Ferries between Stockholm and Helsinki

When I took the Silja ferry on this route a few years ago, I barely spent anytime in my cabin, and only got about three hours sleep. There was so much to do around the ship(discos, stage shows, meals, scenery) that I got caught in the fun. I didn't notice any deck chairs, those few people that didn't purchase the cabins camped out inside, like the hallways and other public spaces.
Having said that if I were to do it all over again I would still book a cabin, if only as a place to store your gear.

I've always paid for a cabin. I personally couldn't take one night without any sleep, let alone two nights. It used to be that only Viking line offered the deck passage only option; Silja required you to get a cabin. I don't know if that is still the case.

Hi, I wouldn't try to last out all night on a ferry in spite of the numerous activities/distractions, etc. As with a night train three hours of sleep is better than none. The one time I took an overnight ferry from Malmö to Travemünde (Ger), there was a general room called a Ruhesalon for those who did not reserve a berth or anything else. I was one of these passengers and took over an armchair seat. They all were armchair seats. No place for luggage except placing it next to you.

Even if it was possible, what would you gain? You'd be so wiped out the next day, that Helsinki would be a blur and you wouldn't have much of any fun. I had a reclining seat on an overnight train once, and the next day was aweful. Many of the people on those ferries will stay up all night. But that is their intention: to party all night and have a good time for MUCH cheaper than they can on land. It's also the reason I would not want to rent a shared cabin... Besides, small cabins in the bowels of the ship are quite inexpensive. BTW - Viking is known more as the party ship. Silja is more subdued.

Good thoughts, folks. Esp the part about being blotto the next day after sitting up all night! I think I'll pop for the berth if I take the trip. Thx.

My wife and I took the ferry from Stockholm to Helsinki in July 2011 and I agree with the main point in the replies above: book a cabin. But I want to challenge one notion that Douglas mentioned (and that is also discussed in Rick Steves Scandinavia guide): Viking is a loud party boat, compared to the Tallink/Silja boat. We booked Viking because it was a bit cheaper than Tallink/Silja, and the website was easier to use. We are in our late 60's and don't party much, but we had no problem with noise or drunken revelers on Viking. Take whichever line works best for you.

"...But I want to challenge one notion that Douglas mentioned (and that is also discussed in Rick Steves Scandinavia guide): Viking is a loud party boat..." When I did my journey with the Silja vessel, we docked at a small island for a short stop around midnight. When the Viking ship docked along side a few minutes later, the drunken revelers threw beer bottles at the rival ferry....they didn't hit anything:) YMMV

Bob - you may well be right that the party reputation of Viking is undeserved or exagerated. My experience was with Silja. I also noted that one might want to avoid a shared cabin as it can expose you to late-night revellers. You might have slept through the all night partying in peace and quiet down in your private cabin.

Well this is all good stuff. A lot to think about. At my age (late 60s) I'm a bit past the partying age, but I'm not dead yet either! It almost sounds as if booking a 4-berth cabin might not necessarily be a whole lot quieter than on deck!

Tom, The "party" tends to happen on Friday and Saturday night. If you travel mid-week, things will be quieter. Viking has a reputation of being more of a party boat simply because it has lower-priced tickets so tends to attract a younger crowd. I've taken both lines and was able to sleep fine on both. The real "party boats" are the cruises that only go to Mariehamn (in Åland Islands) and then return to Stockholm (Birka Paradise and Viking Cinderella). Michael might have seen one of these boats. Most people take these boats only to enjoy the cruise ... no day in Helsinki. The cruises between Stockholm and Helsinki also go via the Åland Islands as this allows them to offer the duty-free liquor on board. The Åland Islands, while a Finnish Territory, are autonomous and not subject to the EU tax rules.

The Viking boat I witnessed was doing the regular Stockholm-Helsinki route. They were in "convoy" for the entire journey.

It almost sounds as if booking a 4-berth cabin might not necessarily be a whole lot quieter than on deck! It's just a caution, like telling you it might rain in London. You are way overthinking this. I don't know what your budget is, but a small cabin on either ferry is very inexpensive in relative terms. The ferries are wonderful and lots of fun with great scenery. Have fun and enjoy the trip, but plan to get a good night's sleep if you want to have any enjoyment of Helsinki the next day. If your bunkmates come back at 4:00AM sloshed, you will not get much sleep but only you know what constitutes a good night's sleep for you. Viking is known more as a little more party-oriented, but it's not like the whole ship is one big frat party ala Animal House... The "fun" happens in the bars, clubs and on deck mostly.