You don't need fins to get across (Tallinn-Helsinki)

Member Name: dangaroo

Product:	Tallinn-Helsinki
Date:	06/08/09 (26 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Simple cheap efficient service

Disadvantages: Annoying cabaret act!

Tallinn - Helsinki is just a short paddle across the Baltic and it's Estonia's ferry company Tallink that ply the route. In recent years the company have been involved in a bit of controversy but none of it has been really passenger related (well there was that one who fell over board and perished!), I can only think that the guy was being stupid at the time though or as many of the passengers tend to be - was completely wasted.

For me it was a lot less lively experience back in 2004, I boarded the Fantaasia which took around 4 hours to make the crossing, other crossings take anywhere from the 2 hour shuttle through to 3.5 hours, there used to be a slow boat which took all night in an attempt to allow Finns to get as drunk as possible on Estonian price booze on the boat but I think that that no longer runs.

These days the Fantaasia has been taken out of service, along with a load of other contemporary vessles, the boats built in the late 70s have been replaced by modern ships built in around 2006. The boat I took had the usual range of facilities such as cafes serving over priced food, one or two bar lounges and a windswept deck, I can't recall a swimming pool on board but can unfortunately remember the tedious Finnish cabaret act who I unfortunately listened to for the best part of 3 hours as the only available seat was next to that racket!

Prices range from 24 euros to 40 euros depending on the time of departure and the day. All other surcharges for cabins etc can be found on their website at http://www.tallinksilja.com/en/tab1/oneWay/hel-tal /

Summary: Recommended!