’ve booked with AFerry five times (for round trips), and every time everything goes smoothly. It’s simple: just show your pass and drive on! No hassle, no surprises, just reliable and comfortable crossings. For adventurers and travelers who want to start their journey stress-free, I can’t recommend AFerry enough.
About AFerry
AFerry offers a wide range of ferry options for travelers worldwide. They work with leading ferry companies and provide routes to top destinations in Europe and beyond. With their app for iOS and Android, you can easily compare prices, search for routes, and enjoy exclusive discounts. In my opinion, they deserve all the praise for their customer-oriented approach and reliability. And if any of you ever book through them because of me, I truly hope you experience the same level of satisfaction that I always have.
Thank you, AFerry, for making travel so easy and enjoyable!
Deep Dive: Finnlines and the EU – More than Just a Ferry Company
Sometimes, a ferry company seems like just a service provider on the water, but behind Finnlines lies a whole story that stretches across seas, countries, and even the offices of the European Union. Did you know that Finnlines doesn’t just sail through the Baltic waters on its own? No, this shipping line has the backing of the EU Council—a partnership that involves not just ferries, but also European ambitions and sustainable development.
Finnlines and the European Union – How Politics and the Sea Collaborate
Finnlines is part of a strategic network that maintains crucial transport routes between various European countries. In 2005, a significant loan of 200 million euros was granted by the European Investment Bank (EIB)—the EU’s financial institution—to expand Finnlines’ fleet. These funds were intended not only to increase passenger and freight capacity but also to integrate sustainable technologies, such as advanced emission reduction systems, all aimed at protecting the Baltic Sea environment.
With this investment, five new ro-pax vessels—ships capable of carrying both freight and passengers—were acquired. Three of these ships were directly assigned to the Helsinki-Travemünde route. This was not just a logistical upgrade but also a step forward in improving transport connectivity within the EU and even beyond, such as to Russia. Source
Finnlines’ Mission: Innovation and the Green Wave at Sea
Finnlines has developed into one of the largest players in the Baltic Sea, focusing on both freight and passenger transport. The company offers services between Finland, Sweden, Germany, and Russia, bridging countries while contributing to a better environment. The new vessels are built to the strictest EU and international environmental standards. Think lower emissions, better waste management, and ship safety—all aimed at minimizing the impact on the Baltic Sea ecosystem.
This Finnlines project aligns perfectly with the EU’s goals of reducing road congestion by promoting more sea transport. With Finnlines’ modern fleet, the EU has found a reliable partner to make this possible.
Why This Partnership Matters for Travelers
For adventurous travelers, this means that Finnlines not only gets you to your destination efficiently but also with environmental consciousness. Traveling with Finnlines is essentially choosing a mindful journey that contributes to more sustainable transport in Europe. The fact that Finnlines focuses on semi-freight transport can be an advantage: it offers space for travelers who prefer to avoid the hustle and bustle of mass tourism.
Conclusion: More than Just a Ferry – An Ideal of Connection
So, Finnlines is much more than a ferry company. Thanks to its collaboration with the EU Council, this company sails not just between destinations but towards a more sustainable future. For travelers like you and me, this means enjoying an efficient, peaceful crossing, knowing you’re contributing to a greener world. It’s the ultimate combination of adventure, comfort, and social consciousness—all wrapped up in an unforgettable journey across the Baltic Sea.
Finnlines.