If you have ever been on a cruise, you know that it is a love at the first sight and for many others love forever. On a last summer day, I had the chance to board VikingLine´s vessel M/S Gabriella from Stockholm to Helsinki and it was a lifetime experience. That over-night sailing brought me so much joy and excitement that I cannot simply keep it just for myself. Therefore, I will now embark you on this journey with me, so you won’t hesitate too much and book your next holiday onboard of Viking Line.

Boarding starts approximately 1 and half hour before sailing the main port (4.30 p.m.), in my case the one in Stockholm. You had a chance to sightsee the city a bit since early in the morning, therefore when the time comes, you head to the port and begin your boarding process. At the counter or in a self-service kiosk you check yourself in and head toward the security control where your ID is being checked. Afterwards you just passed through several corridors and escalator, and you are already on a board of this beauty.

M/S Gabriella operates on Stockholm-Helsinki route and consists of 12 decks with car space, cabins, shopping and entertainment facilities, dining halls and captain´s deck. You can stay in one of the several categories cabins such as standard/comfort/premium or inside and seaside. I had the chance to experience the premium seaside which was a perfect with for two. You have a plenty of space to unpack, sit down or even work a little bit but I guarantee you will choose to spend the time discovering all the cruise has to offer.

When it comes to passing your time onboard you can either head to tax-free shop and buy yourself a souvenir, nice with or chocolate. Or for the wellness lovers, I recommend indulging in a spa area with whirlpool, Finish sauna and steam bath. You can book your package for an extra fee but its worth spending two hours after day of sightseeing just relax and get a new energy for the time ahead. Highlight of your stay is for sure the evening entertainment. Whether you decide to head for some karaoke or just simply listen to the live dance, you will not go back to your cabin feeling board.

Dining also plays a special role onboard; for the evening I opted for the seafood buffet with touch of autumn. There was a wonderful selection of fresh seafood such as shrimps, mussels, and herrings and if you are not necessarily a seafood fan, meat, veggies, and side dishes are also provided. For the desert, try one of its delicious cakes with mango sorbet and have few glasses of rose along it. For the breakfast instead, I went to an À la Carte restaurant where I tried some homemade granola, avocado and egg benedict toast, and fresh yogurt smoothie. All of that accompanied by a glass of sparkling wine 😊.

Therefore, if you are looking for a lifetime adventure or simply want to experience something new, Viking line is definitely your number one choice. Perfect fit for families with kids, young couple or even an elderly people, everyone finds its corner aboard. City lovers can go and explore both Stockholm and Helsinki throughout the weekend and come back home comfortably relaxed. For more information do not hesitate to visit its website and book your cabin and stay.