Stockholm-Helsinki Overnight Cruise: A Complete Guide with Personal Insights

The Stockholm–Helsinki overnight cruise is a popular travel experience for visitors to Scandinavia. Rather than just moving from point A to B, it transforms your travel into part of the adventure. With stunning archipelago views, diverse onboard amenities, and a short stop in the Finnish capital, it’s an efficient and enjoyable way to explore the Baltic region.

I've taken this cruise twice — once in August 2011 aboard Viking Line’s Gabriella and again in May 2023 with Tallink Silja Line. While each cruise line has its own personality, both offered scenic beauty, fun activities, and stress-free travel.

This cruise is typically a 2-night round trip, with a full day to explore Helsinki in between.

• Evening Day 1: Depart Stockholm (~16:30–17:00). Cruise through the archipelago with sunset views.
• Morning Day 2: Arrive in Helsinki (~10:00). Spend 6 hours exploring.
• Evening Day 2: Depart Helsinki (~17:00). Enjoy the ship’s amenities again overnight.
• Morning Day 3: Arrive back in Stockholm (~10:00).

Cruises depart from different terminals in Stockholm:

• Viking Line: Stadsgården Terminal on Södermalm (used for Gabriella)
• Tallink Silja Line: Värtahamnen Terminal in the northeast (used in 2023)

Both are reachable by public transport. Check-in is smooth and airport-style: you’ll get a boarding pass and cabin key.

These aren’t just ferries—they’re floating resorts. Onboard offerings include:

• Restaurants & Buffets: Choose from casual buffets to à la carte dining. Buffets are great for families and often include drinks.
• Bars & Entertainment: Live music, karaoke, DJs, and evening shows are common.
• Shopping: Tax-free shops offer souvenirs, alcohol, cosmetics, and clothing.
• Kids’ Activities: Play areas and programs make it child-friendly.
• Spa & Sauna: Perfect for relaxation during the voyage.
• Scenic Viewing: Don’t miss the deck views during archipelago passages.

We stayed in a 2-bed cabin in 2011 and a 4-bed cabin in 2023 — both were comfortable, with the larger one being ideal for families.

With around 6 hours in the city, focus on central Helsinki highlights. Most cruise terminals are near public transport or walkable from the Market Square area.

Places we explored included:

• Senate Square: Home to Helsinki Cathedral
• Market Square (Kauppatori): A great place for local food and souvenirs
• Esplanadi Park: A nice walking route through central Helsinki

You can also take a quick tram to attractions like the Temppeliaukio (Rock) Church or Uspenski Cathedral.

Viking Line and Tallink Silja Line offer similar services, but each has slight differences:

• Viking Line: Known for affordability and scenic routes
• Tallink Silja: Slightly more upscale, with bigger ships and more entertainment variety

• Summer: Long daylight, warm decks, and vibrant cities
• Spring & Fall: Fewer tourists, mild weather, and scenic beauty
• Winter: Quiet ships, snow-covered islands, lower prices

We enjoyed summer in 2011 and spring in 2023 — both had their charm.

• Cabins: Prices range from basic inside rooms to premium sea-view suites
• Season: Summer and weekends cost more
• Booking: Reserve early for best prices and cabin choice
• Extras: Meals, shopping, and spa treatments add to total cost

When you factor in transport, lodging, and entertainment, this cruise often beats booking separately.

• Bring your passport (required if you're non-EU)
• Pack comfortable shoes for exploring Helsinki
• Use a credit/debit card—cash isn’t usually needed
• Plan to be on deck for both departures and arrivals for the best views

Whether you're a solo traveler, couple, or family, the Stockholm–Helsinki overnight cruise offers something special: scenic landscapes, cultural variety, and a relaxing onboard experience. It’s a memorable, practical, and surprisingly affordable way to experience two Nordic capitals in one trip.

Ready to book? Start with the operators’ websites:

• 🔗 Viking Line
• 🔗 Tallink Silja Line