Embarking on a 3-day break from my beloved city of Turku, I’ve chosen the Viking Grace for an adventure to Stockholm. Turku holds a special place in my heart—I can’t think of a city in Finland that I love more.
My destination? Stockholm. I’m heading there to meet friends for the Travel News Market Fair. The best part is, the Viking Grace offers such a convenient route from Turku to Stockholm—it’s an adventure I’ve always longed to embark upon and now I finally have the chance!
Opting for the Viking Grace voyage through Viking Line was an easy choice. Not only is it an environmentally friendlier option to travel between Turku and Stockholm, but it also offers greater flexibility in choosing travel dates. Unlike the restricted weekend flights, the cruise allows more flexibility and is a much more cost-effective alternative.
Viking Grace + Finnish Cruise Culture
One reason the cruise is cheaper than the plane route is because the cruise is always going. Even back in 2020, when the entire world was shut down. The cruise line was still going as its function is also to transport goods between Sweden and Finland.
The cruise itself takes 23 hours from Turku to Stockholm and vice versa. During the week there are some travelers who get off at Stockholm and continue their journey. Whereas, on the weekends the cruise ship may suddenly feel like a party boat.
Finns typically use this 23 hour cruise as a mini-getaway. Savoring the diverse options at the buffet while also indulging in the free wine and beer.
It is also very common to see people lining up at the ship’s duty free shop to buy the reduced price alcohol and tobacco.
Like seriously you will see people with trolleys stocking up on alcohol, it’s just that much cheaper on the boat!
That being said, I am already warning you about booking a trip on the weekend. Depending on the events on the boat it might be a little crazy.
Or you could fully embrace the wild party side of it! It can be a lot of fun 😉
So if you were hoping for a peaceful cruise, I recommend booking during the week, and maybe coming back on a Friday morning (Friday’s and the weekends are the most expensive days for traveling)
Booking and Preparation
While planning for my trip to Sweden, I booked directly from Viking Line’s website about a month in advance. You could also book closer to your travel date. Just in case if you are wanting to do a spontaneous getaway, there isn’t a real change in the ticket price.
However, if you want to reserve a table at one of their special restaurants I would recommend getting your ticket in advance. As well as ordering the meal voucher because the special restaurants have limited seating.
You also get a little discount if you book your meal while paying for your ticket.
After you get your confirmation email, Viking Line will ask you to download their app from the app store.
I strongly recommend downloading the app as it shows you your; check in QR code, trip itinerary, meals requests, and a map of the harbor (which is good for those getting off the boat).
On the app it also ask if you would like to become a member of Viking Line, member benefits does come with discounts when aboard the ship. But, unless you are frequently taking the Viking Line there’s no real reason to become a member.
Viking Grace: Turku to Stockholm Route
While writing this post I will be traveling the Viking Grace during November,
yeah I know, such a beautiful time of year to go on a cruise 😆
During the fall, the Viking Grace will be going from Turku with a small stop-over in Långäs, Åland. Then will continue its journey to Stockholm.
In Stockholm you will arrive at the Port of Stockholm. Many of my Finnish friends say you can just walk to the center from the harbor but honestly get a taxi. It just makes life easier.
And it is November, so if you enjoy walking in the cold dark rain by all means enjoy yourself. Because that’s what I did and I did not in fact enjoy myself 😆
Additionally, depending on your trip you might arrive in Stockholm at 6:30 am. If you do, I strongly recommend you to skip breakfast on the boat. Then take a taxi to a hotel in the city where you can enjoy a long breakfast.
Viking Grace Room Tour
Because I am traveling by myself I kept the standard room option of the Inside Piccolo Two.
The “Inside” part indicates if you’ll have a room with a view of the sea or not. I liked the inside option for this trip because it made sleeping a lot easier.
However if I was traveling with Tuomas I would have definitely reserved the Seaside Double. That way Tuomas and I could share a bed and get some nice views of the ocean.
The Piccolo Two, is a compact room with a couch that can be pulled down into a bed. There are technically two beds in this cabin. However, considering the limited amount of space only it’s recommended that only one sleeps there.
In all the rooms there is a TV, internal phone, hairdryer, AC/heating, toilet and a shower. You can check out the different types of rooms aboard the Viking Grace here on Viking Line’s website.
What to Do on Board the Viking Grace
Spa & Sauna- Y’all, the Spa and Sauna was so worth it on the Viking Grace. I literally want to go back on the boat just to enjoy the Spa again. Because I knew that I was going to be getting on the boat really early, I booked the earliest Marine Facial (78€) that was available. It was an hour of pure bliss.
After you spa treatment you can also enjoy the spa area. If you get one of the spa services, like the facial, then it is included in the price. If you just want to enjoy the spa and sauna without any additional services then it is 27€ for adults.
There is one big sauna, an herbal sauna, and a cold room as well as two jacuzzis with views of the sea. I enjoyed my time soaking up in the jacuzzi enjoying the views of the archipelago. Even in November those views were worth it. It was mesmerizing seeing the foggy gray sky hugging the tree tops as the waves rocked gently.
It almost, almost made November in Finland seem like the perfect time of year to visit 🥰
Shopping- Of course, it wouldn’t be a cruise without some light shopping. In Finland this is when you will usually see people getting off the boat with crates of alcohol, boxes of cigarettes, a lot of pouches of snus. It’s because everything is much cheaper on the boat.
I bought some cigars and the Lumene Christmas Advent Calendar Box because it was the cheapest price I’ve seen it for 75€.
Usually it’s like 86-116€ depending on the store 🤯
If you are looking for souvenirs or just discounted prices on some of your favorite products then you don’t want to miss out on the shopping on board.
Arcade – There are teen spaces and a small arcade lounge on board the Viking Grace. The areas don’t hold many people and there isn’t a place to cash in for prizes if you win games.
So as an American the arcade area was a little lackluster, I’m just so used to Chuck-e-cheese and Dave and Busters, so if that’s the vibe your were expecting then their arcade area might disappoint you.
Kid’s Rooms- This area was really cute, at least looking from the outside, I was traveling alone so there wasn’t a need for me to check out this area. I did see Ville the Viking Line Mascot hanging out with the children there, and they all seemed to be having a great time.
Daily Challenges- On these type of cruise ships, there is usually bingo or other small challenges you can do on board throughout the day. Usually on the weekend there is a bigger program but when I went it was very chill.
Casino- This really isn’t my area of expertise. I have never been to a casino and really don’t want to. Okay well maybe once in my life it might be cool. But this isn’t the place for that once in my life.
Where to Eat on the Viking Grace
On board the viking grace you have your choice of dining options:
The Buffet Aurora- This is the most popular option amongst Finns. Remember when I said there is this huge party culture on these boats? Lets just say it’s not only for the young college students. The buffet has some decent options, though I think there best part was this seafood portion. At the buffet you get complimentary wine and beer (all you can drink) from the same area you get your soda.
That being said, if you go on the cruise on a Friday or Saturday evening, or anytime during the summer, it might be a little crazy. As Karija said, it’s crazy it’s party.
Sweet & Salty- If you are looking for something more budget friendly or grab and go kind of food then Sweet & Salty is your spot. When I got on the Viking Grace in Turku I stopped by here to grab a sandwich and a bag of chips ( I am American and there are some habits that I refuse to break. Like eating chips with a sandwich) Overall I really enjoyed their grab and go selection.
They also provide a breakfast and lunch buffet on a smaller scale with some more of your traditional foods. For example meatballs and mashed potatoes.
I went here for breakfast before leaving the ship, and it was alright. I had porridge with berries and juice, which is my usual everyday breakfast. Definitely wish I would’ve found a hotel breakfast somewhere in the city though. It really all depends on your budget at the end of the day.
Oscar A la Carte- If you are looking for a calm romantic dinner in a quiet space than I recommend eating at Oscar A la Carte. They have an extensive wine list as well as 3-course dinner options.
Franks Casual Dining- If you are a picky eater, or are traveling with some picky eaters then Franks is your place to go. They have all the classics like burgers, pizza, and pasta at a very fair price.
Where to Drink on the Viking Grace
On the weekends you can expect to find most of these bars packed. So if you want a good spot for a concert or a table then get there early.
Rockmore Bar- On my way to Stockholm I got a drink here. It gave your usual dive bar vibes, there was a guitarist that was kinda picky about his song requests.
But I guess if you’ve been requested the same songs multiple times then I would get tired of playing them too.
Seamore Champange Lounge- On my way back from Stockholm I enjoyed a class of champagne here. The vibes were very classy and elegant. Though you don’t have to worry if you are not dressed for the part.
Throughout the voyage they will have someone playing the piano which just adds to the beautiful atmosphere.
Retro Bar & Dancing- This is where you can find everyone playing bingo, singing karaoke, and dancing. When I was aboard the Viking Grace this was where all the events were held.
Club Vogue- Like I said earlier, the Viking Grace can be a fun party boat during the summer and weekends. Club Vogue is where the party happens.
[mailerlite_form form_id=1]Additional Tips for Your Voyage on the Viking Grace
Honestly, the Viking Grace is what you make of it. If you want a romantic and relaxing spa experience then, go during the week when there are less people and enjoy yourselves.
If you are looking for a fun party weekend it can be that too. Or if you want to use it as what it is, a ferry to Stockholm, then there are ways for you to do that too.
Also, if I haven’t said enough book everything ahead of time, if you wait there might not be spots left, especially for the spa.
Overall, I really enjoyed my experience on board the Viking Grace and would use it again as a way to travel from Turku to Stockholm. I also saw that the Viking Grace had a couples massage available in the Spa so I want to bring Tuomas with me next time to enjoy the views.
Have you been aboard the Viking Grace? What were your thoughts?
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