Silja Serenade with opened bow doors
The Silja Serenade cruise is one of my cruise dreams. It shows that dreams become to real if believe in it. So it was.
Silja serenade is one of Silja line's 4 ships. She is 203 m long and 12 decks high, carry 2852 passengers. The ship have built in 1990 in Masa Yards, Turu. She was the biggest Cruise ferry on the Baltic sea until Silja Europa got launched. The Silja Symphony is a sister of the Silja Serenade. They sail on route Helsinki-Mariehamn-Stockholm. She has big promenade with shops and caffes. There take plake acrobatic shows.
Silja serenade is one of Silja line's 4 ships. She is 203 m long and 12 decks high, carry 2852 passengers. The ship have built in 1990 in Masa Yards, Turu. She was the biggest Cruise ferry on the Baltic sea until Silja Europa got launched. The Silja Symphony is a sister of the Silja Serenade. They sail on route Helsinki-Mariehamn-Stockholm. She has big promenade with shops and caffes. There take plake acrobatic shows.
1. part: Sailing to Helsinki by Superstar
I managed to terminal early. After check in I walked around on port area. There stopped any yachts and three cruise ships. The Prinsendam was opposite AidaSol. Saga Pearl II was there too. I walked and walked until I saw the Forsby. She had some balloons and two mans cleaned her decks.
I walked back to terminal and waited until the boarding was open. The firts part for the cruise had to sail from Tallinn to Helsinki. The Superstar left great impresion. Inside fresh and clean, not smell as old ship. I went to upper deck for the Prinsendam. Great view was from the stern, because the Baltic Princess blocked the Prinsendam. The Prinsendam is about same big than Tallink ferries.
Big water lied on the Superstar deck, cleaners yust had cleaned that. It made deck slipy and I almost slipped.
The superstar is a shuttle ferry and her route from Tallinn and from Helsinki is 2 hours. I was on stern while the ship disembarking. I walked around and watched rooms. The ferry has interesting inside details as panorama in aft and bow. Rhe Dolce-Vita bar is 3 decks hihg and has high and almost ship wide glassed area in front. Wiew from it is amazing. In aft are big glass panorama windows. There feel hos the ship shake and does noise. Propellers worked hardly, she fast ship too.
weather wasn't good. Rainy and wind rised suddelny. More and more time forward, rough went harder and harder. Hard was stay on legs, the ship jumped on waves or went through them. at front panorama got see, how she went through waves so that water cam on "face". The big glass in front reminds giant sunglasses and these sunglasses were full with sea water.
I went to shop one time and walking was hard because underfoot sink and rise. Sometime I heared creak and thud. That sound did waves. I felt as a drunked people, head go round and round and walking not on line. Really fun was, I hadn't seasick.
I got one bag vith Tallink fleet picture. it was my special bag along the trip.
I went to outside deck and watched waves. These were relly high, maybe 5 m or more. The water splashed on face and I ran inside fast because I felt fly away soon.
Sometime cam water on face of ship and the big window was full with water. I sat in the room, waves game was as good show. The Superstar managed to port 15 minute later. Cruising at rough is difference and enjoyable. I loved the part of the cruise. Hadn't boring moments and all time was amazing.
The Tallink Shuttle ferry the Superstar becam my favorite. Love its difference look and inside. Furniture is in calm colors. Dominating color is light brown. Outside of the shiop is yellow-green as gras with orange strips.
Some cruise ships were stopping at Tallinn's harbour while i left. My special favorite cruise ship is Prinsdendam from Holland-America cruiseing company, Saga Pearl 2 from Saga Cruises and Aida ship.
After 2 hours roughy sailing to Helsinki I saw Royal Caribbean Cruise Line the Vision of the seas and Ibero Cruceros Grand Mistral.
Cruise on Silja Serenade
I managed to West Harbour in Helsinki and need to get in South Harbour where leave my ship. I took Taxi.
I managed to Silja Line terminal Olympia. After tickets check in and about two hours waiting I boarded on Silja Serenade. There went long passenger corridor for ship boarding. One dint was in silja Serenade's hull. What happened with the Silja serenade?? I thinked for this question. Maybe she hit dock at rough sea?!?!
Ship photographer took photos about arriveal people. He made three photos about me, he asked before. On Silja serenade door stood moomin and small myy mascots. Silja ships has moomin sign on hull with letters"Official moomin carrier". It means that the ships carry moomins. Moomins are cow like Finn characters for kids. These mascots does show at cruise.
The first look about the Silja serenade was mighty. Big promenad in middle, shops and restaurants around. I had any bags and I went in my cabin. My cabin was c class inside on derck 2, under car deck. The cabin is comfortable with 4 beds. Two are low and two upper beds. The cabin is for 4 persons but I was there with my best friend. So we had lots of room. I put my bags on free bed. I had food, clothes, handy(for camera), hygiene utensils, money and board card. In the cabin is wardrobe for hanging up jacket, one small table with chair, big mirror, shower and WC and phone. I packed out my things and left for ship tour. I went on sun deck for first and follow ship traffic. Viking Line's red ferry the Gabriela was opposite. Small ships sailed around. I liked follow them. Direct way between stern and bow on deck 10 and 12. In middle lie big glassed area for promenade ceiling. Good view opened in promenade. Mighty view opens from bow and stern. At stern see how sea foam in bask and at bow see where ship goes. Love this. Not long time until the Silja serenade start and navigated out of dock. Oceania Insignia was leaving for Stockholm. She sailed with my ship. Vision of the seas left for another way. Our ship left at 17.00 local time. She sailed 16 hours. I had cruise Helsinki-Stockholm-Helsinki.
At sea, I had a fun shopping. I got a shirt with Silja Serenade picture. I went back to cabin and change shirt. I walked around on lifeboats deck. In front of the ship lie closed railing. There woices echoy . There was fun. I made sounds and it echoyed back.
Went dark, promenade shined in red and yellow. It made wonderful atmosphere. In promenade are some cabins. Around the promenade are lounges and shops.
I sat at lounge until late evening. Sometime I went out and search other ships around. Some lights shined in horizon. One was Insignia and also shined Baltic queen(wery far, one yellow spot) These ships were also on way to stockholm. I went in cabin about at 02.00. I hadn't good sleep and waked up oft. at night time The Silja serenade have a stop in mariehamn.. I waked up while the ship wheezed and walls vibrated. It was strong because my cabin lie close bow thrusters. Cars didn't hard noise.
I slept until alarm clock ringed. One trouble again. My friend put the alarm clock for 06.30 in helsinki time but stockholm time is 05.30. I tryed to sleep forward until wake up time. I had a breakfast at buffet serenade. Breackfast was good: sausage, cheese, omelet and bacon. Fruits, cakes and yam for dessert.
After breakfast I went to upper deck for one great moment. Wait and weit until come out funnel of Silja Europa from behind of skerries. Between Finland and sweden are lots of skerries and islets. Some has house on and trees-grass. Silja Europa cam closer and closer. She comes opposite on way to Stockholm. She shined with sun, her upper deck empty, nobody on upper deck. I looked for her until she lost behind islands.
I went back to cabin and pack some things for stockholm tour. I stood on bow area and look to sea. The stockholm silhouette shined. I went to upper deck for follow docking. I listened how bow propellers start. Wuinn and hard noise. Silja Serenade put bow toward dock and cars rode out.
I managed to West Harbour in Helsinki and need to get in South Harbour where leave my ship. I took Taxi.
I managed to Silja Line terminal Olympia. After tickets check in and about two hours waiting I boarded on Silja Serenade. There went long passenger corridor for ship boarding. One dint was in silja Serenade's hull. What happened with the Silja serenade?? I thinked for this question. Maybe she hit dock at rough sea?!?!
Ship photographer took photos about arriveal people. He made three photos about me, he asked before. On Silja serenade door stood moomin and small myy mascots. Silja ships has moomin sign on hull with letters"Official moomin carrier". It means that the ships carry moomins. Moomins are cow like Finn characters for kids. These mascots does show at cruise.
The first look about the Silja serenade was mighty. Big promenad in middle, shops and restaurants around. I had any bags and I went in my cabin. My cabin was c class inside on derck 2, under car deck. The cabin is comfortable with 4 beds. Two are low and two upper beds. The cabin is for 4 persons but I was there with my best friend. So we had lots of room. I put my bags on free bed. I had food, clothes, handy(for camera), hygiene utensils, money and board card. In the cabin is wardrobe for hanging up jacket, one small table with chair, big mirror, shower and WC and phone. I packed out my things and left for ship tour. I went on sun deck for first and follow ship traffic. Viking Line's red ferry the Gabriela was opposite. Small ships sailed around. I liked follow them. Direct way between stern and bow on deck 10 and 12. In middle lie big glassed area for promenade ceiling. Good view opened in promenade. Mighty view opens from bow and stern. At stern see how sea foam in bask and at bow see where ship goes. Love this. Not long time until the Silja serenade start and navigated out of dock. Oceania Insignia was leaving for Stockholm. She sailed with my ship. Vision of the seas left for another way. Our ship left at 17.00 local time. She sailed 16 hours. I had cruise Helsinki-Stockholm-Helsinki.
At sea, I had a fun shopping. I got a shirt with Silja Serenade picture. I went back to cabin and change shirt. I walked around on lifeboats deck. In front of the ship lie closed railing. There woices echoy . There was fun. I made sounds and it echoyed back.
Went dark, promenade shined in red and yellow. It made wonderful atmosphere. In promenade are some cabins. Around the promenade are lounges and shops.
I sat at lounge until late evening. Sometime I went out and search other ships around. Some lights shined in horizon. One was Insignia and also shined Baltic queen(wery far, one yellow spot) These ships were also on way to stockholm. I went in cabin about at 02.00. I hadn't good sleep and waked up oft. at night time The Silja serenade have a stop in mariehamn.. I waked up while the ship wheezed and walls vibrated. It was strong because my cabin lie close bow thrusters. Cars didn't hard noise.
I slept until alarm clock ringed. One trouble again. My friend put the alarm clock for 06.30 in helsinki time but stockholm time is 05.30. I tryed to sleep forward until wake up time. I had a breakfast at buffet serenade. Breackfast was good: sausage, cheese, omelet and bacon. Fruits, cakes and yam for dessert.
After breakfast I went to upper deck for one great moment. Wait and weit until come out funnel of Silja Europa from behind of skerries. Between Finland and sweden are lots of skerries and islets. Some has house on and trees-grass. Silja Europa cam closer and closer. She comes opposite on way to Stockholm. She shined with sun, her upper deck empty, nobody on upper deck. I looked for her until she lost behind islands.
I went back to cabin and pack some things for stockholm tour. I stood on bow area and look to sea. The stockholm silhouette shined. I went to upper deck for follow docking. I listened how bow propellers start. Wuinn and hard noise. Silja Serenade put bow toward dock and cars rode out.
At night time I saw lots of beauty on the Silja Serenade. Her promenade had red and yellow shine. It is the most beautiful thing on the ship.
In early morning, I watched on horizon for seeing Silja Europa. Silja Europa left off Stockholm and have to come opposite. Not long time while the Silja Europa's funnel shined out behind of skerries. She passed our ship.
Silja serenade managed to her own place. I waited until passengers door open for landing. I went to deck 7 where taken place landing.
I opened stockholm map and looked places. I have a swede friend who wanted to meet me. She managed not to train and she called me to Central station. I searched up this place on card. oh, it lie far of port. I went to underground station and ask: How get to cantral station?. No undergrounds was going there at this moment. I leaved and try to take a bus. One problem again, bus ticket automats lie on streets and I don't know how use them. I called to my friend that I couldn't to find way to Central station. Finally I sayd that we can meet on another time. Stockholm is foreign town for me.
My food got ower and I searched way to foodshop. I asked way from street but nothing. Someone sayd that food shop lie on port area. I walked forward and back until I saw a big house near to Insignia stopping place. There lie a foodshop. After shopping, I walked on street for seeing more. My legs were hurt and I went back to port. I waited in terminal for ship. I had card games with my cruise mate. Later, I went next to boarding door and I saw someone got to ship. I taken out my board card for going to ship early.
I opened stockholm map and looked places. I have a swede friend who wanted to meet me. She managed not to train and she called me to Central station. I searched up this place on card. oh, it lie far of port. I went to underground station and ask: How get to cantral station?. No undergrounds was going there at this moment. I leaved and try to take a bus. One problem again, bus ticket automats lie on streets and I don't know how use them. I called to my friend that I couldn't to find way to Central station. Finally I sayd that we can meet on another time. Stockholm is foreign town for me.
My food got ower and I searched way to foodshop. I asked way from street but nothing. Someone sayd that food shop lie on port area. I walked forward and back until I saw a big house near to Insignia stopping place. There lie a foodshop. After shopping, I walked on street for seeing more. My legs were hurt and I went back to port. I waited in terminal for ship. I had card games with my cruise mate. Later, I went next to boarding door and I saw someone got to ship. I taken out my board card for going to ship early.
Tallink ship the Romantika was sailing ahead while my ship arrived Stockholm. She cam from Riga. I have been on the Romantika on 2008 and happy was see her again. Oceania cruises Insignia was there too. Silja serenade went next Baltic Queen.
After boarding, I went in my cabin. I put my things away and sprawl on bed. I had tiredness.
I had a drawing about the Silja serenade. I hesitated to show that but my mate gave spirit. I went to ship info for ask a question. I sayd"I am Silja serenade fan and I want to present this drawing to captain. Is it bossible?" and the info worker sayd that it is bossible. And added that I shall wait until bridge tour. Not long wait until some folk cam together and cruise manager refer us to bridge. I managed to bridge. Cruise manager tould about the Silja serenade and show bridge console. There any knobs and screens. I had any questions. I saw ship fire control plan on wall and ship lights plan. The bridge look something similar to film's ships. Big radar screen and any knobs. Lights plan looked as on movies, knobs around what turn in board lights.
I asked a queston about become a captain. Way to become a captain is long and hard. I have a dream about become a captain. Finally I presented my drawing away. Captain had a rest and a steerman accepted my drawing. He sayd nothing, had a smile on face and he wondered. Interesting, what the captain want to do with my drawing?? I don't know. Maybe I get to know that in future.
I had a drawing about the Silja serenade. I hesitated to show that but my mate gave spirit. I went to ship info for ask a question. I sayd"I am Silja serenade fan and I want to present this drawing to captain. Is it bossible?" and the info worker sayd that it is bossible. And added that I shall wait until bridge tour. Not long wait until some folk cam together and cruise manager refer us to bridge. I managed to bridge. Cruise manager tould about the Silja serenade and show bridge console. There any knobs and screens. I had any questions. I saw ship fire control plan on wall and ship lights plan. The bridge look something similar to film's ships. Big radar screen and any knobs. Lights plan looked as on movies, knobs around what turn in board lights.
I asked a queston about become a captain. Way to become a captain is long and hard. I have a dream about become a captain. Finally I presented my drawing away. Captain had a rest and a steerman accepted my drawing. He sayd nothing, had a smile on face and he wondered. Interesting, what the captain want to do with my drawing?? I don't know. Maybe I get to know that in future.
I had tiredness and had rest in cabin. Not long time and I waked up and walked to upper deck. I went up to 12. deck slowly.
On upper deck I looked to sea. Weit until the Silja Serenade leave. One man performed on quitar. A group with colourful characters ran around and sang. It is greeting to passengers.
I went to shopping. I bought souvenirs. Silja cards, key-holder and silja line purse. I bought jummy candies a lot.
In promenade taken place danceing girls show. I found bad place for following and any remained unlooked. I saw acropatics too. The promenade in mid- ship is high and there take place acropatic shows.
Later, I went to stern and look back. I love to look onto sea, it calm me. I watch ship videos oft because so I find calm feeling. On the silja serenade I got to look onto sea really and it is better than watch videos.
View from stern was great, some ships shined on sea silhouette. Baltic Queen sail with us in far toward Tallinn. Later, I went to bow bar and sit until late evening. Dance girls made a show. Later, one band did hard rock show.
I had hard tirednes. I went back to cabin. So this evening end.
I waked up in early morning. I had a breakfast at buffet Serenade. Brakfast is good on the Silja serenade. It is the best eat time on this trip becuase others foodtime I ate buns what was taken from home.
After breakfast, I went back to cabin. I packed things in bags, cruise was ending.
I taken my things along. I sat in echoing place and looked to sea. So lost the sadness for this moment.
Helsinki silhouette shined. The Silja serenade managed to port. I heared how she start her bow propellers. She aim his stern toward dock.
I went to lifeboats deck for following the ship navigateing for dock.
I saw how one man cleaned the ship windows. water rained fall and I had to leave off the lifeboat deck. Cleaner grew arrived to ship. Passengers door went in order and folk start to landing. I went there and so this cruise end. I walked off ship and look back to ship. The Silja serenade is the best ship where I have been on. I felt as at home even better on her. I haven't any words for describe the great moments on the silja serenade. The ship is beauty and I remain remembering her as shiny, clear, friendly and mighty ship. Is sayd Silja Line ships are the most beautiful ships on the baltic sea, and it is true. I haven't bad memories from this cruise, all was as in dream, happy and off sarrow life.
Riding home
I managed in South harbour and had to get in West harbour. I had lots of time and decided walk there. On way I saw Helsinki town. Finally, I managed in West harbour, did check in and wait until boarding on M/S Star. The Star arrived from Tallinn. A half hour later, I boarded. HAL cruise ship the Rotterdam was in port too at the moment. My ship left early, she closed her stern ramps and was ready to leave. The Rotterdam and the Star did harn battle. One did harder sound than other. My ears were going in lock because it was mighty sound. Star left fast and I shopped a bit and went on stern and spent almost all time there. I listened music and enjoy sailing. Celebrity Constellation and Superstar cam opposite. Not long time until fat rain wall. We were arriving it Tallinn while start hard rain, all were grey.
So end the last day of the wonderful cruise.
the last moments with Silja Serenade
On upper deck I looked to sea. Weit until the Silja Serenade leave. One man performed on quitar. A group with colourful characters ran around and sang. It is greeting to passengers.
I went to shopping. I bought souvenirs. Silja cards, key-holder and silja line purse. I bought jummy candies a lot.
In promenade taken place danceing girls show. I found bad place for following and any remained unlooked. I saw acropatics too. The promenade in mid- ship is high and there take place acropatic shows.
Later, I went to stern and look back. I love to look onto sea, it calm me. I watch ship videos oft because so I find calm feeling. On the silja serenade I got to look onto sea really and it is better than watch videos.
View from stern was great, some ships shined on sea silhouette. Baltic Queen sail with us in far toward Tallinn. Later, I went to bow bar and sit until late evening. Dance girls made a show. Later, one band did hard rock show.
I had hard tirednes. I went back to cabin. So this evening end.
I waked up in early morning. I had a breakfast at buffet Serenade. Brakfast is good on the Silja serenade. It is the best eat time on this trip becuase others foodtime I ate buns what was taken from home.
After breakfast, I went back to cabin. I packed things in bags, cruise was ending.
I taken my things along. I sat in echoing place and looked to sea. So lost the sadness for this moment.
Helsinki silhouette shined. The Silja serenade managed to port. I heared how she start her bow propellers. She aim his stern toward dock.
I went to lifeboats deck for following the ship navigateing for dock.
I saw how one man cleaned the ship windows. water rained fall and I had to leave off the lifeboat deck. Cleaner grew arrived to ship. Passengers door went in order and folk start to landing. I went there and so this cruise end. I walked off ship and look back to ship. The Silja serenade is the best ship where I have been on. I felt as at home even better on her. I haven't any words for describe the great moments on the silja serenade. The ship is beauty and I remain remembering her as shiny, clear, friendly and mighty ship. Is sayd Silja Line ships are the most beautiful ships on the baltic sea, and it is true. I haven't bad memories from this cruise, all was as in dream, happy and off sarrow life.
Riding home
I managed in South harbour and had to get in West harbour. I had lots of time and decided walk there. On way I saw Helsinki town. Finally, I managed in West harbour, did check in and wait until boarding on M/S Star. The Star arrived from Tallinn. A half hour later, I boarded. HAL cruise ship the Rotterdam was in port too at the moment. My ship left early, she closed her stern ramps and was ready to leave. The Rotterdam and the Star did harn battle. One did harder sound than other. My ears were going in lock because it was mighty sound. Star left fast and I shopped a bit and went on stern and spent almost all time there. I listened music and enjoy sailing. Celebrity Constellation and Superstar cam opposite. Not long time until fat rain wall. We were arriving it Tallinn while start hard rain, all were grey.
So end the last day of the wonderful cruise.
the last moments with Silja Serenade
On star, Rotterdam at Helsinki
Capital was in rain at arriving. There was stopping two cruise ships the Balmoral from Fred.Olsen and Costa Fascinosa from Costa Cruises.
Alltogether, the cruise was wonderful, full with great memories. Hard is find words describing all moments. I can say, Silja Serenade is wonderful and great ship. She is that because she has big promenade, opened upper decks(no end in stern or in bow), food is fantastic in buffet and any more. Good weather nade the cruise happier, but sailing on Superstar was roughy.
If happen ever one time and need sailing in Stockholm from Helsinki, I will take the Silja Serenade again. It will be happy time if come back ever on happy and beautiful ship.
If happen ever one time and need sailing in Stockholm from Helsinki, I will take the Silja Serenade again. It will be happy time if come back ever on happy and beautiful ship.