A smooth family adventure or a fully serviced celebration in the middle of the sea.
Finnlines’ new Superstar-class ships offer culinary delights in stylish restaurant settings, spa experiences with panoramic sea views, and peaceful private spaces.
While Finnlines is well-known for its freight services, the company also caters to passenger travel. Marco Palmu, head of Finnlines’ passenger services, shares that the company has invested hundreds of millions of euros in new ships, with two new Superstar-class freight-passenger vessels set to begin operating between Finland and Sweden this year.
“Finnlines’ passenger services are making a big leap forward,” Palmu describes.
Currently, the Finnlines ships on the Naantali-Långnäs-Kapellskär route accommodate 550 passengers, while the new ships will double that capacity to 1,100 passengers.
“We’re also doubling passenger comfort. Currently, passenger services are available on one deck, but the new ships will have two decks dedicated to passenger amenities.”
The company still promises a calm and seamless sea journey in a cozy environment, rather than a noisy entertainment scene.
“The new spaces were designed in collaboration with Vertti Kivi, with the archipelago and sea reflected in the interior design,” says Palmu, visibly excited about the look of the new ships.
Passengers can enjoy the trip even without a cabin. The new ships will feature a high-quality business lounge with panoramic windows. Palmu anticipates that the 400-square-meter covered outdoor terrace, open year-round on the top deck, will be very popular.
While the brand-new ships will start sailing in the fall, Palmu has good news for families this coming summer.
“The route between Finland and Germany has already had entertainment for children, and in the summer of 2023, there will be programs for children on the Finnlines ships between Finland and Sweden as well.”
According to Palmu, the maritime-themed activities have been well received by families. The sea journey passes quickly and leaves the whole family with fond memories. Although the time spent on the ship is often just part of the trip for families, Palmu believes it should still be something everyone can fully enjoy together.
The new ships set to sail in the fall will also cater to families, offering 25-square-meter family cabins for up to six passengers and new types of play areas for children.
The deck will feature a safe, covered outdoor play area under the stars, created in collaboration with Finnish playground manufacturer Lappset.
“The restaurant will have a dedicated area for families, and children will have an indoor play area designed for imaginative captain-themed play,” Palmu adds.
Finnlines’ new ships will also be an option for those looking to combine a sea voyage with a meeting, seminar, or private event. Unforgettable celebrations can also be held at sea.
“Meetings, corporate events, and celebrations will have top-notch facilities, ensuring everyone enjoys themselves. The spacious six-person cabins are also perfect for groups of friends.”
The ever-changing archipelago scenery creates a unique atmosphere for private events, with relaxation continuing in the spa or restaurant areas.
Palmu notes that many passengers choose Finnlines because of the pet-friendly cabins. In the future, pets will be able to travel on the new ships without a cabin.
Finnlines’ routes run from Naantali to Åland and Sweden via the scenic archipelago, as well as from Finland to Germany.
The new ships sailing between Finland and Sweden will fly the Finnish flag. Passengers on Finnlines can also feel good knowing that, along with passengers, the ships are transporting freight, contributing to Finland’s economy.
“By combining freight transport with passenger services and ensuring the ships are full, both goods and people travel sustainably,” Palmu explains.
Sustainability has been considered in all phases of the new ships’ design, from surface materials and furnishings to uniforms and technical solutions.
Text: Tiina Örn
