Read below the latest news and press releases

Commodore cabins on Silja Symphony have been decorated with Marimekko products

The popular cabins decorated with Marimekko products were completed on 24.9.2024 also for Tallink Silja Line's vessel Silja Symphony, when a dozen redecorated Commodore Balcony cabins were introduced.

The same cabins have been available on the sister ship, Silja Serenade, since 2023. The cabins are tastefully decorated with Marimekko's iconic and wonderful products, including bedspreads, pillows, towels, tableware and Unikko-patterned wallpaper.

Tallink Silja Line has a long-standing partnership with the Finnish lifestyle design company Marimekko. Marimekko is a brand with a strong and enduring presence in the Finnish market, with its products being a common sight in many homes. Marimekko is also gaining popularity among travelers from Europe and even Asia.

Passengers traveling on the Helsinki-Stockholm route can now book Commodore Balcony cabins on the Silja Serenade and Silja Symphony, which are decorated with Marimekko products. The objective of the project was to unify the travel experience between the sister ships and to enhance the comfort of the cruise experience for passengers.

Tallink Silja is committed to seeking out new partners and exploring ways to enhance the cruise experience for its passengers. The Silja Symphony has a total of 34 Commodore class cabins, of which 12 are Marimekko-themed cabins with balconies and 22 cabins without balconies. The cabins are situated at the bow of the ship on decks 10 and 11.

Tallink Silja and Marimekko have enjoyed a fruitful collaboration over many years. For instance, the ships sell Marimekko home products featuring the distinctive Puketti patterns, exclusively available on the Tallink Silja fleet. Additionally, to mark the 60th anniversary of Silja Line, a limited-edition Unikko mug was introduced, showcasing the iconic color of the Silja Line fleet. These mugs are still in use, for instance at the Bon Vivant breakfast.

Silja Symphony cabins →

Published 24.09.2024

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Tallink Duty Free ranked among the TOP20 largest travel retailers in the world

The recently published Moodie Davitt Report 2023 ranks Tallink Duty Free in the world’s top 20 travel retail operators.

Based on estimated 2023 travel retail sales turnover, the ranking lends the company an impressive 20th position in the world. Notably, Tallink Duty Free is the only shipping company who has made it to the TOP20 ranking, as well as the only retailer operating within Europe.

This high ranking is testament to Tallink Duty Free's exceptional commitment to providing outstanding retail experiences and services to customers and travel enthusiasts in the Baltic Sea region, offering an extensive range of high-quality products across its fleet of vessels, connecting destinations across the Baltic Sea.

Aimar Pärna, Head of Tallink Duty Free, expressed satisfaction that, despite the overall strained economic situation in Scandinavia and the Baltic States, which has affected people's travel and consumption habits, Tallink Duty Free has once again secured her strong position among the world's leading travel retailers.

"Being recognised as one of the top global duty-free operators is a great honour for Tallink Duty Free," said Pärna. "This ranking is an outstanding achievement for our dedicated team, whose hard work and innovative spirit continue to enhance our customers' shopping experiences. We are especially proud to represent both Europe and the maritime industry in this esteemed ranking."

“We would like to thank our customers for this result, as their trust in our product range, service, and shopping environment remains high. I am also delighted to say that our cooperation with partners—brands, manufacturers, and suppliers—continues to be very good and consistent, driven by a desire for excellence, to keep up the element of surprise and provide a steady stream of new products and brands for our customers.”

Eve Purge, Travel Retail Business Development Manager, Tallink Duty Free, said:

“Our success comes from maintaining mutual respect and from understanding the importance of all the parties in the value chain. The key to our success in cooperation with our suppliers is certainly open communication, adherence to agreements and reliable implementation of planned sales and marketing activities. And our secret to successfully competing with the big global giants of travel retail is our flexibility and responsiveness, while we are driven by big goals in terms of both competence and performance.“

Tallink Duty Free operates onboard Tallink Grupp's vessels, offering a wide range of products, including fragrances, cosmetics, fashion, beverages, and confectionery, catering to the diverse needs of its international customer base. The company continually strives to enhance its product assortment and in-store experiences to ensure the nicest journey for all passengers.

The Moodie Davitt Report is the world's largest news provider for the travel retail industry, compiling annual turnover and activity-based rankings for the sector. The inclusion of Tallink Duty Free among the top 20 reflects the company’s strong strategy, competitive product offerings, and commitment to customer satisfaction.

See the full report →

Published 13.09.2024

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Culinary Olympics’ gold-medallist creates fine-dining tasting menu for Tallink Silja Line vessels

The new fine dining tasting menu “Menu Nordic,” available onboard Tallink Silja Line cruise vessels, has been exclusively created for the company’s fleet by the 2024 Culinary Olympics’ gold medallists - the Culinary Team of Finland.

The five-course set menu is offered onboard company’s vessels Silja Serenade and Silja Symphony, operating on the Helsinki-Stockholm route; onboard Victoria I, operating on the Helsinki-Tallinn route; and onboard the Baltic Queen, operating on the company’s Tallinn-Stockholm route; available from 11 September 2024 to 14 January 2025.

Earlier this year, the Finnish culinary team won gold for the first time at the IKA Culinary Olympics 2024, known as the world's oldest, most prestigious and most demanding chefs' competitions.

Commenting on the new Menu Nordic created for Tallink Silja Line vessels, the team leader of the Culinary Team of Finland, Katja Tuomainen commented:

"The five-course tasting menu, exclusively created for Tallink Grupp’s vessels, is based on our gold-winning menu, featuring the top elements of our competition menu at the culinary olympics. The starting point for the menu is the story about being Finnish and our native Finland. Like in the gold-winning menu, the flavours of this exquisite tasting menu are pumpkin, pikeperch, reindeer and apple. The base concept for the menu is sustainable development from start to finish; the producers have been carefully selected, highlighting local food and striving to reduce waste. Every serving is an homage to our environment".

Authors of the new Menu Nordic “Olympic-level Cuisine,” members of the Culinary Team of Finland Tiina Norkio and team captain Kari Julin said:

"Both the competition menu and the tasting menu “Menu Nordic” are focused on the local Finnish ingredients at their finest and their diverse use. A good example of this is the use of pikeperch - the scales and skin of the fish have also been used, and the fishbones are also used to make the broth. We worked on the Olympics competition menu for two years, and it is great to offer it, in a slightly modified way, also to Tallink Silja Line vessels’ restaurant guests."

Joonas Maunula, Creative Head Chef for Tallink Silja Line fleet, commented:

"It's great to have Culinary Olympic gold medal-winning menu available on our ships. Nordic flavours are very much liked by both our domestic and international travellers. Pikeperch and reindeer are ever-favourites among our passengers. The menu also highlights wonderfully the flavours of pumpkin, cauliflower, carrots, celery and apples in various forms. For example, the white mold cheese Väinö which comes from the Finnish gourmet dairy Herkkujuustola, is simply perfect to be enjoyed before the dessert. The tasting menu, albeit born from a high-end competition menu, is very approachable, and I believe that our passengers will love it immensely."

Menu Nordic
Olympic-level Cuisine

• Pumpkin and tomato (V)
  Pickled pumpkin and pumpkin purée, marinated cherry tomato, mustard seeds, aromatic tomato broth and chilli oil
• Pikeperch and Peas
  Poached pikeperch seasoned with dill and lemon, ramsons emulsion, pea mousse and salad with kohlrabi and peas

or

• Cauliflower and Peas (V)
  Cauliflower flan and cauliflower crumble, ramsons emulsion, salad with kohlrabi, peas and seaweed caviar
• Reindeer and celeriac
  Fried reindeer fillet with fermented black pepper, red wine sauce, sauteed mushrooms and onions, celeriac puree and poached carrot with carrot beurre monte

or

• Broad Beans and Celeriac (V)
  Nordic falafel, stew with onions and celeriac, celeriac puree, sauteed mushrooms and onion, poached carrot with carrot beurre monte and herb oil
• Cheese
  Finnish Craft Cheese*, compote with red currants and yuzu, sesame-quinoa cracker, spruce sprout marmalade
  *Vegan version menu contains vegan option
• Apple and almond (V)
  Apple mousse, compote with apple and apricot, bitter almond cream*, apple sorbet and almond cake
  *Vegan version without bitter almond crème

The five-course tasting menu “Menu Nordic” is available onboard the company’s cruise vessels’ fine dining restaurants Bon Vivant and The Chef’s Kitchen. The set menu is priced at 92 euros, the vegan version of the Menu Nordic is priced at 85 euros and the sommelier's recommended wine selection to complement the menu is priced at 47 euros. Club One loyal customers receive a 10% discount on the menu.

Published 11.09.2024

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Tallink Grupp’s cruise vessel Victoria I to resume operation on the company’s Helsinki-Tallinn route from 31 August 2024

22 August 2024, TALLINN - Tallink Grupp’s vessel Victoria I, which operated on the company’s Tallinn-Stockholm route, in tandem with company’s vessel Baltic Queen since June this year, will return to its previous Helsinki-Tallinn route at the end of this month, from Saturday, 31 August 2024,  to continue offering the ever-popular overnight cruise service from Helsinki to Tallinn. From September, during the autumn-winter season, the company will operate its Tallinn-Stockholm route with the vessel Baltic Queen according to the regular schedule.

Victoria I will resume operating and returns to its regular schedule on the company's Tallinn-Helsinki route from Saturday, 31 August, departing from Tallinn to Helsinki at 12:30 local time.

The daily departures between the two capitals onboard Victoria I on the Helsinki-Tallinn-Helsinki route will take place according to the following schedule:

• 18:35 - Departure from Helsinki to Tallinn from Helsinki’s West Harbour T2 Terminal, and arriving at 22:00 to Tallinn Old City Harbour, Terminal D (with overnight stay in Tallinn).
• For 22 hr cruise passengers, possibility to visit Tallinn next morning from 8 – 12 and return to Helsinki in the same cabin.
• At 12:30 - Departure from Tallinn to Helsinki from Port of Tallinn, Old City Harbour, Terminal D, and arriving at 16:00 in T2 Terminal of Port of Helsinki’s West Harbour

Commenting on the return of vessel Victoria I to the Tallinn-Helsinki route, Marina Jõgi, Head of Group Products and Sales, Tallink Grupp, said:

"Victoria I and her team have had a busy and exciting summer sailing on the beautiful Baltic Sea, offering additional departures and extra capacity on the Tallinn-Stockholm route during the peak summer travel season. In addition to offering popular cruise service between Tallinn and Stockholm, as part of special summer cruises, she has also taken holidaymakers to Visby, Gotland, altogether eight times. This summer, we organised more Visby cruises than ever before, and I am pleased to say that they were well received by our passengers.

"From September, we are once again, looking forward to welcoming all our good customers to spend a mini-holiday on board Victoria I, cruising between Helsinki and Tallinn, while enjoying a diverse entertainment programme, delicious meals in the ship's restaurants, discovering great onboard offers, and exploring the sights in the destination – to experience the most enjoyable sea voyage and spend special moments with their loved ones. The first departure 31.8. from Helsinki features Käärijä from Finland, and is already completely sold out. Welcome aboard Victoria I!"

From September, departures between Stockholm and Tallinn will be operated according to normal schedule with the company's vessel Baltic Queen with departures from each capital every other day. Daily departures to Stockholm and Tallinn can be booked also via Helsinki, where the company’s regular Helsinki-Stockholm route is operated by the company’s vessels Silja Symphony and Silja Serenade.

For more info on Victoria I schedule and bookings, visit: www.tallink.com

Published 22.08.2024

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Tallink Grupp appoints Management Board Member Piret Mürk-Dubout into additional role of Managing Director of Tallink Silja AB

Tallink Grupp has today announced that, following the planned retirement of Ats Joorits from the position of Managing Director of the group’s Swedish subsidiary Tallink Silja AB on 31 August 2024, the group’s Management Board Member Piret Mürk-Dubout will assume the additional role of the subsidiary’s Managing Director. Mrs Mürk-Dubout will take on this additional role in the company, while also maintaining her role on the group’s Management board, from 1 September 2024.

The decision comes after the subsidiary’s current Managing Director Ats Joorits, who was appointed into the role in March 2021, announced his plans to retire from the business earlier this summer. Mrs Mürk-Dubout joined Tallink Grupp as Management Board Member in April 2019 and leads the company’s sales, marketing, customer services, on board services and concepts development, travel retail and sustainable business areas on the board level. Prior to joining Tallink Grupp, Mrs Mürk-Dubout held the position of CEO of Tallinn Airport, and a number of senior management roles before that in Estonia and Sweden, most notably and recently in the ranks of telecoms giant Telia Group.

Commenting on the appointment of Mrs Mürk-Dubout into this additional role within the company, Tallink Grupp’s CEO Paavo Nõgene said:

„Piret has extensive and significant knowledge and experience with the Swedish market from her previous companies and roles, and a clear vision on how our Swedish business should be developed in the years to come. I am pleased that she has agreed to take on this additional responsibility and challenge to work with our professional and dedicated Swedish team to build and develop our offering to this key market.“

In addition to Mrs Mürk-Dubout’s appointment and following a reorganisation of the sales and marketing operations and functions in Tallink Silja AB, the company has appointed Mr Enrique Hellsten as the Swedish subsidiary’s new Sales Director and Mr Jan Holmberg as the new Marketing Director of Tallink Silja AB. Mr Hellsten assumes the new role from within the business where he most recently held the position of Customer Service and Operations Manager.

Mr Holmberg joins the company from Telia, where his latest role included responsibilities for the company’s digital marketing strategy, media management, and development agenda, positioning Telia at the forefront of digital marketing. Before that, he headed the consumer marketing department in Telia Sweden, consolidating marketing efforts across various business units. Prior to joining Telia, Mr Holmberg developed and executed international marketing strategies at Scandinavian Airlines as the company’s Director of International Marketing before moving into the position of Global Brand Director at the airline.

Mr Hellsten’s and Mr Holmberg’s appointments are effective from 13 August 2024.

Published 13.08.2024

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Update on Tallink Silja Line's Turku route

The destination port for departures from Turku, Finland, will again be Stockholm all year round.

Baltic Princess will no longer sail to Kapellskär, but will arrive and depart from Stockholm's Värtan terminal. Baltic Princess will continue to operate according to its current summer schedule with daily evening departures from Turku to Stockholm until 15 September 2024.

This autumn, Tallink Silja Line is launching a completely new and unique cruise product called Day in Stockholm cruise from Turku. Every Monday from 16 September until the end of May 2025, travellers from Turku can enjoy a cruise where they spend two nights on the ship and a full day in Stockholm from 9:30 am to 7:00 pm.

Consequently, there will be no departure from Turku to Stockholm on Tuesdays during this period, but an evening departure from Stockholm to Turku. The ship will operate daily evening departures from Turku to Stockholm from Wednesday to Sunday.

Sales for Baltic Princess Day in Stockholm cruises will open in early July during week 27.

Published 18.06.2024

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Tallink Silja Line adds Victoria I as second vessel to bolster Tallinn-Stockholm route for summer peak season

From tomorrow, Friday, 31 May 2024, Tallink Silja Line will operate the company’s Tallinn-Stockholm route with two vessels - alongside the popular vessel Baltic Queen, company’s vessel Victoria I will be added to the route. The two vessels will operate in tandem between the two Nordic capitals, bolstering significantly the frequency of departures from both Tallinn and Stockholm ahead of the busy summer peak travel season.

Victoria I will start operating on the Tallinn-Stockholm route from tomorrow, 31 May 2024, departing from Tallinn at 18:00 local Estonian time.

Marina Jõgi, Head of Group Products and Sales, Tallink Grupp, said:

"Adding a second vessel to the Tallinn-Stockholm route over the summer months gives our passengers more flexibility when planning trips during the peak tourism season. In addition, Victoria I will carry out special summer cruises, taking travellers and holidaymakers to Visby, Gotland’s capital, altogether on eight occasions this season," said Marina Jõgi, Sales Director of Tallink Group.

"Special cruises to magical Visby, with its streets hemmed in romantic roses, are always a much-awaited summer destination for our customers. As a versatile travel destination, Gotland has plenty to offer to the whole family to discover, therefore this year we are offering more opportunities to visit the island than ever before," Jõgi added.

Special cruises to Visby onboard Victoria I, starting from Tallinn and Helsinki are scheduled with departures on 28 and 30 June; 8, 10 and 30 July, and 1, 3 and 5 August. The vessel arrives in Visby at 9.30 local time the next morning and departs from Visby at 18.30 in the evening, allowing cruise passengers to explore the sights of Visby and the rest of the island of Gotland throughout the day.

The company's vessel Victoria I has been until now operating on the company's Tallinn-Helsinki route since October last year, offering overnight cruises between Estonia and Finland.

Published 30.05.2024

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Tallink Grupp launches new ship’s wines and beers from 2 May 2024

Tallink Grupp launches new Tallink Silja Line Ship’s Wines and Beers - an exclusive collection consisting of 6 private label wines and 2 craft beers from Europe’s choice producers, available onboard company’s vessels, as well as hotels, onshore restaurants and web shop starting from 2 May 2024 over the next two years.

The new Tallink Silja Line Ship’s Wines and Beers were chosen as a result of international competition, by blind tasting method by the company’s in-house extensive panel of experts, including sommeliers, wine and beer experts and both onshore and onboard restaurant managers across the company.

Commenting on the launch of the new Tallink Silja Line Ship’s Wines and Beers, Head of Tallink Duty Free, Aimar Pärna said:

- „We are pleased to present our brand-new ship’s wines and beers. The new collection is featuring six excellent, organic, and sustainably grown wines from Europe: Italy, France and Germany. For the beer lovers, we present two finest craft beers from Estonian breweries. Our ship’s wines and beers are traditionally very popular with our guests, and I hope that our customers will really enjoy this exciting new collection which we have carefully chosen from all over Europe reflecting the fine craftmanship and the trends of the industry”.

The Tallink Silja Line new ship’s wines were chosen from among 130 wines, submitted to company’s competition from 6 different European countries in 5 categories: champagne, sparkling wine, white wine, red wine, and rosé wine.

Annamari Nikkel, category manager for Tallink Duty Free, and member of the jury said:

- “This year, we will surprise our customers with high quality and exciting wine experience with our ship´s wines more than ever before. New private label champagne is really special as it is a white champagne made entirely from red grapes and therefore super aromatic and powerful. All other wines are certified organic as sustainability and offering the purest wines is a topic very close to my heart. Ship´s sparkling wine is, after some time again, a cava and next to a white cava we have selected a rosado version also to please all our rose-loving customers. Rosé still wine is also part of the ship´s wines new range and this Italian rosato will create a summer feeling every time you smell or taste it. White wine is from cool Germany, and it is our customers’ most loved grape – Riesling, juicy and vibrant. With the red wine we have gone in a bit different direction – instead of a super full-bodied appassimento in high alcohol style, we have chosen a classical Chianti, filled with red fresh berries and elegant, lean body.”

The ship’s beers were chosen from among 36 beers submitted to the competition, including 21 lagers and 15 porters from breweries in the Scandinavian region: Finland, Sweden and Estonia.

Birgit Ummer, category manager for beer, Tallink Duty Free, and member of the jury said:

- “The new ship’s beers include two craft beers from Estonian brewers: lager by Pühaste and porter by Põhjala. Both are bold and high-quality beers, brewed with selected flavours, ingredients and brewing techniques to highlight the best qualities of beer. Both craft beers are great to be enjoyed on their own and also pair well with a variety of dishes throughout the four seasons. Try the lager with roasted chicken and salmon, flavoured with Mediterranean herbs or burgers and light pasta dishes, or spicy Mexican food. The porter pairs well with roasted duck fillet with cherry sauce, smoked pork ribs, cheese selection with fig jam, tiramisu and French chocolate cake, or why not, enjoy a smooth silky stout as a dessert on its own”.

Tallink Silja Line Ship’s Wines and Beers:

• Ship´s Sparkling Wine | Palau Brut Organic Cava & Palau Rose Organic Cava
  Fine and elegant, these are fresh cavas with toasted notes and aromas of peach and grapefruit.
  Origin: Spain.
  Region: Penedes.
  Brut Organic Grapes: Parellada, Xarel-lo, Macabeu; Rosado organic grapes: Garnacha, Pinot Noir
• Ship´s Champagne  | A&J Demiére Blanc de Noirs Brut
  Fresh and round with elegant complexity, fruity flavours, and a balanced aftertaste – a white Champagne made entirely from red grapes!
  Origin: France.
  Region: Champagne.
  Grape: Pinot Meunier 70%, Pinot Noir 30%
• Ship´s White Wine | Weingut Frey Grenzhügel Riesling Organic
  An elegant and wonderfully mineral Riesling, with tastes of citrus fruits, apple, and apricot. Origin: Germany.
  Region: Rheinhessen.
  Grape: Riesling
• Ship´s Rose wine | Terre di Chieti Rosato Organic
  A medium-bodied, savoury rosé with a fresh and fruity aroma and soft red berries in taste. Origin: Italy.
  Region: Abruzzo.
  Grape: Montepulciano
• Ship´s Red Wine  | Villa Paradiso Chianti Organic
  Well-structured red wine that boasts a velvety smoothness, gentle tannins, and discernible red fruit undertones. Origin: Italy. Region: Tuscany. Grape: 95% Sangiovese, 5% Merlot
• Ship´s Lager Beer by Pühaste: Pühaste Pootsman 4,8%
  An easy-going lager with balanced flavours. Refreshing character and light body. The malty brioche and the toasty biscuty flavours are balanced with the subtle hoppy bitterness.  
  Origin: Estonia
• Ship´s Porter Beer by Põhjala: Põhjala Must Kuld 7,8%
  A rich porter with smooth honey notes. For extra silky texture, brewed with lactose. Contains barley malt. To be enjoyed on its own or as a dessert at the end of a decadent meal.
  Origin: Estonia

Published 02.05.2024

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Tallink Silja Line’s new buffet menu offers a flavourful invitation to the nicest summer picnic at sea

Ahead of the peak travelling season, Tallink Silja Line has launched a new buffet menu, featuring the „Summer Picnic“ theme table, available in the Grande Buffet restaurant onboard the company’s cruise vessels operating on the Estonia-Sweden, Finland-Sweden and Estonia-Finland routes. Onboard the company’s shuttle service vessels, operating between Tallinn and Helsinki, the new buffet menu is offered in the Delight Buffet restaurant. The new buffet menu is available onboard the company vessels until 15 April 2025.

From the traditional must-have buffet classics from all around the Baltic Sea region like the extensive fish and seafood selection to completely new and exciting cosmopolitan flavour combinations like the Asian sandwich roll, the menu features altogether 124 dishes, with approximately 30% of the menu being suitable for vegans.

The new buffet menu was created by the culinary teams from the company’s vessels Silja Serenade, Silja Symphony and MyStar.

Commenting on the new buffet menu, Joonas Maunula, Creative Head Chef of Tallink Grupp’s fleet said:

„At the beginning of the creative process for the new buffet menu, we asked our customers for their ultimate buffet dishes they would like to enjoy when cruising at sea. I am pleased to say that those popular votes by our customers are now reflected in our brand-new buffet menu selection, like the expanded selection of seafood and, in compared to the previous vegan selection, the new menu offers more warm plant-based dishes, such as the beetroot lasagne. In in the meat selection, you’ll find popular favourites like chicken skewers with mango dressing, beef tartar, dried ham salad with cantaloupe, spicy chicken with peaches and vitello tonnato as part of the new menu.“

„Our customers are always at the heart of everything we do, so we are drivent to make their cruising experience even more complete by including their culinary favourites, while adding some new and exciting flavour combinations as well.“

„The new menu features flavourful and carefully selected local ingredients, sourced from around the Baltic Sea region: our cheeses come from Estonia, Finland and Sweden. As our perennial favourite from the fish selection, herring and Baltic herring comes from a small village of Röölä, outside of Rymättylä, in the South-Western Finland. It is important to us that the herring we serve meets the highest standards and is MSC-certified, which helps to maintain local fish populations and support local sustainable small producers as well.”

Featuring four seasonal theme tables, the ever-popular buffet menu is renewed once a year and offered onboard the company’s cruise vessels in the Grande Buffet restaurant. Opening the summer season, the first theme table titled „Summer Picnic“ is available until 6 August 2024, featuring an elegant selection of popular picnic favourites which are all about the seasonal freshness and bite-sized treats.

Commenting on the „Summer Picnic“ theme table, Sami Leino, author of the theme table selection and Chef de Cuisine of Silja Serenade, said:

„Spring and summer are particularly popular for picnics in our Baltic Sea region after a long Nordic winter. I love to go fishing and usually I pack a nice picnic lunch to take along. The picnic food must be easy to eat anywhere, even on a fishing boat. Me and my team have put together the perfect picnic selection with all the scrumptious munchies, including finger food, which particularly the kids enjoy.

„My personal favourites include the BBQ-meatballs, mini hot dogs and strawberry salad. There are plenty of options to choose from to assemble your favourite picnic - various salads, roasted corn, chicken drumsticks, hummus and, of course, mini cupcakes for all the sweet tooths“, Leino said.

“The buffet menu is our most popular menu onboard, and we hope that our customers will really love the new buffet menu as much as we do. From salads to warm plant based dishes, from cold meats and fish selection to main course dishes, cheeses and desserts - there is so much to explore and enjoy, again and again. I welcome everyone onboard where the nicest picnic of the season is already waiting! ”, Joonas Maunula, Creative Head Chef of Tallink Grupp’s fleet said.

Grande Buffet Restaurant menus onboard cruise vessels:

• Stockholm-Tallinn route | Baltic Queen  & Victoria →
• Helsinki-Stockholm route | Silja Serenade & Silja Symphony →
• Turku-Stockholm route | Baltic Princess dinner →
• Turku-Stockholm route | Baltic Princess lunch →
• Helsinki-Tallinn route | Victoria dinner →
• Helsinki-Tallinn route | Victoria lunch →

The Delight Buffet restaurant menu on Tallink Shuttle vessels

• Helsinki-Tallinn route | MyStar and Megastar → 

Published 23.04.2024

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Tallink Grupp takes another step towards more sustainable vessel operations with nauticAi electronic logbooks

Tallink Grupp has recently rolled out nauticAi’s electronic logbook solution across its entire fleet, following a successful prototype development and pilot process of the system on the company’s Paldiski-Kapellskär cargo vessel Sailor in 2023.

The new solution enables the company’s vessels to log a whole range of data electronically instead of physical traditional paper logbooks, including fuel consumption data, garbage (discharge) data, ship's radio watch data, ballasting operations, fuel bunkering operations and so much more. The new electronic solution shares data with on shore back-office support functions, making real-time vessel and voyage data available for everyone who needs it in the company for better ongoing monitoring and operational efficiencies and improvements.

Piloting the new electronic logbooks for the rest of the fleet was company vessel Sailor and her crew, who helped ensure that the best solution meeting the specific needs of Tallink Grupp’s fleet was developed in partnership with nauticAi team.

Commenting on the electronic logbook roll-out, Tallink Grupp’s Chief Captain and Head of Ship Management, captain Tarvi-Carlos Tuulik said:

„Our long cooperation with the nauticAi team, introducing a number of useful data systems for our vessels already for many years, meant that when the team came to us with another idea for a new solution that would give us greater efficiencies across vessel operations, it was an immediate agreement to develop such a solution.

The prototype development and pilot phase of the electronic logbooks on Sailor with the professional vessel crew was a detailed 6-month project, during which time nauticAi and our team developed an excellent core solution to which additional data sets and building blocks were added during the pilot phase. We now believe we have yet another great system in place on our vessels as a result of this partnership, which will serve us well from both operational excellence as well as sustainable operations point of view.“

Published 23.04.2024

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Gotland calling! Tallink Silja Line offers eight summer special cruises to magical Visby

Tallink Silja Line has announced the company’s summer special cruises for the upcoming travel high season 2024, with ticket sales opening during the day of 6 February 2024. This summer, travel fans and holidaymakers are offered altogether eight opportunities to travel to Visby, the capital of the Swedish island of Gotland, with departures in June, July and August, departing from Tallinn and Helsinki onboard company’s vessel Victoria I.

Special cruises to Visby onboard Victoria I, are scheduled with departures from Estonian and Finnish capitals on 28 and 30 June; 8, 10 and 30 July and 1, 3 and 5 August. The vessel arrives in Visby in the following morning at 9.30 local time and departs Visby on the same evening at 18.30 local time, which gives the cruise passengers one whole day to discover the sights of Visby and Gotland.

Marina Jõgi, Head of Group Products and Sales, Tallink Grupp, said:

“We are very pleased that this year Tallink Silja Line summer special cruises will take our good guests once again to Visby, and this year we are able to offer more Visby cruises in travel high season than in previous years. One whole day in the destination gives our cruise passengers ample time to spend in Visby and discover the island’s exciting history and sights on their own or book one of the many organised tours on offer. Cruise passengers are welcome to bring along their bicycle and spend a pleasant day exploring the beautiful island nature.”

“You are welcome onboard Victoria I, to experience the nicest mini holiday at sea, with all the finest culinary experiences, exciting entertainment, chill relaxation and many other opportunities for enjoying the beautiful summer on the Baltic Sea.“

Ticket sales for the special summer cruises to Visby will be opened from 6 February 2024 during the day, bookable via the company website www.tallink.com

Published 05.02.2024

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Tallink Silja Line adds company vessel Victoria I to Tallinn-Stockholm route for the summer high season 2024

Tallink Silja Line has this week announced that it will temporarily add the company’s vessel Victoria I to the popular Tallinn-Stockholm route between 31 May-31 August 2024, to operate in tandem with the route’s other vessel Baltic Queen and thus increasing departures between the two Nordic capitals for the three summer months and peak travel months of 2024.

Victoria I, currently operating on the company’s Tallinn-Helsinki route, providing short one-night cruises between Estonia and Finland, will temporarily start operating on the Tallinn-Stockholm route from the evening of 31 May 2024 and will operate on the route until Saturday, 31 August 2024. The last Victoria I departure on the Tallinn-Stockholm route will take place from Stockholm on the evening of Friday, 30 August and the vessel will re-start operations on the Tallinn-Helsinki route from Saturday, 31 August 2024.

Ticket sales for Victoria I Tallinn-Stockholm route will open on Tuesday, 6 February 2024.

Commenting on the temporary route operations change, Tallink Grupp’s CEO Paavo Nõgene said:

“We saw customer demand increase on the Tallinn-Stockholm route for more frequent departures already in summer 2023, so this year we have decided to offer our customers what they have asked for during the summer peak travel season and give everyone the opportunity to travel between our two Nordic capitals more easily.

“Victoria I will return to the Tallinn-Helsinki route again at the end of the summer to continue to provide amazing cruising opportunities to Tallinn for our Finnish customers and in the summer, we invite our Finnish customers to use the green shuttle bridge travel option connecting Estonia and Finland.”

Victoria I will also operate special cruises from Helsinki and Tallinn to Visby this summer. More information regarding the dates and ticket sales for these special cruises will be shared in the coming weeks.

Published 25.01.2024

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New Menu Nordic highlights exciting flavours and local small producers from Estonian islands

Tallink Silja Line has today launched a new five-course tasting menu Menu Nordic for the delight of the fine dining enthusiasts travelling onboard company’s cruise vessels operating on Tallinn-Stockholm and Helsinki-Stockholm routes. The new tasting menu Menu Nordic “Inspired by Estonian Islands”, created by the Chefs de Cuisine of the company’s vessel Baltic Queen, Merike Kald and Maarjo Rang, is available onboard until 21 May 2024.

The new Menu Nordic invites on a journey of flavours, inspired by the islands of Estonia, in particular, the island of Saaremaa. The biggest island of Estonia, Saaremaa is rich in traditions and history, also called the Island of the Vikings. In addition to attracting many tourists keen on wellness, music festivals and serene island nature with vast juniper fields covering most of the coastline, Saaremaa offers exquisite gourmet experiences as a foodie destination.

Commenting on the new Menu Nordic, Chef de Cuisine, of the company’s vessel Baltic Queen, Maarjo Rang said:

”Both of our roots are from the island of Saaremaa, so it’s not hard to guess, why we chose to highlight the island’s rugged and wonderful flavours to be the stars of the menu. To characterise the menu in a nutshell, I would say it is local, sustainable and surprising. Our inspiration lies in the culinary traditions we both grew up with and the islanders sustainable way of life. When creating the menu, we wanted to highlight the local small producers of Saaremaa who provide, for example, the Viking salt and juniper mustard used in the menu, to name a few. Pähkla trout, which comes from my native village, is raised in natural spring water, and I definitely recommend it to all seafood lovers.“

Commenting on the new Menu Nordic, Chef de Cuisine, of the company’s vessel Baltic Queen, Merike Kald said:

„Growing up amongst many fishermen, dishes with seafood are always a stand-out for me, evoking fond memories of childhood and eating delicacies like crayfish, which at that time, was an expensive and most exclusive ingredient.“

„We wanted particularly to highlight also traditional seasonal ingredients. As for many of us over the autumn-winter period, the pantry is usually filled with all kinds of delicious jams, compotes, mushrooms, pickles, marinated onion, hazelnuts and other preserved goods form our garden and forest used in the dishes to add more flavour. And this is exactly how we use them in the menu as well.“

“Seasonal ingredients are also the stars in the vegan version of the Menu Nordic tasting menu. The 5-course vegan menu offers, for example, a flavourful combination of Jerusalem artichoke with black salsify and, for a vegan cheese course, homemade almond cheese with a flowering quince jam. For dessert course, the vegan tasting menu presents a tasty rice pudding with gooseberry jam and filo pastry mille-feuille.”

The five-course fine dining tasting menu Menu Nordic “Inspired by Estonian Islands”, available onboard the company’s cruise vessels Silja Serenade and Silja Symphony in the Bon Vivant restaurant and onboard the company’s vessel Baltic Queen in the Gourmet restaurant, is renewed thrice a year and is also available in vegan version.

Menu Nordic “Inspired by Estonian Islands”

• Crayfish & Lobster – crayfish tail, lobster mayonnaise, tapioca pearls cooked in crayfish broth, deep fried wakame
• Pähkla Trout & Jerusalem Artichoke – trout, Jerusalem artichoke puree, smoked whey sauce, baked leek
• Beef & Plum – beef tenderloin with Viking salt, beetroot, turnip, carrot, wine-plum sauce, potato cake
• Estonian Cheese & Flowering Quince – three Estonian cheeses, Flowering Quince’s jam and chips
• Hazelnut & Chocolate - hazelnut truffle and chocolate crumble

Menu Nordic Vegan

• Jerusalem Artichoke & Black Salsify – Jerusalem artichoke and black salsify terrine, watercress-horseradish emulsion, marinated onion and mustard seeds, fresh cucumber, nettle pesto, chickpea dip
• Potato & Oyster Mushroom – potatoes, leek, oyster mushrooms, wild garlic oil, seeds
• Beetroot & Onion – beetroot baked in salt, grilled leek, pine nuts, rapeseed mayonnaise, marinated onion, mustard seeds
• Vegan Cheese – homemade almond cheese with flowering quince jam
• Rice & Gooseberry - rice pudding, gooseberry compote, chocolate sauce, filo pastry mille-feuille

To accompany the menu, a set of sommelier choice of premium wines and non-alcoholic wines and cocktails paired with the menu are also available.

Bon Vivant restaurant onboard Silja Serenade and Silja Symphony (17 January – 21 May 2024): https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/read/68588107/serenade-symphony-bon-vivant-menu

Gourmet restaurant onboard Baltic Queen (17 January – 21 May 2024): https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/read/68588108/bq-gourmet-menu

Published 17.01.2024

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Tallink shuttle vessel Megastar out of traffic for planned technical service days from 8 to 13 January 2024

Tallink shuttle vessel Megastar, operating on the company’s Tallinn-Helsinki shuttle service route will remain berthed in Tallinn Old City Harbour due to planned technical maintenance works from 8 to 13 January 2024.

During the planned technical maintenance days, carried out in Port of Tallinn, Old City Harbour, the vessel will go through a number of planned maintenance works, which cannot be properly carried out while the vessel is operating on the route, including maintenance of the vessel’s propulsion electric motors and the main engines, cleaning and painting works of car decks, maintenance and repair works of the hull`s exterior waterproof hatches and ramps, cleaning and maintenance of sea chest filters, maintenance of life-saving equipment and sprinkler systems, cleaning of the freshwater system as well as vessel’s interior areas and ventilation systems. In addition, the vessel’s classification society will perform their regular surveys of the vessel during that period as well.

Megastar technical service days in Tallinn Old City Harbour from 8 January to 13 January 2024 are scheduled as follows:
- On 8 January 2024, Megastar will be out of service in Tallinn from 10.30 local Estonian time;
- On 14 January 2024, Megastar will return to regular service from Tallinn, from 10.30 local Estonian time with departure to Helsinki.

During Megastar’s maintenance days, the company’s vessels MyStar and Victoria I will operate on the company’s Tallinn-Helsinki route.

From January 2024, the schedule of Tallink Shuttle service route between Tallinn and Helsinki, operated by vessels Megastar and MyStar will change so that the vessels alternate operating in each other's schedules every other week, and the last departure on Saturday evenings for both vessels is cancelled. This change has been made to optimise the efficiency of operation of the vessels on the shuttle service route, while taking into account the seasonality and customer demand, as well as the similarity of the shuttle vessels operating on the route and customer comfort. Please see the company’s Tallinn-Helsinki route’s timetables here:

https://en.tallink.com/en/helsinki-tallinn-timetables

Published 02.01.2024

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Tallink MyStar one year on the Tallinn-Helsinki route: 1.8 million passengers carried and over 4 times travelled around the globe

Tallink Grupp’s flagship, shuttle ferry MyStar today celebrates one year from the start of operation on the company’s Tallinn-Helsinki shuttle service route. In its first year, MyStar has made over 2100 departures, totalling approximately 93 000 nautical miles which is approximately 4,3 trips around the globe, and she has carried nearly 1.8 million passengers.

Commenting on the one-year anniversary of operations of Tallink’s MyStar on the company’s Tallinn-Helsinki route, Paavo Nõgene, Chairman of the Board of Tallink Grupp, said:

- „We are very pleased that MyStar has been so warmly received by our customers from near and far, since MyStar was built keeping our customers’ wishes and needs at the forefront of our minds. These efforts have also been recognized internationally with MyStar receiving several awards and nominations, such as the prestigious Shippax Ro-Pax Interior Award 2023 for the best cruise ship interior design and a nomination among top three finalists for the Travel Retail FRONTIER Awards 2023 in the Cruise or Ferry Line Retailer of the Year category,"

- “MyStar has exceeded all our expectations for the brightest member of our fleet when we set to build the most modern vessel on the Baltic Sea with its novel passenger areas and the biggest floating department store on the Baltic Sea expanding across two decks on 2500 square metres for the delight of shoppers with many travel retail products which are exclusive to MyStar, both on shore and on board.”

- “Today we can say that MyStar has proved to be 30% more energy efficient compared to the previous generation of shuttle vessels, such as Star, for example. In addition to being more efficient, MyStar also uses cleaner energy than conventional marine fuel – liquified natural gas – and is already equipped also to run on biogas or a mixture of biogas and LNG. In addition, MyStar has electrical propulsion, which means it is, in essence, an electric ship, which allows a faster adoption of the future green shipping technologies that have not yet been developed or are still in the development stage, placing an even bigger emphasis on sustainability as the core of our operations.”

- “I wish MyStar many happy years of sailing on the Baltic Sea and many more satisfied customers on our most popular route. Welcome on board!”

Altogether, almost 1,708,700 passengers have traveled on the Tallinn-Helsinki route onboard MyStar (as of 6 December 2023), of which 833,540 were unique passengers. In July this year, almost a quarter of a million passengers traveled onboard MyStar (248,900 passengers).

The largest number of passengers onboard MyStar came from Finland with over 825,500 passengers, second largest number from Estonia with over 544,500 passengers, third largest from Latvia with over 40,000 passengers. Other most represented countries include Ukraine with ca 29,000 passengers, USA with over 18,000 passengers and Germany with over 16,000 passengers. The most exotic country from which a passenger has come onboard MyStar is French Polynesia.

MyStar has transported nearly 4,700 pets. The total number of vehicles transported on board MyStar during the year exceeds 357,000 passenger vehicles and over 116,000 cargo units. MyStar operates on the company’s Tallinn-Helsinki Shuttle service route in tandem with the environmentally friendly fast ferry Megastar. Today, MyStar and Megastar together form the greenest seaway between Estonia and Finland.

Published 13.12.2023

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Baltic Queen departures cancelled on 23 and 24 November 2023

Tallink Grupp has announced cancelling the departures of the Tallinn-Stockholm route passenger vessel Baltic Queen scheduled for tonight from Stockholm, 23 November and tomorrow from Tallinn , 24 November 2023 due to some repair needs found during regular inspection after heavy weather conditions to ensure the vessels safety.

The vessel was experiencing challenging weather conditions on the night of 23 November on the voyage from Tallinn to Stockholm and the company has decided to carry out repairs on the vessel in Stockholm before returning the vessel to the route.

Passengers affected by the cancellation are already being contacted by Tallink’s customer services, where possible rerouted to the company’s other vessels or offered alternative solutions where needed. The company apologizes for any inconvenience caused.

According to current plans the vessel will return to the route and regular traffic from Stockholm on Saturday, 25 November 2023.

Published 23.11.2023

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Silja Serenade will return to traffic from Helsinki on 15 November 2023

Silja Serenade's trips 12-13.11 had to be cancelled due to the power chlorination of the ship. The ship was supposed to return to its route on Tuesday 14.11. from Stockholm. However, the rinsing procedures after power chlorination take more time than expected, so the the ship will take on passengers from Helsinki on Wednesday 15.11 at the 17:00 departure.

However, Silja Serenade will move from Stockholm to Helsinki on 14.11-15.11, but will only transport crew and a small number of cargo drivers and trucks on the ship. The ship does not stop in Mariehamn either. Power chlorination is progressing according to plans and is underway onboard Silja Serenade in port of Stockholm. We apologise for the inconvenience.

Published 13.11.2023

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Silja Serenade sailings cancelled from 12.-14.11.2023 due to important systems cleaning in Stockholm

In connection with the regular monitoring of water quality on the Silja Serenade on the Helsinki-Stockholm route, it has been found in a few places in the preliminary results that concentrations of legionella bacteria in the ship's water system exceed the limit values.

As a precautionary measure, the company has now decided to cancel the vessel’s trips between 12-14 November 2023 in order to carry out a chlorine shock-treatment of the vessel’s systems and eliminate the bacteria. The company expects to complete the systems treatment by Tuesday, 14 November and the ship to return to regular traffic on Tuesday, 14 November at 16:45.

Cruise passengers who were expecting to travel from Finland on the vessel on the evening of 11 November 2023, will also be offered alternative solutions. The cabins with higher readings have been closed and in addition, in order to destroy the legionella bacteria, the temperature of the ship's warm water has been raised and the water points have been disinfected and rinsed.

The Legionella bacterium is not spread from person to person or by drinking water but is transmitted as water aerosols by inhalation.

Symptoms of legionellosis include dry cough, fever, headache, muscle pain, and shortness of breath. The incubation period from infection to first symptoms is 2‒10 days. Passengers are asked to monitor their health and contact their GP in case any symptoms develop after having traveled with Silja Serenade. Customers whose trips are affected by the cancellations will be contacted by the company and offered alternative solutions.

The company apologizes for any inconvenience caused. The company measures the various bacteria levels on the company’s vessels on a regular and routine basis and steps are always taken as a precaution if any readings appear higher than normal. The readings on all of the company’s other vessels are normal and sailings are unaffected.

Published 11.11.2023

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Tallink Grupp adds vessel Victoria I to the Tallinn-Helsinki route from 12 October 2023

Adding Victoria I to operate on the company’s Tallinn-Helsinki route, will allow Tallink to reopen the popular 22-hour cruise service between Tallinn and Helsinki and also restores the company’s daily departures between to pre-pandemic levels, offering altogether 14 departures between the two Nordic capitals every day.

Victoria I will start operating according to the following schedule from tomorrow, 12 October 2023 (all times are given in local Finnish and Estonian time):

• 12:30 Departure from Tallinn to Helsinki
• 16:00 Arrival in Helsinki
• 18:35 Departure from Helsinki to Tallinn
• 22:00 Arrival in Tallinn
•  

Commenting on the decision to add capacity to the Tallinn-Helsinki route, Paavo Nõgene, CEO of Tallink Grupp commented earlier in September:

„Passenger numbers on the Tallinn-Helsinki route have shown steady growth and customer demand is there for the cruise product to return, so I am pleased that we are able to meet that demand.

„Victoria I has had a good make-over in the last month and she is ready to offer our customers amazing experiences on the Baltic Sea again. With the best food, amazing entertainment and convenient departures for a trip to Tallinn, she is once again ready to serve our good customers.“

Published 11.10.2023

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New pilot project sees a dozen Silja Serenade cabins furnished with Marimekko design products

Tallink Silja has this week gone live with a pilot project, as part of which 12 Silja Serenade cabins have been furnished with iconic Finnish lifestyle design house Marimekko’s products. The popular design house’s throws, cushions, towels, and drinks glasses will be peppered all over the vessels’ pilot Commodore class cabins to see how customers react to the new-look interior of the cabins when they are even more luxurious and like a “home-from-home”.

Finnish lifestyle design house Marimekko is an iconic brand with whom shipping company Tallink Silja has been cooperating for a long time and whose products are found in nearly every Finnish, and even Estonian and Swedish, home. Marimekko is also increasingly popular with travelers from further afield in Europe and even Asia.

The aim of the pilot project is to offer ship passengers an increasingly cozy and elegant experience on board Tallink Silja vessels and to take the customer experience on the ships to the next level. Tallink Silja is continuously looking for ways to enhance the experiences on board and for partners who can help achieve that.

Commenting on the new project with Marimekko, Piret Mürk-Dubout, Management Board Member at Tallink Grupp, said:

“We want our customers to feel pampered and at home when they travel with us and we know the region’s homes are full of the local’s top-rated brand Marimekko’s goods. Based on our long-term and historic cooperation with the design firm, it was clear that a cooperation with Marimekko for the next level of our cabins’ interiors, is the way to go and we are now pleased to share the result of it with our customers.”

Silja Serenade has a total of 34 Commodore class cabins, out of which 12 have balconies and 22 are without balconies. The cabins are located on decks 10 and 11.

Tallink Silja and Marimekko have cooperated already for a number of years. The latest cooperation took place to celebrate Silja Line 60th anniversary in 2017, when a special edition Silja Line brand-colored mug designed by Marimekko was launched. The mugs are still used today by Tallink Silja in the Bon Vivant restaurant, as breakfast table coffee cups.

Read more about Silja Serenade cabins →

Published 25.08.2023

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Tallinn-Stockholm ship Baltic Queen in regular maintenance between 3-15 September 2023

Tallink Grupp’s Tallinn-Stockholm route vessel Baltic Queen will not be in regular service from 3 September until 15 September due to the vessel’s planned maintenance works. The vessel will leave the route at lunchtime on Sunday, 3 September to head to BLRT shipyard in Naantali, Finland, and the vessel will return to regular traffic on the evening of Friday, 15 September 2023.

During the planned docking of the vessel both technical works as well as interior upgrades will be carried out.

On the technical side, in addition to the usual hull cleaning and maintenance works, the vessel’s propellers will be re-bladed to enhance the speed of the vessel and to make the vessel more energy efficient. The expected fuel-saving as a result of the re-blading is between 10-13%. Another innovative upgrade is the graphite paint that will be piloted on Baltic Queen for hull painting, which is also claimed to reduce the water resistance of the ship’s hull significantly, thus making vessels that use it far more efficient. Should the pilot prove successful, the company will roll it out to other company vessels too as part of its greater energy efficiency drive.

The interior and passenger area modernization will see the renovation of passenger cabin bathrooms, new flooring in some public areas, and most significantly, the complete overhaul of the Grill House restaurant with new interior design, furniture and furnishings.

Commenting on the planned works, Tallink Grupp’s Head of Ship Management and Chief Captain Tarvi-Carlos Tuulik, said:

“The main aim of the docking in early September is the renewal of Baltic Queen’s required class society paperwork for the period 2024-2029. Our vessels go through regular dockings twice in a five-year period to ensure they meet all the requirements to continue operations.

“With tightening environmental requirements, we need to focus more than ever on increasing the energy efficiencies of our vessels and we are always on the look-out for new solutions and technologies that enable us to achieve this. A significant proportion of the works now carried out during the regular dockings, in addition to the standard and required maintenance, relates to energy efficiency improvement and fuel-saving technologies. Customer areas, naturally, also receive upgrades, so, as a result of the planned maintenance, the whole experience on the vessels becomes both more comfortable, enjoyable, but also environmentally friendly.”

Tallink Grupp joined the Energy Efficiency Movement, initiated by global technology firm ABB, in the spring this year. The movement brings together all stakeholders to innovate and act for a more energy-efficient, regenerative, adaptive world. It is a simple and impactful solution to mitigate climate change. As part of the movement, Tallink Grupp has pledged to reduce its CO2 emissions annually by at least 2% and increase its energy efficiencies also by at least 2% per annum. Read more about the movement here: https://www.energyefficiencymovement.com/en/

The last time Baltic Queen went through regular maintenance was in January-February 2022.

Published 03.8.2023

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The state visit of the President of the United States will affect traffic arrangements in Helsinki 13 July 2023

The summit of the Nordic countries and the United States in Helsinki will affect public transportation in the capital region this week, and especially on Thursday 13 July. Passengers to/from Tallink and Silja Line vessels should check possible exceptional connections and arrive at the port in good time. There are special traffic arrangements and delays in traffic in the capital region. 

Follow information:

HSL (Helsinki region transportation) website →
Port of Helsinki website →
Police of Finland website →

Published 10.7.2023

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Tallink Grupp’s new Menu Nordic – fine-tuned harmony of the seasonal Scandinavian flavours from the garden and forest

Tallink Grupp has today launched a new five-course gourmet menu titled Menu Nordic for the delight of fine dining enthusiasts travelling on the company’s cruise vessels on routes between Helsinki-Stockholm and Tallinn-Stockholm.

The new Menu Nordic, created by Chef de Cuisine Jonas Niklasson of the company’s vessel Silja Symphony, highlights authentic Scandinavian flavours, locally sourced seasonal produce and plays on exciting flavour combinations.

Commenting on the new Menu Nordic, Chef de Cuisine Jonas Niklasson of the company’s vessel Silja Symphony, said:

“The menu is inspired by the freshness of the seasonal Nordic ingredients, available only during the spring and summer season from the garden and forest, such as dandelion, nettle, ramsons, rhubarb, asparagus and strawberries. For example, the sauce for the cod is flavoured with dandelion syrup – it’s not only fun to use dandelions, which are considered weeds, but it adds a beautiful bittersweet taste which is absolutely fantastic in this dish.

“Reflecting on my native Swedish culinary heritage, this menu also evokes fond memories from my childhood. For example, the veal dish on the menu is a twist on my grandmother’s recipe – roast veal, which I enjoyed as a child every Sunday at my grandparents’ house with my family.

„With huge thanks to the entire culinary team of our fleet, I'm really pleased with this menu, and I hope that our guests will be too – it is seasonal, fun and genuinely Nordic.”

The five-course set Menu Nordic, available onboard the company’s cruise vessels Silja Serenade and Silja Symphony in the Bon Vivant restaurant and onboard the company’s vessel Baltic Queen in the Gourmet restaurant, is renewed thrice a year and is available also as a vegan version. The set menu is offered with a sommelier paired set of wines. The five-course set menu is priced at 85 euros excluding drinks. To accompany the menu, a set of sommelier choice of premium wines is priced at 50 euros, and non-alcoholic wines and cocktails at 35 euros.

The Menu Nordic is available onboard until 13 September 2023.

Menu Nordic

• Swedish beef tartare with fennel emulsion, pickled fennel, cucumber, mustard seeds, quail egg, and vendace roe
• Charred and cured Arctic char, served with cauliflower purée, mustard vinaigrette with coffee seasoning, new potatoes, and deep-fried onion
• Steamed cod fillet and fried scallops with white wine and dandelion sauce, served with nettle pesto, tomato, dandelion capers, and new potatoes
• Oven-baked veal with creamy apple cider sauce, smoked pork belly, roasted potato, and lightly pickled cucumber
• Rhubarb custard with strawberry yoghurt ice cream, poached rhubarb and vanilla meringue

Menu Nordic Vegan

• Vegetable cocktail with fried and marinated tofu, avocado, asparagus, and mustard vinaigrette seasoned with coffee
• Potato and truffle croquette with roasted green asparagus, cauliflower purée, hazelnuts and virgin rapeseed oil
• Asparagus, cauliflower, chickpea and golden beet terrine served with a roasted vegetable and garlic broth, topped with sunflower seeds and fried onions
• Salt-baked pointed cabbage glazed with ramsons pesto, mung bean stew with potatoes, spinach and creamy chanterelle sauce
• Rhubarb custard with strawberry yoghurt ice cream, poached rhubarb and vanilla meringue

Take a look at all Tallink Silja new dining menus → 

Published 17.5.2023

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Baltic Princess back to Turku-Stockholm route from 22 May to 3 September 2023

Tallink Silja ship Baltic Princess returns to Turku-Mariehamn-Stockholm route for the summer season from 22 May 2023 to 3 September 2023. The Stockholm route serves route passengers, passengers with vehicles and international travelers better. The ship has been operating on Turku-Långnäs-Kapellskär route since September 2022.

“In the summer season on the Turku route, there are many passengers traveling with vehicles, who continue their journey towards Europe and southern Sweden and for whom it is important to get directly to Stockholm. In the summer, there are more international passengers also traveling on our ships and for them this route is important in their European tours. This summer we expect passengers, especially from Asia, Central Europe, and the United States of America”, commented Kalle Katajainen Commercial Director, Tallink Silja Oy. said:

During the winter season, about 95 percent of the passengers of Baltic Princess on Turku route are Finnish 22 h -cruise passengers, who do not leave the ship during the cruise. In the summer season, instead, passengers with vehicles, route passengers and international passengers also travel on the ship.

“Last winter, for the first time, we tried to change the destination of the route to Kapellskär instead of Stockholm for the winter season. We are very happy with the result of the route. The cruise passengers have also given positive feedback about the new schedule, which has made it possible to spend a longer time onboard in the evening enjoying the services onboard and, on the other hand, an earlier return to Turku. Åland passengers have also been pleased with the better schedule to and from Åland”, Katajainen said.

Baltic Princess will return to Turku-Långnäs-Kapellskär route again on 4 September 2023.

Baltic Princess schedule in the summer season 22 May – 3 September 2023:

• Departure from Turku at 20:15 y
• Stop in Långnäs at 0:40
• Arrival in Stockholm at 6:10 (Swedish time)
• Departure from Stockholm at 7:10 (Swedish time)
• Stop in Mariehamn at 13:35
• Arrival in Turku at 19:15

Baltic Princess schedule in the winter season from 4 September 2023:

• Deparure from Turku at 18:30
• Stop in Långnäs at 23:20
• Arrival in Kapellskär at 6:00 (Swedish time)
• Departure from Kapellskär at 7:15 (Swedish time)
• Stop in Långnäs at 11:20
• Arrival in Turku at 16:30

Published 19.4.2023

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Tallink Hotel Riga reopens its doors to visitors 14.4.2023

Tallink Grupp has announced that it has reopened the doors of its Tallink Hotel Riga today, 14 April 2023, ending the period of two and a half years of suspended operations, caused by travel restrictions in Latvia and in the wider Baltic Sea region due to the Covid pandemic and their aftermath on the entire hospitality sector.

Commenting on the reopening of the operations of Tallink Hotel Riga, Ave Svarts, Management Board Member of Tallink Hotels said:

- “We are pleased to reopen our Riga hotel ahead of the spring and summer high season. We invite everyone to visit beautiful Riga, where the major sights and attractions are just a stone’s throw away from our hotel. While our operations in Riga were temporarily suspended, and despite challenging times, we were busy updating the hotel services, concepts and processes to meet the safety standards in the post-COVID world as well as the changed expectations of our customers. We are most delighted to offer even greener and more sustainable accommodation services to our good guests - we invite everyone to visit us again and stay in our hotel in the heart of Riga.”

Tallink Grupp temporarily suspended operations of the Tallink Hotel Riga, located in the city center of the Latvian capital, from 18 October 2020 due to a significant drop in guest numbers and bookings, as a result of Covid-related travel restrictions in place in Latvia and neighboring countries. Tallink Hotels currently operates four hotels in the Baltics - three in Tallinn, Estonia: the Tallink Spa & Conference Hotel, the Tallink Express Hotel, and the Tallink City Hotel; and Tallink Hotel Riga in the Latvian capital. Bookings for Tallink Hotels can be made on the company’s website: hotels.tallink.com.

Published 14.4.2023

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New buffet menu onboard Tallink Grupp’s vessels boasts with splash of colour and spice from exciting street food flavours

Ahead of the upcoming spring and summer travel season, Tallink Grupp has launched a new onboard buffet menu, available onboard all the company’s Tallink and Silja Line vessels from today, Wednesday, 12 April 2023. The new buffet menu, featuring altogether nearly 150 different menu items, offers a wide selection of delightful mouth-watering options to choose from and to satisfy every palate of travelling foodies, from Scandinavian classics to Asian flavours and more.

The ever-popular onboard restaurant Grande Buffet menu is traditionally renewed once a year in spring. To provide seasonal freshness, the new menu features theme tables that change throughout the year. Opening the spring and summer peak travel season, the exciting Street Food theme table invites food enthusiasts to discover a variety of popular street food favourites from all around the world, such as sushi, tacos and paella.

Naturally, the buffet menu includes a wide array of seafood, various fish and meat dishes, plenty of salads, vegetable and vegan dishes, a rich selection of breads with various spreads and, to finish a nice meal, a cheese assortment. Also, included is a separate kids menu and all the sweet-lovers onboard will be delighted to find a wide variety of desserts complete with an ice-cream bar.

Although the theme tables are exclusively part of the Grande Buffet restaurant menu, offered onboard the company’s cruise vessels, this time, to the delight of the customers travelling onboard the company’s shuttle vessels operating between Tallinn and Helsinki, sushi from the theme table menu is also available to them in the Delight Buffet restaurants.

According to Tallink Grupp’s Creative Head Chef, Joonas Maunula, inspiration for the new menu comes from cuisines around the world, more focus is given to vegetable-based and vegan dishes and locally sourced raw ingredients.

Commenting on the launch of the new onboard buffet menu, Joonas Maunula, Creative Chef of Tallink Grupp said:

„We wish to offer our dear guests new and exciting tastes from around the world, while we also consider it important to keep our local favourites and Baltic Sea culinary traditions in high esteem“. „Street food, by its definition, is very well suited to complement the enjoyment of a sea voyage undertaken with the entire family, because everyone –adults, kids, the young and old, can assemble their favourites exactly how they like them according to their preferences, be it a taco or bao-bun.“

When creating a new menu, the key challenge is to secure the ultimate freshness of the raw ingredients. When creating new recipes, the company considers it especially important to source the raw ingredients locally, as much as possible.

„Whenever possible, we use local suppliers. Most of the herrings and Baltic Herring, for example, comes from the South-Western part of Finland, smoked cheese comes from Estonia, vegetables are from Sweden, Finland and Estonia,“ Maunula explains.

„While making the most of local and sustainably sourced raw ingredients, we are making every effort to cut food waste by, for example, offering more individual serving size portions as part of our buffet menu display. This way, the food waste is minimised, yet the food is presented in a pleasing and contemporary way to the guests.“ Maunula adds.

„The new buffet menu, offered in our vessels’ buffet restaurants, is versatile, flavourful and highlighting fresh and seasonal local produce, offering our guests a wide selection of foods to enjoy, catering to different tastes and dietary preferences. Therefore, I welcome every food enthusiast on board our vessels, with a :“Bon Appetite!” and wishing everyone many enjoyable culinary journeys on board our vessels!” Maunula says.

Come and explore the exciting street food flavours in all Tallink Grupp vessels’ buffet restaurants Grande Buffet and Delight Buffet, starting from 12 April 2023. Book a sea voyage and buffet meal from the company’s website.

Take a closer look at the buffet menu offered onboard company’s vessels:

Helsinki-Stockholm route vessels Silja Serenade and Silja Symphony, restaurant Grande Buffet dinner menu: https://www.yumpu.com/xx/document/read/67807129/grande-buffet-menu-silja-symphony-silja-serenade-2023

Tallinn-Stockholm route vessel Baltic Queen, restaurant Grande Buffet dinner menu: https://www.yumpu.com/xx/document/read/67807112/grande-buffet-menu-baltic-queen-2023

Turku-Kapellskär/Stockholm route vessel Baltic Princess, restaurant Grande Buffet, lunch menu: https://www.yumpu.com/xx/document/read/67807142/grande-buffet-menu-baltic-princess-lunch-2023

Dinner menu: https://www.yumpu.com/xx/document/read/67807155/grande-buffet-menu-baltic-princess-dinner-2023

Helsinki-Tallinn route Shuttle vessels Megastar and MyStar, restaurant Delight Buffet https://www.yumpu.com/xx/document/read/67807049/delight-buffet-menu-megastar-mystar-1-2023
 

Published 12.4.2023

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Baltic Princess head to Naantali, Finland for regular dry-docking

Tallink Grupp’s Turku-Kapellskär route vessel Baltic Princess will go on dry-dock in Naantali, Finland on Turku Repair Yard during 6.-19.3.2023.

During the dockings many technical upgrades and underwater hull works will be carried out, including maintenance of the vessel’s bow thrusters and also the installation of ballast water treatment plant and commissioning.

In addition to the technical works, some of the vessel’s passenger areas will be refreshed; carpets will be renewed, and furniture will be coated. The curtains in the cabins will also be renewed. In addition, 750 mattresses will be replaced, and all cabins will be thoroughly cleaned.

Baltic Princess will be out of service after arriving in Turku in the evening on Sunday 5th March 2023 and will return to service on Sunday 19th March 2023 with an evening shift from Turku. There will be no replacing vessel on the route for that period.

Galaxy, which operated on the Turku-Stockholm route, has been leased to Holland for accommodation since September.

Published 2.3.2023

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Two Tallink Silja ships on Helsinki-Stockholm route again from 16 February 2023

Tallink Silja will again operate daily from Helsinki to Stockholm from 16 February 2023, when the dockings of Silja Serenade and Silja Symphony are complited. The ships were docked as planned at the Turku Repair Yard in Naantale between 18 January and 16 February 2023. During the dockings, Tallink Silja has operated the route with one ship.

During the dockings, various technical maintenance works have been carried out on the ships. For example, on Silja Serenade, the bridge navigation system was renewed. In addition, EnergoProFin equipment was installed on the ship's propellers, which increases the ship's energy efficiency and reduces fuel consumption. In the passenger areas, for example, carpets were renewed, the floor and saunas of the Commodore Lounge and the shower rooms in the spa department were renewed, and the Executive Suite were renovated. At Silja Symphony, the Mundo restaurant was transformed into a Fast Lane restaurant.

The ships are ready for the winter holiday passengers. During the winter holiday weeks, the ships have even more program for children and families, artists and other entertainment. Tallink Silja's own mascot Harry the Seal and Moomin are also there to entertain families.

Published 16.2.2023

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Tallink Grupp increases community support across key markets in 2023

Tallink Grupp is strengthening its community support activities across the company’s key markets of Estonia, Finland and Sweden in 2023. The company’s community support has ranged from supporting schools, kindergartens, children’s homes and hospitals, community sports and cultural events, to environmental projects, voluntary rescue associations and so much more. In 2023 and for the next few years, the company plans to focus its community activities across the group and its key markets on organisations that help and support families and children, volunteers providing emergency assistance on the Baltic sea, protect the Baltic sea and provide maritime education in the Baltic sea region.

„The number of organisations and projects that turn to us for support every year is increasing year on year, so we have to have a clear understanding of who we work with and why we work with them,“ explains Tallink Grupp’s Communications Director and Sustainability Lead Katri Link.

„We are increasingly looking to have more focus in our community work and we look to work with and partner with organisations and activities that have a logical connection to who we are as a business and what we do. Tallink is a maritime organisation operating on and around the Baltic sea, so it makes perfect sense for us to work with organisations like the John Nurminen Foundation, who’s mission is to protect the Baltic sea. It similarly makes sense to support maritime education as we heavily depend on the quality of this eduction to provide for us our future colleagues, and supporting voluntary rescue on the Baltic sea is also very closely linked to our business and something we have supported for many years before.“

„And then of course families and children, some of the key customers on our vessels and in our hotels and restaurants. Our goal here is to keep supporting children’s and families’ organisations through providing children with lasting memories and experiences with us, and through maritime safety education, so no child would lose their life because of poor safety skills in the future,“ Link added.

Tallink has signed new cooperation agreements this year with the John Nurminen Foundation in Finland to protect the Baltic sea, with Min Stora Dag (My Big Day) in Sweden to provide kids with serious illnesses positive experiences, and is in the process of agreeing cooperation activities and support with Stockholm Search and Rescue and Helsinki Search and Rescue teams with the aim of improving children’s skills for dealing with accidents and incidents in water.

Tallink already has existing partnerships in Estonia and Finland with Tallinn Search and Rescue, Minu Unistuste Päev (My Dream Day), Kummit (Association of Friends of the University Children's Hospitals) and Hope ry.

„Since February 2022, Tallink has participated in a number of projects and organised many collections and activities to support Ukraine and displaced Ukrainians in our countries and we will continue this support as long as it is needed. However, we now also want to ensure that we again give the same level of attention to the communities and children in Estonia, Finland and Sweden In addition to the community support highlighted in this release, Tallink continues to be a partner and headline sponsor of sports, culture and many key organisations and events in Estonia, Finland and Sweden.

Published 14.2.2023

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Tallink launches Baltic Sea protection cooperation with John Nurminen Foundation

Tallink Grupp, the leading shipping company on the Baltic Sea has signed a new cooperation agreement with the John Nurminen Foundation in Finland for 2023 with the aim of raising vital funds for the protection of the Baltic Sea.

Tallink and John Nurminen Foundation have cooperated on Baltic Sea protection projects also in previous years, but not on this scale. In addition to raising funds for the protection of the Baltic Sea environment, the cooperation will also see the organisations working together on awareness raising, highlighting key concerns and ways in which everyone can get involved in its protection.

„Our cooperation with the foundation has been a bit more general in the past with donations made to support their efforts in our region, but we felt more practical steps also need to be taken now with increased support both financially and through awareness-raising. We are pleased that we can give every one of our customers the opportunity to participate in the protection of our beloved Baltic Sea, but also increase their knowledge on various environmental topics, such as recycling, the health of the Baltic Sea, simple steps we can all take to help the environment, at the same time,“ Piret Mürk-Dubout, Management Board Member of Tallink Grupp said.

As part of the cooperation, Tallink Grupp will make a donation to John Nurminen Foundation from every Tallink & Silja Line branded water bottle sold on board the company’s vessels during 2023.

”Bottled water is the number one sales article on board our vessels although reusable water bottles and simply drinking tap water on board are increasingly popular too. We hope that by the end of the year we will have been able to support the vital activities of John Nurminen Foundation with approximately 20 000 euros through this year’s campaign and our customers and staff will know much more about how they can help protect our Baltic Sea and the environment in general,” Piret Mürk-Dubout added.

”We act on a daily basis to reduce eutrophication of the Baltic Sea and to preserve the diversity of marine nature. At the John Nurminen Foundation, we are grateful to Tallink Grupp for their support, which we will use to improve the well-being of our beloved Baltic Sea, to fight against the loss of biodiversity and to strengthen the awareness about the Baltic Sea and its heritage,“ Erkki Salo, Fundraising Manager at John Nurminen Foundation said.

Tallink Grupp has been awarded the ISO 14001 certificate in 2008 and the group’s Silja Line vessels have held the certificate for decades already. The certificate is the world's best-known environmental management system, which helps companies to improve their level of environmental performance and demonstrate good management of their environmental affairs. Company’s vessels have been following the principles of the environmental certificate for many years, with its operations constantly monitored and audited.

Tallink Grupp is dedicated to doing long-term work to protect the environment and to take care of the unique Baltic Sea, which is the shared living and working environment for everyone in the Baltic Sea region. As a company, we also encourage our customers and partners to do the same. Responsibility for the environment is something we all share.

Read more about the work Tallink Grupp does for the environment: https://en.tallink.com/sustainability-and-environment

John Nurminen Foundation – Saving the Baltic Sea

The John Nurminen Foundation was founded in 1992 with an aim to save the Baltic Sea and its heritage for future generations. The environmental projects launched by the Foundation improve the situation of the Baltic Sea by reducing the nutrient load and environmental risks faced by the sea, such as eutrophication and loss of biodiversity; as well as ensure that the stories of the sea are passed on to future generations.  The work of the Foundation is guided by measurable results and impact. The work of the Foundation is mostly funded by donations and grants.

www.johnnurmisensaatio.fi 

Published 31.1.2023

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Tallink Grupp’s vessels Silja Serenade and Silja Symphony head to Naantali, Finland for regular dry-docking

Tallink Grupp’s Helsinki-Stockholm route vessels Silja Serenade and Silja Symphony will go on dry-dock in Naantali, Finland on Turku Repair Dockyard during January and February. Silja Serenade will be docked on 18.1.-2.2.2023 and Silja Symphony on 2.2.-16.2.2023. There will be no replacing vessel on Helsinki-Stockholm-route during dockings.

During the dockings, many technical upgrades and underwater hull works will be carried out, including maintenance of the vessel’s bow thrusters and also the installation of EnergoProFin propeller hubs, the aim of which is to increase the vessel’s energy efficiency and achieve fuel saving.

In addition to the technical works, some of the vessel’s passenger areas will be refreshed. Onboard Silja Serenade the Sunflower spa's shower facilities, Commodore Lounge's sauna facilities and Executive Suite will be refreshed.

Onboard Silja Symphony, the Mundo restaurant will be converted into a Fastlane restaurant, the suite and Commodore Lounge's sauna facilities will be renovated, and the men's toilets on the seventh deck will be renovated. Both ships will be back on the route according to the normal schedule on 16 February, 2023.

Published 18.1.2023

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Tallink’s new flagship MyStar’s first week on the Tallinn-Helsinki route boasts with nearly 32 000 passengers carried from 106 countries

Tallink Grupp’s new flagship, fast ferry MyStar, which started operating on the company’s Tallinn-Helsinki shuttle service route last Wednesday, 13 December 2022, has made a total of 40 departures during the first seven days on the route and carried altogether approximately 32 000 passengers from 106 countries across the world.

Commenting on the successful start of operations of Tallink’s MyStar on the company’s Tallinn-Helsinki route over the first seven-day-period, Piret Mürk-Dubout, Member of the Board at Tallink Grupp, said:

„We are very pleased that our new flagship MyStar has been received so warmly by our customers, since this is the ship that we have built prioritising our customer’s wishes and needs,

„We have received lots of positive customer feedback regarding MyStar – be it ship’s completely new and inviting family lounge called Family Picnic, complete with Lottemaa play area; or the beautiful atrium called Garden; or the ship’s lovely interior with elegant restaurants’ and cosy bars, and – naturally - the biggest department store on the Baltic Sea – Traveller Superstore – expanding across two decks on 2500 square metres to the delight of many shoppers with many travel retail products which are exclusive to MyStar, both on land and at sea.

Also, unique to MyStar, we have the Platinum Lounge which is the ultimate novelty feature onboard and has already found a special place in the hearts of our more demanding customers who value more privacy. MyStar has proven that our vision of setting the customer service standards even higher, making the passenger comfort even greater and placing an even bigger emphasis on sustainability at the heart of our operations has now become a reality.“

In the first seven days from the start of operations, i.e., from 13 December until 19 December 2022 (inclusive), Tallink’s vessel MyStar has made 40 departures on the company’s Tallinn-Helsinki shuttle service route, and has:

• carried altogether nearly 32 000 passengers from 106 countries: with the most passengers coming from Finland (15 341) and Estonia (9996), but also including passengers from Singapore, Latvia, Poland, USA, Germany, Italy, Australia, Japan, Ireland, Canada and many other counties across the world.
• carried more than 6000 passenger vehicles;
• served on board, in total:
  - over 650 kg of Nordic cured salmon delicacy gravlax
  - over 4000 burgers and nearly 3900 nuggets from global fast food restaurant chain Burger King®
  - nearly 2000 cups of Starbucks® coffee
  - over 2000 glasses of Champagne and sparkling wine
• The most popular products in onboard shop were Tallink’s fleet chocolate and MyStar ship chocolate. The most popular product categories were:
  - accessories, clothing, toys and souvenirs, with over 11 600 pc sold
  - sweets with over 18 000 pc sold
  - perfumery and cosmetics products, with over 7 700 pc sold
  - wines (including champagne, sparkling wine and wine) with altogether over 5 800 pc sold.

MyStar operates on the company’s Tallinn-Helsinki Shuttle service route in tandem together with the fast ferry Megastar.

Tallink Grupp’s vessel Star is currently undergoing technical maintenance and will start operations again on the company’s Tallinn-Helsinki route with a slightly fewer number of departures from 1 January 2023, which will bring the number of departures on company’s Tallinn-Helsinki route to 16 departures per day on working days (Mon-Fri).

For more information on what is available on board MyStar, visit the vessel’s webpage: https://en.tallink.com/mystar

Published 20.12.2022

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Tallink took delivery of ferry MyStar - the most modern vessel on the Baltic Sea

7 December 2022, Rauma, Finland – At the delivery ceremony held today at noon at the Rauma Marine Constructions’ shipyard, in Rauma, Finland, Tallink Grupp took the delivery of the newest member and the brand-new flagship of the company’s fleet, fast ferry MyStar. The most modern vessel on the Baltic Sea, MyStar will set course for its home port, the Old City Harbour, Port of Tallinn, this Friday.

Participating at the delivery ceremony in Rauma Shipyard, Finland, were , CEO of Tallink Grupp and Tallink’s MyStar project team members; and Mika Laurilehto, Deputy CEO of Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC) together with the representatives of the shipyard.

According to the shipbuilding tradition, as part of the delivery ceremony, the Estonian national flag was hoisted on the ship’s mast of MyStar, symbolising the transfer of ownership of the vessel to Tallink Grupp.

MyStar will set course towards its home port, Port of Tallinn, this Friday, on 9 December 2022, and will arrive at the Old City Harbour’s Terminal D, quay 1, on Saturday, 10 December 2022 at 10.00 o’clock, local Estonian time.

The first commercial voyage of the most technologically advanced and energy efficient fast ferry on the Baltic Sea, MyStar will take place on 13 December 2022, departing from Tallinn to Helsinki at 13.30 local time.

Published 7.12.2022

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Tallink Grupp’s new ferry MyStar to be delivered to the company on 7 December, vessel to start operating on Tallinn-Helsinki route on 13 December 2022

Tallink Grupp`s new ferry MyStar will be delivered to the company by Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC) this week, on Wednesday, 7 December 2022, at Rauma shipyard in Finland. The long-awaited start of operations of MyStar, the newest and most technologically advanced vessel on the Baltic Sea, will take place on Tuesday, 13 December at 13.30 from Tallinn to Helsinki.

Commenting on the delivery of MyStar, CEO of Tallink Grupp, Paavo Nõgene said:

“We are very pleased that the time has now come this week for us to welcome and receive the newest member of our fleet, the brightest star on the Baltic Sea, MyStar into our fleet. Her much-awaited arrival marks the beginning of yet another new era for the Tallinn-Helsinki route, with customer service standards now even higher, passenger comfort even greater and sustainability even more at the heart of our operations. The world has changed greatly since we started building our newest fleet member in spring 2020 with more hurdles along the way than we have ever experienced, but we have met all the challenges head on and are happy that our beautiful MyStar has now been completed and will welcome everyone on board from 13 December onwards. I want to thank the whole Tallink MyStar project team, Rauma Shipyard and all our partners who have contributed to making our dream of the brightest new star on the Baltic Sea a reality.”

“I want to thank Tallink for their excellent cooperation which has allowed us to bring the project to completion together despite challenging circumstances. I would also like to thank the partners and the classification society. MyStar represents Finland’s strong expertise in shipbuilding. It has been an honour for us to design and build such a technologically advanced vessel that upholds sustainable values. We wish MyStar the best of luck with the sailings” says Mika Heiskanen, CEO, RMC.

MyStar is expected to depart from Rauma shipyard on Friday, 9 December and to arrive at the Old City Harbour of the Port of Tallinn at 10am on Saturday, 10 December.

The first commercial voyage of MyStar will take place on 13 December 2022, departing from Tallinn to Helsinki at 13:30 local time, replacing Megastar in the current Shuttle service timetable, with Masters Vahur Ausmees and Aivar Moorus on the captain’s bridge. MyStar’s crew of 208 is headed by three captains in total - masters Vahur Ausmees, Aivar Moorus and Ain Aksalu.

The construction of the vessel cost EUR 247 million and is financed with a loan of EUR 196,3 million from KfW IPEX-Bank GmbH. Finnish export credit agency “Finnvera” guarantees 95 per cent of this post-delivery buyer credit. MyStar shore-to-ship power solution is a part of Twin-Port 3 measure and is co-financed from the EU The Connecting Europe Facility (CEF). For more information on what is available on board MyStar, visit the vessel webpage: https://en.tallink.com/mystar  

The construction of MyStar started in April 2020. The most technologically advanced and energy efficient vessel in Tallink’s fleet, MyStar is 212.4 metres long and has capacity to carry 2800 passengers. The ship’s five 8-cylinder dual-fuel main engines are capable of running on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and marine diesel fuel. The ship is using diesel-electric propulsion combined with fixed pitch propellers giving the best efficiency. MyStar comes equipped with shore-to-ship power solution and smart car deck solution. The vessel has design speed of up to 27 knots and will join company’s vessels Megastar and Star on the company’s Tallinn-Helsinki shuttle service route.

MyStar:

• Passengers: 2800
• Passenger cabins: 46
• Decks: 12 Length: 212.4 m
• Width: 30.6 m
• Speed: 27 knots
• Lane meters: 3,190 m
• Ice class: 1A
• Main engine output: 42,000 kW
• Gross Tonnage: 50,629
• Fuel: dual fuel – LNG and/or diesel
• Interior design by dSign Vertti Kivi & Co
• Reference vessel is Tallink’s shuttle vessel Megastar

Published 5.12.2022

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Baltic Princess operates from Turku to Stockholm in the summer season of 2023

Tallink Silja’s Baltic Princess returns to the Turku-Mariehamn-Stockholm route for the summer season: from 22 May 2023 to 3 September 2023. The ship has been operating on the Turku-Långnäs-Kapellskär route since September 2022, and the 22 h -cruises will continue from Turku on the current schedule until 21 May 2023, and again after the summer season from 4 September 2023.

“The summer season change is made because there are constantly a lot of route passengers on the Turku route, for whom it is important to travel directly to Stockholm. The Turku route is an important part of the trip for our international passengers during the summer season, as many of them travel only one way between Finland and Sweden”, commented Nina Honkaranta, Turku Regional Director, Tallink Silja Oy.

“We are very happy that now in the winter season we can offer a great schedule for 22 h cruise. Also, we have received a lot of positive feedback from Åland regarding a better schedule”, Honkaranta said.

Baltic Princess schedule from 22 May 2023 to 3 September 2023 is the following:

• 20:15 Departure from Turku
• 0:40 Arrival in Långnäs
• 6:10 Arrival in Stockholm (Swedish time)
• 7:10 Departure from Stockholm (Swedish time)
• 13:35 Arrival in Mariehamn
• 19:15 Arrival in Turku

Baltic Princess timetables →

Published 28.11.2022

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Tallink’s Christmas buffet menu highlights popular festive dishes from four national cuisines with plenty of vegan options

From today, 17 November 2022, all foodies are welcome onboard to enjoy Tallink’s abundant new Christmas menu which is offered on company’s cruise vessel’s Grande Buffet restaurant. Christmas buffet offers a variety of holiday favourites from Estonian, Finnish, Swedish and Slavic cuisines. The plentiful buffet menu contains altogether over 140 delectable menu items, both main and side dishes, nearly 40% those are also suitable for vegans.

The Christmas buffet menu offered in the Grande Buffet restaurant onboard company’s cruise vessels is available onboard vessel Baltic Queen from 17 November until 31 December 2022 and on company’s vessels Silja Serenade, Silja Symphony and Baltic Princess from 17 November until 26 December. Onboard company’s Shuttle-service vessels, operating between Tallinn and Helsinki, the choice holiday dishes are offered in the Delight Buffet restaurant, from 17 November until 31 December.

Commenting on the new Christmas buffet menu offered onboard company’s vessels, Marko Makke, Tallink Grupp’s Food & Beverage Director, said:

- „Every year, our delicious and abundant Christmas buffet is a much-awaited occasion and, indeed, a reason by itself for many of our customers to take the sea voyage. Why not come onboard with the whole family to enjoy Christmas dishes, where holiday table is already set, where there is enough time to enjoy even a 12-course Christmas dinner and where everyone is guaranteed to find plenty of their favourites“.

The Grande Buffet restaurant’s Christmas menu includes the most favourite dishes from four national cuisines around the Baltic Sea – Estonian, Finnish, Swedish and Slavic traditional specialities. From the Estonian Christmas dishes, there is, of course, sauerkraut, blood sausage, Christmas pork roast and from desserts, a novel addition, Spotted Dog cake. From Finnish cuisine, smoked reindeer mousse on rye bread, traditional naturally cured Christmas ham, Porkkala (vegan cold smoked salmon from carrots) various gratins, traditional Finnish Christmas cake Käpykakku and much more. From Swedish cuisine, a wide selection of traditional fish and seafood cold appetisers and dishes carefully prepared from sustainably obtained MSC certified herring and prawn, Swedish meatballs and traditional Christmas sausages, Ice chocolate, traditional Swedish Christmas soft drink Julmust, on selected vessels. From Slavic cuisine, for example salmon coulibiac, pickled wild mushrooms, game terrine, salted cucumbers and much more.

The cost of luxurious Christmas buffet dinner served in the Grande Buffet restaurant onboard company’s vessels Baltic Queen operating on the Tallinn-Stockholm route, and Baltic Princess operating on the Turku-Stockholm route is 40 euros per adult, when booked in advance and 44 euros per adult when purchased onboard; and onboard company’s vessels Silja Symphony and Silja Serenade operating on Helsinki Stockholm route 47 euros per adult booked in advance, and 51 euros per adult onboard. Pre-booked meals for kids under 6 are free of charge when accompanied by a paying adult. Buffet menu dinner prices include beverages, such as water, juice, milk, tea, coffee and soft drinks, beer and wine (including non-alcoholic).

In addition to scrumptious Christmas buffet, served onboard company’s cruise vessels’ Grande Buffet restaurant, the travelling gourmands can also enjoy a 3-course special Christmas menu, also available in vegan version, offered at the à la carte restaurants onboard from 17 November until 26 December. The 3-course special Christmas menu is priced at 47 euros per person and 39 euros per person for the vegan menu.

Take a closer look at the menus here →

Published 17.11.2022

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ABBA and Queen Tributes land on Silja Serenade and Silja Symphony for almost three months

The Helsinki-Stockholm route ships Silja Serenade and Silja Symphony will have phenomenal ABBA and Queen tributes in the entertainment program from 7.11.2022. The performances will be shown at the Starlight nightclub on Silja Serenade 7.11.2022–16.1.2023 & on Silja Symphony 7.11.2022–2.2.2023.

"As usual, you can see great show groups from all over the world onboard our ships, but the ABBA and Queen tributes are something even more unique. Our customers have been hoping for slightly longer musical experiences that could also be experienced already in the early evening — the tributes respond to these wishes! It's great to have the music experiences of the English production company TSE Creative Production on our ships for the first time — just in time for the Christmas season," rejoices Kati Heiniö, Head of Entertainment at Tallink Silja Oy.

There will be two performances every evening at 19:30 and at 21:00. The total duration of one performance is approximately 45 minutes, and the performances are free of charge for passengers. It is also possible to secure the best seats by purchasing a Premium package with snacks for the reservation no later than 24 hours before the trip.

"It's a pleasure to bring two productions to the ships, both built up from extremely popular and iconic songs by world-famous bands, ABBA and Queen. Our team is very excited to be on board and we hope that passengers will enjoy the performances and throw themselves into the great music," commented John Thompson, Executive Director of TSE Creative Production.

The Queen tribute includes hits such as Another One Bites the Dust and Don't Stop Me Now, and the ABBA tribute features Gimme Gimme Gimme, Mamma Mia and Dancing Queen, among others.

Read more about ABBA and Queen Tributes →

Published 07.11.2022

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Tallink boosts Tallinn-Helsinki route capacity from November, adding four more departures per weekday to the route

Tallink Grupp will this week open ticket sales for the brand new Tallinn-Helsinki route shuttle departures with its vessel Star, which will be launched from 27 November, taking Tallink’s weekday departures on the route between the two Nordic capitals to a new record of 16 departures per day.

The new departures on shuttle vessel Star are launched as the company’s brand-new vessel MyStar is nearing completion and will be launched on the route to operate in tandem with vessel Megastar in the second half of November.

The additional sailings with Star will offer those travellers looking for earlier departure times and more options, a timetable suitable for work travel, better connecting travel possibilities, excellent departure times from City centre to City centre, the usual shuttle comfort with a few services less, at a reduced cost.

The timetable for the new shuttle service with Star will be the following:

Monday to Friday

• 6:30-9:00 Tallinn-Helsinki
• 11:30-14:00 Helsinki-Tallinn
• 14:45-17:15 Tallinn-Helsinki
• 18:15-20:45 Helsinki-Tallinn

Saturday

• 6:30-9:00 Tallinn-Helsinki
• 11:30-14:00 Helsinki-Tallinn

Sunday

• 14:45-17:15 Tallinn-Helsink
• 18:15-20:45 Helsinki-Tallinn

„We are pleased to increase the number of regular departures between our capital cities of Helsinki and Tallinn, thus making it even easier and more convenient to travel between Estonia and Finland, particularly for those customers who need more options to suit their busy work schedules. It is even better that we can offer these new departures with a reduced ticket price to our customers at a time, when we all need to watch our spending at a time of sky-high inflation and rapidly rising cost of living. The Star service will continue to offer our customers the same level of comfort and quality with good dining and shopping opportunities on board, offering our customers even more choices for flexible, fast, high quality crossings across the Gulf of Finland,“ Paavo Nõgene, CEO of Tallink Grupp, said.

The first departure of the new service will take place on Sunday, 27 November 2022 at 14.45 from Tallinn. The service will operate between Tallinn Old City Harbour (Vanasadam) and Helsinki West Harbour (Länsiterminaali) ports.

Ticket prices for the Star departures will start from EUR 17 + fuel surcharge for foot passengers and from EUR 21 for car. Tickets for the Star departures can also be combined with tickets for other Tallink departures and services.

For more information on the new Star service and tickets for the departures, visit: https://en.tallink.com/en/tallink-shuttle-star-helsinki-tallinn-helsinki

Published 03.11.2022

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Tallink Grupp’s new Menu Nordic showcases classic Scandinavian autumn flavours with a touch of Asia

Tallink Grupp has today launched a new five course Menu Nordic for the delight of fine dining enthusiasts travelling on company’s cruise vessels on routes between Helsinki-Stockholm and between Tallinn-Stockholm. The menu, created by Chef de Cuisine of the company’s vessel Silja Serenade, Sami Leino, highlights traditional full-flavoured Scandinavian autumn flavours with a touch of Asia and is available onboard until 2 April 2023.

Menu Nordic, available onboard the company’s cruise vessels Silja Serenade and Silja Symphony in the Bon Vivant restaurant and on board company’s vessel Baltic Queen in the Gourmet Restaurant, is renewed twice a year and is available also as a five-course vegan version. Chef de Cuisine of Silja Serenade Sami Leino, together with his culinary team, started the work on developing the menu in April this year, and the menu is the first menu developed by Sami Leino as head chef of Silja Serenade.

Commenting on the new Menu Nordic, Chef de Cuisine Sami Leino, of company’s vessel Silja Serenade, said:

”Menu Nordic is truly the flagship menu of our culinary fleet. For many of our foodie customers, it is the very reason to make the trip and, indeed, the highlight of the whole trip. When creating the new menu, my aim was to combine the outstanding Finnish culinary technique mastered on our vessel, with a twist of Asia. Having worked in the culinary teams of several ships of our company’s fleet, I have noticed that our customers traditionally like pike perch and pork, and they also have a soft spot for Asian food. I am pleased that, as we head into the autumn season, I was able to create together with my team, a complete menu which brings those favourite elements together full of freshness, kick and great umami flavour to beautifully complement each other to the delight of our customers”.

The menu onboard Tallink and Silja Line vessels’ fine dining restaurants Bon Vivant and Gourmet Restaurant are updated according to the seasonal change and the raw ingredients are sourced as locally as possible.

”The new Menu Nordic highlights pike perch, funnel chanterelle and pork cheek from Sweden and ash cheese from Finland. The tuna we serve is sourced sustainably and is MSC-certified. Financier pastry we prepare ourselves onboard”, Sami Leino adds.

Menu Nordic:

Sesame tuna, funnel chanterelle and yuzu mayonnaise

Lightly smoked pike perch, Jerusalem artichoke pure and lemongrass sauce

Ginger glazed pork cheek, shiitake mushroom risotto

Finnish white mould cheese rolled in ash and papaya chutney

Popcorn ice cream, Financier pastry and salty caramel sauce

Menu Nordic vegan:

Beetroot tartar, capers and lime sauce

Smoked King Oyster mushroom, parsnip, haricot beans

Jerusalem artichoke, truffle risotto and kale

Cashew Blue and papaya chutney

Grilled pineapple, coconut milk ice cream and chocolate sauce

Menu Nordic is available onboard from 15 September 2022 until -2 April 2023. The five-course-menu set is priced at 79 Euros excluding drinks. To accompany the menu, set of wines selected by sommelier is priced at 45 Euros.

Published 15.09.2022

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New cruising schedule and temporary destination port for Turku-route vessel Baltic Princess

Tallink Grupp’s vessel Baltic Princess timetable and destination port will change temporarily from 11 September 2022 until 31 March 2023. From 11 September the vessel will start to operate between Turku, Finland and Kapellskär, Sweden.

”We could say that a completely new cruising era is now starting in Turku! The new timetable will first and foremost benefit the Turku area travellers and cruise passengers and make travelling more convenient from other parts of Finland too. There is more time to enjoy time on board on the departure night from Turku, and cruise passengers get to return home a little bit earlier the following night. We are very happy to be able to offer this new timetable to our passengers travelling from Turku,” Nina Honkaranta, Turku regional manager for Tallink Silja Oy, commented.

”Baltic Princess new, more customer friendly, timetable will delight both our regular customers as well as new customers alike. Also stop in Åland islands has better schedule than before. Baltic Princess has a total of ten different cafes, restaurants and bars on board and the vessel will offer fantastic entertainment on board this autumn every day of the week,” Honkaranta added.

The Baltic Princess new timetable 11 September 2022-31 March 2023 will be:

• Departure from Turku 18:30
• Stop at Långnäs at 23:30
• Arrival in Kapellskär at 06:00 (Swedish time)
• Departure from Kapellskär at 07:15 (Swedish time)
• Stop at Långnäs at 11:20
• Arrival in Turku at 16:30
• Departure from Turku at 18:30

Published 24.08.2022

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Tallink Grupp charters two vessels to the Netherlands

Tallink Grupp has announced signing contracts with Slaapschepen Public BV, an organisation nominated by Centraal Orgaan Opvang Asielzoekers (COA) in the Netherlands, for the short-term charter of two of the company’s vessels. The company’s Tallinn-Helsinki route vessel Silja Europa has been chartered to provide temporary accommodation in the Netherlands from 20 August 2022 for a period of seven months, with the option to extend the charter agreement by another three months. The vessel has been hired with Tallink Grupp’s technical crew only.

The company’s second vessel Galaxy, currently operating on the Turku-Stockholm route, has also been chartered to provide accommodation in the Netherlands, but from 20 September 2022 also for seven months, with the option to extend the charter agreement by another three months. The vessel has also been hired with Tallink Grupp’s technical crew only.

Our customer service team will contact all customers with reservations on the affected cancelled departures to make necessary amendments to the bookings.

Published 29.07.2022

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Tallink Grupp celebrates Silja Line’s 65th anniversary with a jubilee menu and exclusive products onboard

Tomorrow, 20 May 2022, marks the 65 year-anniversary for Tallink Grupp’s Silja Line brand. The Silja Line’s anniversary year celebrations onboard company’s vessels are visible throughout the sea voyage, from the onboard gourmet’ to shopping experience.

Oy Siljavarustamo – Ab Siljarederiet shipping company was founded on 20 May 1957. Silja Line’s first passenger vessel s/s Silja started operating on the Midsummer Eve of 1957 between Turku and Stockholm. Today, Silja Line belongs to Tallink Grupp with four company’s vessels sailing under the Silja Line brand: Silja Serenade and Silja Symphony are operating on the company’s Helsinki-Stockholm route and Galaxy and Baltic Princess are operating on the company’s Turku-Stockholm route.

Commenting on the Silja Line’s 65th anniversary, Paavo Nõgene, CEO of Tallink Grupp said:

“Tallink Grupp is proud and happy to celebrate Silja Line’s 65th anniversary and to be able to carry on the rich history and tradition that is Silja Line. I thank every Silja Line employee and every good customer throughout the decades who has given Silja Line the very reason for being there.”

Silja Line’s 65th anniversary is celebrated onboard with a special “Silja 65” menu, anniversary cake and festive Silja Special cocktail, as well as special anniversary merchandise branded with a Silja Line 65 logo, available onboard company’s vessels Silja Serenade, Silja Symphony, Galaxy, Baltic Princess and Silja Europa.

Commenting on the Silja Line 65 special menu and exclusive anniversary products available on vessels, Katre Kõvask, Head of Food and Beverage at Tallink Grupp said:

“We are very excited to invite everyone to join us for the Silja Line’s 65th anniversary festivities onboard our vessels. We welcome everyone to experience the nicest holiday on the Baltic Sea this summer with us - why not plan your trip to Tallinn or Stockholm via Helsinki and experience the festivities first hand - we have a special Silja 65 anniversary menu and other exclusive surprises waiting for you on board.”

The foodies will be keen to sample the ”Silja 65” 3-course special menu, jointly created by the chefs from the Silja Line vessels. The menu pays tribute to the traditional cruising customs and features elements which have been strong customer favourites over the decades, such as prawn cocktail toast and fillet mignon – and, to finish off the fine meal, fresh strawberries, white chocolate and ice-cream. The special “Silja 65” menu, which is also available in vegan version, is offered on company’s vessels Silja Serenade and Silja Symphony in Tavolata restaurant; and onboard vessels Baltic Princess, Galaxy and Silja Europa in the Grill House restaurant until 4 October 2022.

The decadent “Silja 65” anniversary cake – a rich chocolate brownie with blueberries and black currants, has been created exclusively for Tallink Grupp by the Finnish Turku-based bakery MBakery. The anniversary cake is available in onboard cafés and is decorated with a white medallion bearing Silja Line 65 special logo.

Also, the onboard cocktail selection features a festive Silja Special cocktail boasts with a lovely marine blue colour which comes from Bols Blue Curacao.

Silja Line 65 special products are available on company’s vessels Silja Serenade, Silja Symphony, Galaxy, Baltic Princess and Silja Europa, and include, among other, chocolates by Fazer and Kalev, Helsinki Dry Gin Silja Line 65 gin by Helsinki Distillery and Lignell’s Café Congnac Liquer. The festive Silja Line 65 wine selection includes white wine Steininger Grüner Veltliner Ried Kittmansberg Erste Lage, rosé wine Annabel de Chateau Puybarbe, red wine Bottega Amarone della Valpolicella II Vino Degli Dei, sparkling wines Bottega Prosecco DOC Brut Accademia White and Bottega Prosecco DOC Brut Accademia Blu and champagne Boizel Brut Reserve.

"Silja 65" Menu →

Published 19.05.2022

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New buffet menu 2022 features Swedish smörgåsbord and a wide vegan variety

Ahead of upcoming summer travel season, Tallink Grupp has launched new onboard buffet menu which is available onboard company’s Tallink and Silja Line’s vessels’ Grande Buffet restaurants from today, 18 May 2022. The menu includes more than 140 different dishes, sides and condiments to choose from and also plenty of vegan options to satisfy travelling food enthusiasts, both adults and kids.

To provide variety throughout the year, the Grande Buffet restaurant’s new menu concept features seasonal theme tables which highlight regional ethnic culinary traditions. The traditional Swedish smörgåsbord theme table opens the summer season, offering a wide array of classic Swedish appertiser table hits, which, keeping with the Scandinavian tradition, include numerous fish dishes, carefully prepared from sustainably obtained MSC certified herring and prawn.

“Buffet restaurants onboard Tallink and Silja Line vessels are a family restaurant where one can explore a variety of dishes spread over different seasonal themes – or Markets, as we call them. Buffet menu allows guests to have a six-course meal, or why not even nine-course meal, as is the tradition in Sweden during major festivities. The new buffet menu is perfect for sampling in small bites, so our guests can enjoy and experience many flavours and every member of the family will find their favourites,” Katre Kõvask, Tallink Grupp’s Head of Food and Beverage said.

This year, the Grande Buffet restaurant menu features an even more expanded choice of vegan dishes which are spread out throughout the buffet’ display but are still easy to spot thanks to special green signs, and a separate themed display, are found in the Green Market.

“Our Grande Buffet restaurant menu is the most versatile and undoubtedly our most popular onboard menu across the entire fleet which is one of the highlights of the sea voyage for many of our customers,” Executive Chef for Tallink Grupp, Anti Lepik said.

The Grande Buffet restaurant menu has been jointly created by the head chefs from all the Tallink Grupp’s vessels. The menu process takes nearly eight months to complete as the culinary experts across the company fine-tune all-time menu favourites, considering the contemporary culinary trends and responding to customer demand.

Photos by Tallink Grupp Matteusz Popek (dropbox) →

Published 18.05.2022

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Tallink Grupp to continue operating Tallinn-Stockholm route with one vessel until the end of 2022

Tallink Grupp has today announced that it has decided not to add a second vessel to the Tallinn-Stockholm route in 2022 as originally planned. The route will continue to be operated by the company’s vessel Baltic Queen and the departures from Tallinn and Stockholm will take place every other day.

The company’s vessel Victoria I, which was due to join Baltic Queen on the route from early June this year, will currently remain suspended in Port of Tallinn once it finishes its current replacement service on the Tallinn-Helsinki route on 21 April.

Commenting on the suspension, Paavo Nõgene, CEO of Tallink Grupp said:

„None of the schedule and route changes are easy to make as they impact our customers travel plans and the decision to operate the Tallinn-Stockholm route with only one vessel for the rest of this year, has been one of these difficult decisions. However, having carried out an assessment of the potential for the route to be operated profitably with two vessels in today’s context of increased prices and the changed geopolitical situation, it has become clear that this is not currently possible.

„We will continue operating the popular route with Baltic Queen for now and will continue to look for other opportunities for our vessel Victoria I for the rest of this year.

„We apologise to all the customers impacted by this decision and will offer them opportunities to travel on Baltic Queen or our other routes and vessels instead.

“The Baltic Queen departures every other day give our customers a good opportunity to spend a few nights at our recently renovated and beautiful Tallink City hotel and enjoy Tallinn for longer.” Tallink will contact all the customers affected by this decision as soon as possible and offer them alternative travel options, gift vouchers or refunds.

Published 11.04.2022

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Changes in Tallink Grupp’s Tallinn-Helsinki route schedule during Easter week, 11-21 April

Tallink Grupp has announced changes in its Tallinn-Helsinki route schedule during Easter week due to the ongoing technical docking of its shuttle vessel Star in Gdansk, Poland and the unplanned repair work on the route’s cruise vessel Silja Europa, damaged in the storm on Tuesday night this week.

Shuttle vessel Star was due to return to the Tallinn-Helsinki route on Monday, 11 April, but the docking is now delayed by three days and the vessel will return to the route on Thursday, 14 April. The vessel will thereafter return to its normal schedule with six departures per day.

The company was hoping to return its cruise vessel Silja Europa to the route within one week of sustaining the damage to the hull, but the repairs are now anticipated to take at least two weeks, so the vessel will be out of service longer.

Tallink will add capacity to the busy Tallinn-Helsinki route during this period with added departures with the company’s vessel Victoria I, which is already operating on the route since Thursday, 7 April.

From Monday, 11 April until Thursday, 14 April Victoria I will operate on the route according to the following schedule:

• Monday 11 April:
  depart Tallinn at 12:30 and arrive in Helsinki at 16:00
  depart Helsinki at 18:30 and arrive in Tallinn at 22:00
• Tuesday-Wednesday 12-13 April:
  depart Tallinn at 09:00 and arrive in Helsinki at 11:30
  depart Helsinki at 12:30 and arrive in Tallinn at 15:00
  
  depart Tallinn at 16:00 and arrive in Helsinki at 18:30
  depart Helsinki at 19:15 and arrive in Tallinn at 12:15
• Thursday 14 April:
  depart Tallinn at 08:00 and arrive in Helsinki at 10:30
  depart Helsinki at 11:30 and arrive in Tallinn at 14:00
  
  depart Tallinn at 15:00 and arrive in Helsinki at 17:30
  depart Helsinki at 18:30 and arrive in Tallinn at 22:00

From Thursday, 14 April Star will return to the Tallinn-Helsinki route and Victoria I will continue operating in the usual Silja Europa schedule as follows until Silja Europa returns to the route. 

• From Friday 22 April:
  depart Tallinn at 12:30 and arrive in Helsinki at 16:00
  depart Helsinki at 18:30 and arrive in Tallinn at 22:00

Tallink Grupp apologises to all customers impacted by this schedule change.

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Tallink Grupp Silja Europa temporarily replaced on Tallinn-Helsinki route with Victoria I

Tallink Grupp has today announced that it will temporarily replace its vessel Silja Europa on the Tallinn-Helsinki route with the company’s other vessel Victoria I. The move comes as Silja Europa sustained hull damage on the evening of 5 April 2022 when mooring at the Port of Tallinn.

After immediate assessments of the damage, it was clear that the vessel hull, which came into contact with the pier, will need repairs before the vessel can sail again. According to initial estimates the repairs are likely to take seven days.

The company has, therefore, decided to temporarily add its vessel Victoria I, currently in lay-up at Paljassaare port, to provide much-needed capacity on the popular Tallinn-Helsinki route.

Victoria I will start temporarily operating on the Tallinn-Helsinki route on Thursday, 7 April and will operate in the temporary Silja Europa schedule between 7-10 April 2022 as follows:

Thursday and Friday, 7 -8 April

9.30AM Departure from Tallinn to Helsinki

6.30PM Departure from Helsinki to Tallinn

Saturday and Sunday, 9-10 April

12.30PM Departure from Tallinn to Helsinki

6.30PM Departure from Helsinki to Tallinn

From 11 April onwards Victoria I will operate in the normal Silja Europa daily schedule:

Tallinn-Helsinki – departure at 12.30PM

Helsinki-Tallinn – departure at 6.30PM

Passengers whose sailings have been cancelled today, will be contacted and offered alternative transport on the company’s shuttle vessel Megastar, alternative cruise options on Silja Serenade or overnight stays at Tallink Hotels. The company’s other shuttle vessel Star is currently in Poland in regular maintenance, returning to the Tallinn-Helsinki route on Monday, 11 April.

Published 05.04.2022

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Tallink Grupp charters company vessel Isabelle for refugee accommodation and makes decision not to re-open the Riga-Stockholm route in 2022

Tallink Grupp has today signed an agreement with the Estonian Social Insurance Board to charter out the company’s vessel Isabelle to provide temporary accommodation to Ukrainian refugees arriving in Estonia.

The vessel will be chartered to the Estonian authorities from Thursday, 7 April 2022, for an initial period of four months with an option to extend the charter by another two months and thereafter by another two months, depending on the need.

Chartering the vessel to the Estonian authorities to provide urgent relief for the temporary housing issue means that the company will not be re-opening the Riga-Stockholm route on 3 June 2022 as announced in late March. The company had initially planned to re-open the route, which has been suspended since March 2020, on 6 April this year, but announced a week ago that the re-opening will be delayed by two months due to the challenging geopolitical situation putting pressure on passenger numbers and prices, making the re-opening of the route in April-May economically unviable. The charter, however, now means that the vessel planned for operating on the route, will instead be used for urgent support to the Estonian authorities and the route re-opening will be pushed further into the future.

„Chartering out Isabelle has not been an easy decision for us as the Riga-Stockholm route that we have spent nearly 16 years building, has been severely impacted firstly by the COVID crisis and now, additionally, by the uncertainties and price hikes resulting from the war in Ukraine. As Tallink has gone through an extensive survival course during the crisis of the last two years, we have had to make every single decision very carefully and our decisions need to be thoroughly calculated, assessing all possible risks involved in great detail. Today’s decision to charter out our vessel Isabelle to provide urgent accommodation to Ukrainian refugees is one such decision,“ Paavo Nõgene, CEO of Tallink Grupp said.

„Chartering the vessel means, on the one hand, that we are able to offer our support to Ukrainian refugees by providing much-needed accommodation, but also job opportunities on the vessel to people who have had to flee Ukraine. On the other hand, of course, the agreement means that we will not be able to re-open the Riga-Stockholm route in 2022 as we had originally planned and hoped. We have not, however, given up the plan to re-open this popular route in the future, but right now it is too early to estimate when this can happen profitably and sustainably,“ Nõgene added.

„We apologise wholeheartedly to all our Latvian customers who have been waiting a long time for the re-opening of the route between Latvia and Sweden and to all those passengers whose travel plans this charter agreement will now impact. Our customer service team will work with you all to re-route, refund or find other solutions for you. You are all very welcome on board all other Tallink Silja vessels and on our Estonia-Sweden, Estonia-Finland and Finland-Sweden routes.“

Tallink will offer employment to the crew and employees currently working for the company’s Latvian organisation on board other Tallink vessels, including Isabelle, during the coming months. The company will make announcements regarding the new plans for the re-opening of the Riga-Stockholm route as soon as any such decisions are made.

Published 04.04.2022

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Tallink’s ferry Star to undergo regular maintenance in Poland, company’s vessel Silja Europa to provide extra departures on company’s Tallinn-Helsinki route alongside shuttle Megastar

Tallink Grupp’s vessel Star, which operates on the company’s Tallinn-Helsinki shuttle route, will depart on Sunday, 27 March 2022, from Port of Tallinn Old City Harbour and head to Remontowa Shiprepair Yard in Gdansk, Poland, for planned regular maintenance. During the vessel’s planned docking, from 28 March to 10 April 2022, the company’s Tallinn-Helsinki route will be operated by the company’s shuttle vessel Megastar and, additionally, company’s vessel Silja Europa will be providing extra support for the route with customised departures.

During the planned docking at the Remontowa Shiprepair Yard in Gdansk, Poland, many technical maintenance works, upgrades and necessary underwater hull works will be carried out on the vessel. The works include, among others, replacement of the propulsion shaft seals, overhaul of shell valves, pumps and coolers, maintenance of bow and stern thrusters; maintenance of rudders and stabilizers, maintenance of bow and stern ramps and hatches as well as installation of Ballast Water Treatment System (BWTS). Additionally, vessel’s passenger areas will be refreshed with some planned minor renovation works.

Commenting on the planned docking of the company’s vessel Star, captain Tarvi-Carlos Tuulik, Head of Ship Management at Tallink Grupp said:

- ”Over the last six-month period, nearly half of the entire Tallink fleet has already passed the planned regular maintenance. Star is already our seventh vessel which is going to drydock for the regular maintenance works. We wish to be ready to meet the upcoming spring-summer travel season confidently with our vessels in top condition and to continue to provide to our good customers the most pleasant sea voyages, safely and in comfort on the beautiful Baltic sea.”

During the docking period of Tallink’s Star, the company’s Tallinn-Helsinki route will be operated with shuttle ferry Megastar. Additionally, to provide added capacity on the company’s Tallinn-Helsinki route during Star’s docking period, the company’s vessel Silja Europa will carry out departures as follows:

Monday to Friday

9:30AM Departure from Tallinn to Helsinki

6:30PM Departure from Helsinki to Tallinn

Saturday and Sunday

12:30PM Departure from Tallinn to Helsinki

6:30PM Departure from Helsinki to Tallinn

Silja Europa and Star will return to their normal schedules from Monday, 11 April 2022.

The company apologises for any inconvenience this temporary change in route schedule might cause.

Published 24.03.2022

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Tallink Grupp delays re-opening of Riga-Stockholm route until 3 June 2022

Tallink Grupp has today announced that it will delay the reopening of the company’s Riga-Stockholm route, which has been suspended due to the COVID pandemic for two years and was due to be re-opened on 6 April this spring, until 3 June 2022.

The decision to delay the re-opening was made due to low booking volumes among passengers for the months of April and May resulting from the current geopolitical uncertainties, as well as the significant hike in fuel prices globally. Due to the current situation it is not possible to operate the Riga-Stockholm route profitably in April and May.

„We were fully prepared and ready to re-open the Riga-Stockholm route on 6 April after the long two-year suspension of the route’s operations. Our vessel Isabelle went through the regular maintenance at the start of the year and sailed back to its home port Riga, our sales teams on various shores have actively promoted and sold tickets for the route, the Latvian government has recently announced that the majority of the COVID restrictions that have been in place will be removed. All the signs were indicating that we have now finally reached the point where it would be possible to re-open this route without immediately suffering further losses and to restore maritime traffic between Latvia and Sweden. But the war that started at the end of February has created a situation where we have once again had to reassess our plans and has once again forced us to take the difficult decision to delay the re-opening of the route by a few months, in the hope that the situation will have changed by the beginning of summer this year,“ Paavo Nõgene, CEO of Tallink Grupp said.

Tallink Grupp will contact all the passengers affected by this decision and offer them alternative options for travelling or for cancelling their bookings.

Published 24.03.2022

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Tallink Grupp introduces temporary fuel surcharge to ferry tickets from next Monday due to significant fuel price hike

Tallink Grupp announced today that effective from next Monday, 14 March 2022, a temporary fuel surcharge is added to the price of ferry tickets on the company’s Tallinn-Stockholm, Helsinki-Stockholm and Turku-Stockholm routes. The fuel surcharge applies on these routes to all regular (one-way or return trip) and cruise departures bookable from 14 March until 31 August 2022.

At present, the fuel surcharge is not introduced to the company’s Tallinn-Helsinki route departures. The surcharge is also not applied to children between the ages 0-5. The company’s decision to introduce the fuel surcharge fee will not affect tickets purchased prior to 14 March 2022, if there are no changes made to the original booking after this date. Also, if the existing booking is not paid in full prior to the departure but paid as part of check-in at the port’s terminal, the fuel surcharge is added to the ticket price.

Commenting on the company’s decision, Tallink Grupp’s CEO Paavo Nõgene, said:

- "The fuel prices have risen considerably over a very short time. The present situation, unfortunately, leaves us no other option than to introduce a temporary fuel surcharge. We have opted for the lowest possible fuel surcharge fee which helps us as a company to continue our business activities in today’s volume to avoid facing considerable losses in this extraordinary situation, at the same time, considering also our passengers who are also faced with general price increases in many areas of life. We will naturally keep monitoring the situation regarding the need for this added fuel surcharge and if the situation changes, we will make new decisions accordingly. “

On the company’s routes: Helsinki–Mariehamn, Turku–Mariehamn and Mariehamn–Stockholm, a fuel surcharge added per single departure (one-way trip) is 1 euro and 90 cents. On the company’s routes: Tallinn-Stockholm, Helsinki–Stockholm and Turku–Stockholm, a fuel surcharge per single departure (one-way trip) is 2 euros and 90 cents, or for a round trip cruise the fuel surcharge fee added is altogether 5 euros and 80 cents.

The company will additionally monitor the situation for the need for added fuel surcharge fee on its Tallinn-Helsinki route, depending on the number of bookings and fluctuation of the booking rate. All customers have the possibility to buy tickets without added fuel surcharge until this Sunday (inclusive).

From 28 February 2022, Tallink Grupp offers transportation free of charge on the companies’ vessels for organised Ukrainian refugee transport. Also, Tallink Grupp offers free transport for humanitarian aid shipments on the company’s vessels collected in support of Ukraine.

Published 10.03.2022

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Tallink’s vessel Romantika to undergo regular dry-docking before proceeding to long-term charter

Tallink Grupp’s vessel Romantika which until the start of the pandemic operated on the company’s Riga-Stockholm route, will depart from Tallinn today and head to the Turku Ship Repair Yard in Naantali, Finland, for a planned dry docking scheduled from 8-21 March 2022. Following the regular technical maintenance, the company’s vessel will be delivered on the 22 March 2022 to a long-term bare-boat charter to Holland Norway Lines BV.

Romantika, which prior to the Covid-19 pandemic was operating on the company’s Riga-Stockholm route, has been laid up in Tallinn, Port of Paljassaare since March 2020, carrying out mid- and short-term charters on the Mediterranean Sea and in the UK during 2021.

During the planned docking at the BLRT Repair Yards’ Turku Ship Repair Yard, planned maintenance works according to Tallink fleet’s 5-year class renewal plan, many technical upgrades and necessary underwater hull works will be carried out on the vessel. The works include, among other, replacement of the propulsion shaft seals, overhaul of shell valves, pumps and coolers, maintenance of bow thrusters, gearboxes, stabilizers and installation of the Ballast Water Treatment System (BWTS).

Commenting on the planned docking of the company’s vessel Romantika, captain Tarvi-Carlos Tuulik, Head of Ship Management at Tallink Grupp said:

- “Romantika is our sixth vessel to undergo planned technical maintenance works since December 2021. Altogether, we plan to dock eight vessels over the 6-month period of H1 2022 for regular maintenance, in accordance with the company’s 5-year fleet renewal plan which maintains that all our vessels undergo two planned dockings during a 5-year period. This is to ensure that our vessels are in mint condition to meet the upcoming spring-summer season and particularly in case of Romantika, to be in good shape for the upcoming long-term charter, to provide excellent service to our good customers and cooperation partners on the Baltic Sea and beyond”.

Romantika has been chartered as a so-called bareboat charter, for at least three years with an option to extend the agreement for another year and another year after that. Holland Norway Lines plans to operate the vessel on international routes between Norway and the Netherlands.

The contract for chartering Romantika is the sixth charter for Tallink Grupp since June 2021. Additionally, the company’s vessel Superfast IX (in operation during the charter as Atlantic Vision) has been chartered out long-term to Canada as a similar bareboat charter. The company’s Riga-Stockholm route which is due to be re-opened in April 2022, will be operated by the company’s vessel Isabelle.

Published 07.03.2022

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Tallink Grupp’s vessel Isabelle to undergo regular maintenance in Turku Repair Yard, Finland, prior to returning to Port of Riga after two years of absence

Tallink Grupp’s vessel Isabelle, which until the start of the pandemic operated on the company’s Riga-Stockholm route, will depart from Tallinn today, on Friday, 11 February 2022, and head to the BLRT Repair Yards’ Turku Ship Repair Yard in Naantali, Finland, for planned regular dry-docking, scheduled from 12 to 25 February 2022. After the technical maintenance works, the vessel will proceed directly to the Port of Riga where she will wait for the re-opening of company’s Riga-Stockholm route in April 2022.

During the planned docking at the Turku Ship Repair Yard, many technical upgrades and necessary underwater hull works will be carried out on the vessel, including replacement of the propulsion shaft seals, maintenance of shell valves, pumps and coolers, replacement of stabilizers’ ball bearings and seals, as well as the installation of Ballast Water Treatment System (BWTS).

All the planned maintenance works and upgrades will be carried out with the aim of enhancing the comfort and travel experience for the company’s customers ahead of the 2022 spring and summer high season.

“Isabelle has now been away from its home Port of Riga and regular Riga-Stockholm route for the extended Covid pandemic period since March of 2020. We are excited that following the vessel’s planned docking in Finland, Isabelle can set sail at long-last, for its home port of Riga. Both the vessel and its crew are looking forward to the re-opening of our Riga-Stockholm route just in time for the start of the spring and summer high season, confidently in a good shape for the delight of our Latvian and Swedish customers who can, once again, enjoy the much-missed short cruise breaks on the beautiful Baltic Sea,” captain Tarvi-Carlos Tuulik, Head of Ship Management at Tallink Grupp said.

The company’s vessel Isabelle, suspended from its regular Riga-Stockholm route from 16 March 2020, is scheduled to start operating again between the capital cities of Latvia and Sweden with the first trip from Riga to Stockholm on 6 April 2022, and thereafter departures from Riga and Stockholm every other day.

The very first Tallink Grupp commercial departure from Riga to Stockholm took place 16 years ago, on 6 April 2006, with the company’s vessel Fantaasia.

Tickets to Isabelle’s departures on the Riga-Stockholm route, starting from April, are available to buy on the company’s website at en.tallinksilja.com

Published 11.02.2022

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Next stop - Gotland! Tallink opens ticket sales for this summer’s special cruises

Tallink Grupp this morning opened ticket sales for the company’s ever-popular summer cruises. Similarly to the last few years, customers will once again have the opportunity to safely enjoy the favourite destinations of travellers from the Nordics and Baltics – the islands of Aland and Gotland. 

Tallink invites travel enthusiasts to explore Aland at the height of the white nights of Scandinavia with a departure from Helsinki via Tallinn on 23 June, and over the traditional autumn harvest festival with a departure from Helsinki via Tallinn on 16 September 2022. 

This year, there are more opportunities offered to travellers to visit Gotland and its capital Visby, with altogether six departures from Tallinn – on 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 July and 7 August. 

The summer special cruises will take place onboard the exceedingly popular Tallink Grupp’s vessel Silja Europa, with all departures to all cruises to both Visby and Aland scheduled to leave from Helsinki and Tallinn in the late afternoon and evening on the above dates. The vessel arrives in Visby at 9AM the following morning local time and departs from Visby to Tallinn and Helsinki the same evening at 20.30, which gives the passengers ample opportunities to explore and enjoy Gotland during one whole day. Similarly, the vessel arrives in Mariehamn at 10AM the following morning, local time, and departs from Mariehamn at 18.00 the same evening, leaving also ample opportunity to explore the sights of the most wonderful Aland for 8 hours total.   

Commenting on the travel opportunities offered by Tallink Grupp for the summer high season, Marina Jõgi, Head of Sales for Tallink Grupp, said: 

„Over the last two years, we have offered our passengers more opportunities to visit Aland, however, this year, responding to our customers growing demand, we are offering more options to discover the other island treasure of the Baltic Sea – Gotland. With weekly departures from Helsinki and Tallinn to Gotland, there is more opportunity to fit this special cruise into your summer holiday calendar this year.“ 

„Also, Aland continues to be in high demand among our customers, and this year, we offer our customers an opportunity to visit Aland during two peak seasons – over midsummer, to enjoy the magic of the Scandinavian white nights, and over the autumn harvest festival where the open farms day is taking place and Aland offers plenty of activities for the whole family“, Jõgi added.   

Tickets to Tallink’s special summer cruises from Helsinki and Tallinn to Aland and Gotland, are available to buy from today, 3 February 2022, on all company’s websites including the English page at en.tallink.com. 

Published 3.2.2022

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Tallink Grupp’s shuttle vessel Megastar to go for first regular dry-docking in January 2022 to Naantali shipyard in Finland

Tallink Grupp’s Tallinn-Helsinki route shuttle vessel Megastar will go for its first regular dry-docking since the vessel first started operating on the route in January 2017 to Naantali shipyard in Finland in January 2022.

The vessel will be in the dock for technical maintenance between 11-16 January 2022. During the docking the vessel will go through the standard and required class renewal process, maintenance of underwater hull and several of the ship’s systems, valves, pumps, etc and installation of the high-voltage shore power systems in order for the vessel to be connected to the shore power systems during longer port-stays. In addition to technical maintenance and upgrades, passenger areas of the vessel will also be updated and refreshed.

During the vessel’s dry-docking period, capacity on the Tallinn-Helsinki route will be supplemented by the company’s cruise vessel Baltic Queen, which will operate on the route daily according to the following schedule:

• Tuesday, 11 January 2022: depart Tallinn at 13.30 and arrive in Helsinki at 16.30, depart Helsinki at 21.30 and arrive in Tallinn at 00.30
• Wednesday, 12 January – Friday, 14 January 2022: depart Tallinn at 07.30 and arrive in Helsinki at 10.30, depart Helsinki at 16.30 and arrive in Tallinn at 19.30
• Sunday, 16 January 2022 – depart Tallinn at 18.30 and arrive in Helsinki at 21:30 depart Helsinki at 22.30 and arrive in Tallinn at 01.30

Baltic Queen will operate between Tallinn Old City Harbour Terminal D and Länsiterminaali 2, similarly to Megastar. Megastar will return to the Tallinn-Helsinki route according to its normal schedule on Monday, 17 January 2022. During the docking period, the company’s other shuttle vessel Star will continue to operate according to its normal schedule.

Published 28.12.2021

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Tallink suspends operation of vessel Silja Europa early due to new travel restrictions imposed by Finnish authorities

Tallink Grupp has today announced that it is forced to bring forward the suspension of its Tallinn-Helsinki route cruise vessel Silja Europa due to the rapid spread of the new Omicron variant of Covid-19 and new travel restrictions imposed by the Finnish government, announced this week.

The company was due to suspend the popular cruise vessel on 10 January 2022 due to limited bookings during the company’s low season in January-February, which have taken a further plunge during the COVID pandemic. Due to the recent rapid increase in Omicron variant infections and the Finnish government this week announcing plans to pull the emergency brake in the country to stem the increase of cases, the suspension has been pulled forward by nine days and the vessel will now be suspended from 1 January 2022.

„We have no option in this situation with new restrictions but to bring the planned temporary suspension of the vessel forward as passengers are already getting in touch with us following the announcement from the Finnish authorities and cancelling bookings. Such decisions by our authorities, however minor they may seem, have immediate and far-reaching implications on our operations, so we must act quickly and decisively when the decisions are made with follow with our own course of action to avoid losses,“ Paavo Nõgene, CEO of Tallink Grupp explained.

„It is not our preferred way of doing business and we regret disappointing our loyal customers who have booked their trips and have had them cancelled perhaps already many times, but we are in a difficult position and must continuously think of the bigger picture and long-term implications on our business when new restrictions are announced. We will work hard to look after the customers who’s trips are impacted and to ensure every single one of them gets an alternative solution that is satisfactory for them,“ Nõgene added.

Tallink’s customer contact teams are already getting in touch with customers affected by this decision to offer alternative options and solutions.

All passengers wishing to travel between Tallinn and Helsinki are welcome on board Tallink shuttle vessels Star and Megastar operating on this route during the period of suspension. Passengers on board Star and Megastar will also be able to take the opportunity and take COVID antigene tests on board for EUR 39 per test.

Silja Europa is scheduled to return to the Tallinn-Helsinki route and daily regular traffic on 10 March 2022, although some shorter operation periods and special cruises are currently scheduled also during the suspension period.

Published 23.12.2021

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Technical Failure of Megastar has been successfully solved, the ship will return to the route at 13.30 on 18.12 from Tallinn

Tallink Grupp announced that the technical failure of Megastar's automatic equipment, which appeared yesterday, on 17 December, has been successfully solved this morning, the ship has been tested both next the quay and on the sea, and the ship will return to the Tallinn-Helsinki route today, Saturday, on 18 December 2021 at 13.30 with departure from Tallinn to Helsinki.

The company's special schedule for strengthening the Tallinn-Helsinki route with additional departures is in force.

This means that Baltic Queen will depart from Helsinki to Tallinn today at 15.00, the shuttle ship Megastar will leave Helsinki for Tallinn at 16.30 and then the traffic between Estonia and Finland will take place according to the usual schedule. Silja Europa operates according to the regular schedule.

Tallink's customer service has contacted all passengers affected by the change on the Tallinn-Helsinki route and is looking for a suitable alternatives. Tallink apologizes for any inconveniences this change has caused to passengers.

Published 18.12.2021

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Tallink reveals images of new shuttle MyStar interior design

Tallink Grupp has today released the interior images of its newest vessel MyStar, currently under construction at the Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC) shipyard in Rauma, Finland. The interior design of the eco-friendliest LNG-powered vessel on the Baltic Sea, MyStar is carried out by renowned Finnish interior design agency dSign Vertti Kivi & Co.

Commenting on the release of the interior images of MyStar, Member of the Board of Tallink Grupp, Piret Mürk-Dubout said:

- “We are very excited to invite everyone to take the first sneak-peak into the marvellous interior of our newest shuttle MyStar - our key strategic project we have been working on since autumn 2019. Following the vessel’s christening and launch this summer, we are now at the exciting stage of the construction project where the novel traveller concepts and amazing interior elements of the vessel are starting to come to life area by area on board the vessel. We are looking forward to welcoming everyone onboard MyStar in 2022 to experience the new way to travel at sea and see for yourselves everything that is MyStar – a floating entertainment and shopping centre to cater to the various needs of modern traveller.”

Compared to the current flagship of Tallink’s fleet Megastar, MyStar will have new public areas and the customer journey onboard has been designed to be even more seamless. Altogether, MyStar has 14 public areas. Special public areas and solutions have been created for passengers travelling with families, shoppers, business and leisure travellers alike.

By using the various visuals and themes, the interior design showcases the Beauty of the Baltic Sea and calls upon each traveller to notice and cherish the uniqueness of the Baltic Sea, protect its environment and cultural heritage.

Commenting on the interior images of MyStar, Vertti Kivi, Head Designer and CEO, dSign Vertti Kivi & Co said:

- "We chose Beauty of the Baltic Sea as the overarching theme for the interior design of the vessel – a story which is told by using exclusive underwater video and photo compilations throughout the vessel. Every public area on the vessel conveys its unique character and atmosphere, which is created featuring various contrasting surface materials, new colour palette, furnishings created exclusively for the vessel as well as bold lighting solutions. From the newly revealed visuals the spirit of MyStar can be truly felt. We are very pleased with the entire concept and proud to be able to take the interior design of the vessel to the new level and indeed, a new decade.”

The heart of the ship is, of course, the Traveller Superstore, which communicates the message of loving care and carries a boutique-like vibe. At the centre of the superstore, a new discovery station is found, where sampling of products can be organised. Passing through the store has been made very fluid for the shopper, thus allowing to discover throughout the customer journey, the various fixed and pop-up sales points, including the Nordic Corner, showcasing local products and design.

The completion of Tallink’s newest shuttle vessel is planned for spring 2022, when MyStar will start operating between the capital cities of Tallinn and Helsinki. Together with Tallink shuttle vessel Megastar, they will form the most sustainable transport connection between Estonia and Finland from 2022 onwards.

Photo gallery of MyStar visuals 

Read more about the concept development for MyStar interior from the head designer of design agency dSign Vertti Kivi & Co, Vertti Kivi here.

Published 02.12.2021

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Tallink’s Christmas Menu 2021 boasts delicious traditional favourites from every shore of the Baltic Sea, also featuring more vegan dishes

From today, Wednesday, 17 November 2021, Grande Buffet restaurants onboard Tallink Grupp cruise vessels start serving their guests the ever-popular Tallink’s Christmas menu. The Christmas menu highlights the authentic traditional favourites from around the shores of the Baltic Sea. This year, the added focus is on a generous selection of vegetable and vegan dishes.

This year, in response to popular demand, the Christmas menu is available for an extended period over the holiday season - until 15 January 2022 - on the company’s vessels Baltic Queen, Megastar and Star. On the company’s vessels Silja Europa, Baltic Princess, Galaxy, Silja Serenade and Silja Symphony, the popular Christmas menu can be savoured until 26 December 2021.

Commenting on the launch of Tallink’s Christmas Menu 2021, Katre Kõvask, Head of Food & Beverage at Tallink Grupp, said:

- „Tallink’s festive Christmas menu invites everyone to join us on an exciting culinary journey. We have gathered onboard the most authentic Christmas dishes from around our home sea, as well as many new and exciting flavours for every palate, including the winning rye and wheat breads from Tallink’s first-ever all-Estonian Christmas Bread competition held this fall. From today, we invite everyone to come and taste our buffet restaurant’s Christmas menu. We will do our very best to ensure that each diner can truly savour that genuine taste of Christmas when dining at our festive table.”

The Tallink’s Christmas menu, served in Grande Buffet restaurants onboard Tallink Grupp’s cruise vessels, combines the selected Christmas favourites cooked to perfection, altogether some 100 menu items.

Commenting on the Tallink’s Christmas Menu 2021, Executive Chef of Tallink Grupp, Anti Lepik said:

- „The classic ethnic Christmas dishes from the Baltic Sea area are prepared onboard our vessels, made from the very ingredients sourced from the country of origin of each dish, and prepared by our very own highly skilled chefs from each country. Together with the Head Chefs of our vessels, we have made extra efforts to select the original recipes, find the right ingredients, to season the dishes to perfection to present the staple Christmas dishes from each shore of the Baltic Sea in the most authentic way. “

The Tallink Grande Buffet Restaurant’s festive menu for this year’s holiday season is divided into five thematic displays for the convenience of the guests, including Green Market, Fisherman’s Market, etc. Thematic displays enable the buffet restaurant guests to easily find their favourites as well as taste something new and exciting. Following the current culinary trends and to the delight of the vegetarian and vegan food enthusiasts, this year, the Tallink’s Grande Buffet Restaurant Christmas menu features a wider variety of plant-based foods, particularly many warm vegan dishes.

Take a look at the Tallink’s Christmas Menu 2021, vessel by vessel here →

Photos: Tallink’s Grande Buffet Christmas Menu 2021, author: Kajsa Göransson 

Published 17.11.2021

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Tallink Grupp to charter out vessel Romantika from March 2022 for at least three years

Tallink Grupp’s subsidiary AS Tallink Latvija has signed a contract with Holland Norway Lines BV for the long-term charter of the company’s vessel Romantika. The charter agreement becomes effective when confirmed by the related financial partners shortly. The vessel, operating under the Latvian flag, will be delivered to the charterer in late March 2022 for three years with an option to extend the agreement for another year and another year after that. Holland Norway Lines plans to operate the vessel on international routes between Norway and the Netherlands.

The vessel has been chartered as a so-called bareboat charter, meaning it will be chartered without crew and technical maintenance from the company.

Before the COVID pandemic the vessel operated on the Riga-Stockholm route, but was chartered out on a short-term charter agreement from July to early October this year to Morocco and has been chartered from 14 October for a month to provide accommodation at Glasgow, Scotland at the COP26 global climate conference. According to current plans, the vessel will return to Tallinn in mid-November, but since the company does not intend to re-open the Riga-Stockholm route at least until spring 2022, the vessel will remain suspended in port in Tallinn until the next charter.

Commenting on the charter, Tallink Grupp’s CEO Paavo Nõgene, said:

„This is the sixth charter agreement we have managed to secure this year for our vessels that are still waiting for travel restrictions to ease and the pandemic situation to improve. Considering there are many vessels idle in ports around the world waiting for work, this is great recognition for us as a company and our fleet. It means our vessels that are in great condition, the right type for transporting both goods and people, efficient and with excellent technical crew, are sought after around the world.

„While the recovery from the pandemic is likely to take a number of years and it is unlikely we will be able to return to pre-COVID routes and schedules in the near future, it is positive that we are able to secure work for our vessels and crew where possible.“

The contract for chartering Romantika is the sixth charter contract for Tallink Grupp in the space of the last six months, with Silja Europa and Romantika both recently being chartered out short-term to provide accommodation at COP26 in Glasgow, Silja Europa being chartered out short-term to the UK for accommodating police officers during the G7 summit in June 2021; and Victoria I and Romantika recently being chartered out short-term to Morocco to operate international routes in the Mediterranean region until October 2021. Additionally, the company’s vessel Superfast IX (in operation during the charter as Atlantic Vision) has been chartered out long-term to Canada as a similar bareboat charter.

The Riga-Stockholm route which is due to re-open in spring 2022, will be operated by the company’s vessel Isabelle.

Published 01.11.2021

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Tallink Grupp charters out additional vessel to COP26 to provide accommodation

Tallink Grupp has recently signed a charter agreement for its Latvian-flagged cruise vessel Romantika, which has also been hired to provide accommodation at the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26), taking place in Glasgow, Scotland on 31 October – 12 November this year. The company announced only a few weeks ago that it signed a charter agreement for its Tallinn-Helsinki route cruise vessel Silja Europa to provide accommodation services at the global climate conference in Glasgow during the period 21 October to 14 November 2021. Now Romantika will join her fellow fleet member in Glasgow, providing accommodation and related services to support personnel working at the COP26 conference.

Romantika has been chartered for the period 15 October – 15 November 2021 and will provide accommodation and catering services to the charterer’s personnel and guests. The vessel has been chartered via specialist company Landry & Kling Global Cruise Services with full technical and service crew from Tallink Grupp for the duration of the charter.

Commenting on the charter agreement, Tallink Grupp’s CEO Paavo Nõgene said:

„This charter request and agreement came at a very opportune time, as Romantika had just finished operating in the Mediterranean region between Morocco and France as part of its previous charter agreement and the vessel was en route back to Tallinn, due to arrive here this Wednesday, 13 October.

“The charter is helpful again at a time when our passenger numbers and operations are under continuing pressure due to the COVID situation and will enable us to offer work for our employees as Romantika would otherwise remained suspended in Tallinn after its return home with no immediate work in sight for the vessel at present. So, it is a great boost for the company and the employees, although of course it is also a huge challenge for us all in terms of the extremely short time we have for preparations and I know such last-minute agreements put our staff under extreme pressure for delivery. I am sincerely grateful to everyone for the valiant effort made and the level and quality of the service me manage to provide regardless of the immense pressure.

“I think it is great testament to our vessels and, more importantly, to our crew and shore staff that we are able to secure contracts for such high profile and significant international events and we hope to make our home countries proud by making a vital contribution to the successful organisation and delivery of such important global events in 2021.

” Romantika is expected to arrive in Glasgow on 12 October and is expected to arrive back in Tallinn on 18 November 2021. The vessel has been operating on the Tanger Med (Morocco) -Sete (France) route since early July this year. Pre-COVID, Romantika operated on the Riga-Stockholm route, which has been suspended due to travel restrictions put in place during the pandemic since March 2020.

Published 11.10.2021

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Tallink Grupp secures another short-term charter deal for vessel Silja Europa

Tallink Grupp has recently signed another charter agreement for its Tallinn-Helsinki route cruise vessel Silja Europa for the period 17 October to 17 November 2021. The vessel will provide accommodation during the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26), organised by the United Kingdom in partnership with Italy and taking place in Glasgow, Scotland on 31 October – 12 November 2021.

During the charter the vessel will be berthed in Scotland between 21 October-14 November and will provide accommodation and catering services to approximately 1500 charterer’s personnel and guests. The vessel has been chartered via specialist company Landry & Kling Global Cruise Services with full technical and service crew from Tallink Grupp for the duration of the charter.

Commenting on the charter agreement, Tallink Grupp’s CEO Paavo Nõgene said:

„We are pleased that we have been able to demonstrate to our good cooperation partners this year that we have extremely good vessels suitable not only for travelling and transport, but also for accommodation services, that we have very capable crew and staff who can deliver exceptional results and service levels under great pressure and in very complex circumstances, and that Tallink Grupp can very quickly, flexibly and professionally meet the needs of even the most complex events and requirements.

„Our team helped the G7 Cornwall summit organising team achieve a great outcome in June this year, two of our vessels and technical crew are performing well in the Mediterranean at present and I am sure we will rise to the challenge also at COP26 in Scotland.

„The charter agreements offer a boost to our business during these continuing challenging times when passenger numbers are still not increasing fast enough and we will continue to work to identify other short-term and long-term opportunities for our vessels.“ The majority of Silja Europa departures during the charter period have been cancelled and Tallink Silja will contact all customers with existing bookings for the dates in question to offer alternative travel options and solutions. Silja Europa will be replaced on the route during the charter period on 29-31 October and 11-13 November by the group’s vessel Victoria I. Silja Europa will return to Tallinn-Helsinki route and its normal schedule on 18 November 2021

Published 23.9.2021

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Tallink Grupp’s new shuttle vessel MyStar to be christened and launched 12 August at Rauma Shipyard, Finland, with the Estonian President Kersti Kaljulaid as the ships’ godmother

12 August 2021, TALLINN – The newest member of the Tallink’s fleet, the most environmentally friendly LNG-powered vessel on the Baltic Sea, MyStar, currently under construction in Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC) shipyard, Finland, will be christened and launched today, on Thursday 12 August 2021 at 13.00 local Finnish time, at a special ceremony held at Rauma shipyard. In keeping with the virus pandemic precautionary measures, the event will take place with a limited number of guests participating at the shipyard, and the rest of the participants able to join the event via live stream online.

The christening ceremony takes place with the participation of the Estonian President Mrs Kersti Kaljulaid as the ship’s godmother. During the christening ceremony, according to custom, the newbuild vessel is officially named MyStar and, immediately after the christening of the vessel, proven seaworthy at a following launching of the vessel whereby the valves to the drydock, where the vessel is built, are ceremonially opened and the sea water is let in the drydock for the first time.

The LNG-powered new shuttle vessel MyStar comes with the latest cutting-edge technology and innovation onboard and will meet all the current emission regulations and will be ready for further implementation of next generation emission reduction technologies.

Together with Tallink’s current flagship Megastar, the two LNG-powered shuttle vessels operating in tandem on the Tallinn-Helsinki route from mid-2022, will form the greenest available connection to-date across the Gulf of Finland between the capital cities of Estonia and Finland.

Commenting on the christening and launching of the newest vessel of the Tallink Grupp’s fleet, Paavo Nõgene, CEO of Tallink Grupp, said:

- “Today, as we come together in Rauma shipyard to celebrate another important milestone in the construction of our newest vessel MyStar – we are happy and grateful that, despite the hard and unpredictable global pandemic health crisis and lingering travel restrictions, we have been able, together with our good cooperation partners, to keep up the good progress with MyStar strategic project. I am happy that today, as we will gather in Rauma for the first time in person since the start of the pandemic, to mark this important milestone not only for Tallink Grupp’s MyStar project - we are also celebrating a more viable, sustainable and eco-friendly future for the entire shipping industry, and a cleaner, better living environment for the whole of Baltic Sea region and its people.”

Jyrki Heinimaa, President and CEO of Rauma Marine Constructions said:

- “We are very pleased that, with strict corona security measures, we were able to celebrate this important milestone together today. We have now taken our joint project forward for over a year, and both Tallink's and RMC's project teams deserve great thanks for the work they have done on the project in challenging conditions. We are excited to now get to a new stage in MyStar’s construction work as the work begins to move from the outside of the vessel to the interior. At the same time, we can slowly begin to look to the next milestone of the most environmentally friendly vessel in the Baltic Sea.”

The next major milestone in the construction process of Tallink’s new shuttle vessel MyStar is the completion of the vessel and delivery to Tallink Grupp by Rauma Shipyard, which is scheduled to take place in the first half of 2022. Upon its completion and delivery, MyStar will start regular traffic on Tallinn-Helsinki route in 2022.

For more information, please contact:

Kai-Ines Nelson
Senior Communications Specialist, Tallink Grupp
Tel +372 55 689 644
E-mail: kai-ines.nelson@tallink.ee

Toni Salminen
Communications Specialist
Rauma Marine Constructions
+358 41 730 9384

Published 12.8.2021

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Tallink Grupp will require passengers travelling from Tallinn to Stockholm to present health certificates prior to boarding

From this week, Tallink Grupp will start asking passengers travelling on the Tallinn-Stockholm route, on the departures starting from Tallinn, to present health certificates prior to boarding. The requirement follows new restrictions imposed by the Estonian government in Estonia from this week and next concerning maximum capacities for restaurants, entertainment venues and for internal events, and the current travel restrictions for travelling to Sweden. The checks will currently not be carried out on departures starting from Stockholm, as the Swedish infection rate per 100,000 inhabitants is well below 75 and people travelling from Sweden to Estonia are not required to present any health certificates upon arrival. Additionally, the requirement to present health certificates prior to departures from Tallinn does not apply to Swedish residents, as they have the right to enter Sweden without the requirement to present any certificates.

To board the vessels sailing to Sweden from Tallinn and to enter Sweden, travellers from EU and Schengen area countries are currently required to present either a vaccination certificate evidencing that at least one dose of vaccine has been received (at least 14 days ago), a certificate showing the passenger has had COVID and recovered, or a negative test result. The requirement to present a certificate does not apply to children aged 17 and under.

„Our goal with the establishment of this health certificate requirement is to ensure that we can continue to offer our services during this period of new restrictions as safely as possible, whilst supporting the efforts of the authorities to prevent the virus spread,“ Tallink Grupp’s CEO Paavo Nõgene said.

„If we want to continue to offer Estonian travellers the opportunity to travel to Sweden from Tallinn also this autumn and winter and also offer these travellers the opportunity to enjoy good food, the best entertainment on the Baltic sea and events in the context of the new restrictions, then it is logical that we will take the same steps that all other restaurants and entertainment venues have to take to ensure the safety of everyone attending,“ Nõgene added.

Passengers who have purchased tickets for Tallink’s Tallinn-Stockholm route vessel Baltic Queen in A-premium or higher category cabins, have a free antigen test at the Port of Tallinn included in their tickets price. Passengers who have tickets for lower category cabins, have the opportunity to take the rapid antigen test at the Port of Tallinn and receive the necessary certificate for travelling at a cost of EUR 15 per person. Testing at the port is carried out by certified medical company Farmatar.

For more information, please contact:

Katri Link
Communications Director
Tallink Grupp
Tel. +372 53042121
E-mail: katri.link@tallink.ee

Published 4.8.2021

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THE LONG-AWAITED HELSINKI-STOCKHOLM CRUISES ON SILJA SERENADE WILL START AGAIN NEXT SUNDAY 1 AUGUST 2021

Tallink Silja will resume cruises between Helsinki and Stockholm on Sunday 1 August 2021 after a break of almost a year and a half. Silja Serenade will start operating from Helsinki to Stockholm every other day from August. The first cruise is full of surprises, great entertainment and program for children.

Also, the Olympic Terminal will be decorated for the first cruise with red carpets and balloons to celebrate the first departure after a long break.

The traffic between Helsinki and Stockholm has been suspended from March 2020. The start of Helsinki-Stockholm cruises is one step closer to normal when Silja Serenade is returned to operate on the from Helsinki to Stockholm. The ship returned to service in the beginning of this summer after a long break, and during the summer it has operated from Helsinki to Mariehamn via Tallinn.

“Helsinki-Stockholm cruises have been long desired, as Stockholm is one of the favorite destinations of the Finnish. A lot of new services and places have been built in Stockholm during the cruise break, but also the familiar places such as Djurgården, Abba museum, Fotografiska and Kunsträdgården Park are still in place. A cruise from Helsinki to Stockholm offers a great break, and the passengers can travel safely, as the pandemic situation in Sweden has shown great improvement lately and plenty of opportunity to socially distance due to the size of the ship,” comments Jani Mäkelä, Head of Sales, Tallink Silja Oy.

In addition to the beautiful destinations in Stockholm, the cruise is full of entertainment for all the passengers. Live music and great dance performances are available on both nights of the cruise. In addition, both on the 1 August and 3 August departures the children's favorite Hevisaurus will perform on cruises departing from Helsinki.

“Delicious food and a great restaurant selection offer something for everyone. The summer buffet tables, Bon Vivant's sophisticated dishes and Happy Lobster's seafood menu ensure that our passengers can only focus on enjoying good food and drink and finally getting from Helsinki to Stockholm again,” comments Tallink Silja's Head of Concepts and Services Sari Laitinen.

As on all the other cruises too, health and safety have been taken into account. Currently only 75 percent of the maximum passenger capacity has been taken onboard. In addition, there is a number of safety measures done to take care of the wellbeing and safety of the passengers. Passengers who have visited Sweden and return to Finland are recommended to fill their information on Finentry, which speeds up the health safety measures when returning to Finland.

Additional information to media:

Armi Kailio
Communications Assistant
Tallink Silja Oy
E-mail: armi.kailio@tallinksilja.com

Jani Mäkelä
Head of Sales
Tallink Silja Oy
E-mail: jani.makela@tallinksilja.com

Published 28.7.2021

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The godmother of Tallink Grupp’s new LNG-powered shuttle vessel MyStar will be President Kersti Kaljulaid, christening of the vessel to take place in Finland, Rauma Shipyard, on 12 August 2021

The most environmentally friendly vessel on the Baltic Sea, MyStar, commissioned by Tallink Grupp, currently under construction in Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC) shipyard, Finland, due to be completed in 2022, will be christened according to the traditions of shipbuilding in Rauma shipyard this summer, on 12 August 2021. The godmother of the new vessel will be the President of the Republic of Estonia Kersti Kaljulaid.

As part of MyStar’s christening event, after the christening ceremony, the vessel will be also launched. Historically, the ship launching – another important milestone in the shipbuilding process – meant that the ship which was built on dry land, was now complete and ready to be tested for its seaworthiness.

The launching of the vessel takes place in the shipyard’s dry dock where the vessel is built until now and during the ceremony, the valves are ceremonially opened by the honorary guests and the dry dock is filled with water surrounding the vessel. Following the christening and launching of the vessel, the shipbuilding works, which until now have been taking place on the exterior of the vessel will now transfer to take place in the interior of the ship.

According to the shipbuilding tradition, the proposal to become a patron to the vessel is made, as a rule, to a prominent and influential female member of the society. Since the godmother of Tallink Grupp’s current flagship, LNG-powered shuttle vessel Megastar is the Finnish President Tarja Halonen, which deemed it very becoming and logical that the godmother of MyStar, which will be operating in tandem with shuttle vessel Megastar on the Tallinn-Helsinki route between Estonia and Finland, will be the President of Estonia.

Commenting on the choice of godmother for the new Tallink Grupp shuttle vessel MyStar, Paavo Nõgene, CEO of Tallink Grupp, said that the activities and input of President Kersti Kaljulaid in helping to raise awareness and speaking out on the issues of environment and climate change both on the Estonian as well as on the international scene has been instrumental in choosing her as the godmother.

President of the Republic of Estonia and godmother of MyStar, Kersti Kaljulaid commented:

- “Two years ago, when the Estonian vessel Admiral Bellingshausen embarked on her Antarktika200-expedition voyage, it helped us to tell several stories – to introduce Estonia as a seafaring nation, Estonia as a high-tech country, as well as to raise public awareness of global environmental issues. Although MyStar and Admiral Bellingshausen are very different, at first glance, however, the story that these two ships are telling us, is similar. Estonia is a seafaring country and every year, there are more Estonian-flagged vessels that proudly display our national colours. This time, the addition to the fleet of our national-flagged vessels is very special indeed – both in terms of its size and the technology onboard, as well as for aiming to further reduce the emissions. Also, similarly, Tallink plays a special role in the Estonian economy, both as an employer as well as enabling tens of thousands of people to travel to work.“

Paavo Nõgene, CEO of Tallink Grupp, commented:

- „For us, this new vessel symbolises new hope for a better future, because ships which are more environmentally friendly and energy efficient mean a cleaner Baltic Sea and better living environment for all of us. The tandem of our vessels Megastar and MyStar which will be operating on the Tallinn-Helsinki route in 2022, will create a green bridge linking Estonia and Finland. We are particularly pleased that in spite the difficult pandemic year behind us, we have been able to proceed with our strategic key investment projects as planned and despite all the challenges, MyStar has will be completed in 2022. “

MyStar is another important step for Tallink Grupp towards achieving even greater energy efficiency and eco-friendliness for its shipping operations on the Baltic Sea. Similarly, to the current flagship vessel Megastar, the MyStar is mainly LNG-powered and comes equipped with the latest cutting-edge technology and innovation onboard and will meet all the current and known future emission regulations.

Jyrki Heinimaa, President and CEO of Rauma Marine Constructions commented:

- ”MyStar is the most energy efficient vessel, among several vessels built for Tallink Grupp here, in the RMC shipyard at Rauma. Our aim is to be at the forefront of environmentally friendly shipbuilding and we are proud to be a part of shaping the shipping industry between Tallinn and Helsinki towards a more environmentally direction in cooperation with our significant and longstanding client.”

To find the name for the new shuttle vessel, Tallink Grupp organised an international naming competition. The name MyStar was proposed by Marietta Kähärä from Finland, who explained that MyStar is every traveller’s very own star on the Baltic Sea. The next major milestone in the construction process of Tallink’s new shuttle vessel MyStar is the completion of the vessel and delivery to Tallink Grupp by Rauma Shipyard, which is scheduled to take place in the first half of 2022.

Additional information

The construction of Tallink Grupp’s vessel MyStar begun in Rauma shipyard (RMC), Finland last year, on 6 April 2020, and it is the largest vessel built in the RMC shipyard to date.

The first major milestone in the process of MyStar construction – keel laying – took place last year in September 2020, when the first keel-block was laid into Rauma shipyard’s dry dock. 

In the autumn of 2020, LNG-tanks, main engines and electric motors were delivered and installed on MyStar. In April 2021, or exactly one year after start of the construction, all the blocks of the ship’s hull were installed, and the underwater part of the ship’s hull was complete – in other words – the vessel reached its complete length – 212 metres. In the dry dock at RMC shipyard, currently, the construction of the rest of the ship’s hull that is above water is in full swing until the completion of the vessel’s hull. 

The vessel is christened on 12 August 2021 in the dry dock and according to Tallink’s tradition, immediately after the christening the ship is floated in the dry dock – the launching takes place. 
Following the launching, the construction works of MyStar will continue the interior of the vessel. The ship’s interior design is created by the Finnish renown architecture firm dSign Vertti Kivi & Co.   

Traditionally, the vessel receives her name during christening. It is believed, based on the old shipbuilding customs that the blessing and launching of the vessel bears great significance in securing the longevity and good fortune to the new vessel.  In the ancient times, during the blessing of the vessel, the gods were offered sacrifices to secure their favour. The distant memory of this custom lives on today, symbolised in the contemporary custom to smash a bottle of champagne against the stern of the ship during christening event. A good fortune is believed to be granted to the vessel, when the bottle is smashed already with the first swing against the ship’s stern.  Tallink’s ships are traditionally christened with Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Réserve as christening champagne. 

MyStar:

• Built in Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC), Finland, year of completion 2022
• 2800 passengers
• Passenger cabins: 46
• Decks: 12
• Lane meters: 3190 lm on 4 car decks
• Length - 212m
• Width - 30.6m
• Gross tonnage – 50,000
• Max speed 27 knots
• Ice class: 1A
• Main engines output: 42,000 kW
• Reference vessel: Tallink shuttle vessel Megastar

For more information, please contact:

Katri Link
Communications Director
Tallink Grupp
Tel. +372 53042121
E-mail: katri.link@tallink.ee

Toni Salminen
Communications Specialist
Rauma Marine Constructions
Tel. +358 41 730 9384
E-mail: toni.salminen@rmcfinland.fi

Published 12.7.2021

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TALLINK GRUPP’S VESSELS SILJA EUROPA AND BALTIC QUEEN ARE USING SHORE POWER DURING PORT STAYS IN TALLINN’S OLD CITY HARBOUR

From yesterday, 1 July, Tallink Grupp’s vessels Silja Europa and Baltic Queen have switched to using shore power at the Port of Tallinn’s Old City Harbour during their port stays. For Tallink Grupp, using shore power in the Port of Tallinn marks an important step towards more sustainable operations which means less air pollution in the city and reduces the noise created by the ships’ engines.

It is estimated that from now, the total CO2 emissions from one Tallink’s vessel switched to shore power during port stay will be subsequently reduced by 100 tons per each month. At the Port of Tallinn Old City Harbour, the shore power capacity can currently accommodate three of Tallink’s ships.

From 2017 to date, Tallink Grupp has already invested 3 million euros in onboard shore power systems installed on the company’s 5 passenger ferries. Over the coming years, together with the ports’ growing shore power capacity, the company plans to equip a total of its 12 vessels with shore power systems, amounting to 6 million euros in total investment.

Captain Tarvi-Carlos Tuulik, Head of Ship Management at Tallink Grupp commented:

„Today, our vessels can connect to shore power already in three of our home ports around the Baltic Sea who are contributing to creating a cleaner urban environment – Tallinn, Stockholm and Port of Helsinki South Harbour. In Stockholm, our vessels are „plugged in“ already since the summer of 2018. Our fleet’s continuous upgrade programme sets as one of the long-term priorities to equip all our passenger ferries with shore power systems. Now we can connect already three of our vessels for a greener stay in Port of Tallinn simultaneously.“

Last year, the Port of Tallinn installed the innovative shore power systems on five of its piers in the Old City Harbour, total investment amounting to 3.5 million euros, enabling the vessels to reduce emissions and noise pollution emitted from ships’ engines, and cut the ships‘ fuel consumption by using shore power during port stays.

Taavi Tilk, Head of Energy Department, Port of Tallinn added:

“Tallinn Old City Harbour is one of the busiest ports in Europe, therefore switching to renewable energy and creating shore power capacity for the Port of Tallinn is a significant step in reducing the environmental impact of ship traffic on the environment, towards a cleaner Baltic Sea and urban space. Residents and visitors of Tallinn alike can now enjoy cleaner city air and the noise from the ships’ engines is greatly reduced”.

From now, after mooring in Tallinn Old City Harbour, the onboard diesel generators of the vessels arriving in port will be switched off and the vessels are connected to the shore power supply network. The ships’ energy load is then transferred to the port’s onshore power supply seamlessly, without interfering with any of the services provided onboard. Shore power is available at the Port of Tallinn Old City Harbour for Tallink vessels operating on the Tallinn-Stockholm and Tallinn-Helsinki routes.

Photo gallery of connecting Tallink Grupp’s vessel Baltic Queen to the shore power supply at the Port of Tallinn Old City Harbour. Photos: Raul Mee: https://bit.ly/36gwxdX

The shore power solution was built by AS Elero. Scaleup (Shore-Link) engineers developed solutions for shore-based systems and the remote-controlled crane required for power connection, were also responsible for creating the integral solution. The equipment and automation of the substation was ensured by ABB Power Grids Estonia AS. ABB engineers also helped to develop ship navigation system to make Tallink's ships shore power capable.

The shore power project of the Port of Tallinn was co-financed by the European Union through TWIN-PORT III measure.

Additional information to media:

Kai-Ines Nelson
Chief communications specialist
Tallink Grupp
Tel: +372 5568 9644
E-mail: kai-ines.nelson@tallink.ee

Sirle Arro
Head of Marketing and Communications
Port of Tallinn
Tel. +372 513 0979
E-mail: s.arro@ts.ee

Published 2.7.2021

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HELSINKI-STOCKHOLM ROUTE RE-OPENS FROM 1 AUGUST 2021

Tallink Silja will re-open the vital maritime route between the two Nordic capitals of Helsinki and Stockholm after nearly 16 months on 1 August 2021 with the company’s vessel Silja Serenade re-starting operations on the route from Helsinki.

The company temporarily stopped operating the Helsinki-Stockholm route in March 2020 due to travel restrictions imposed between the two Nordic countries as a result of the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. The route has remained suspended until now as travel restrictions have remained in place between the countries. However, as both Swedish and Finnish governments have this month announced easing of travel restrictions from July, it is now possible to re-open the vital maritime connection between the two capitals. The route will initially b ere-opened with one vessel, with departures from Helsinki and Stockholm on the route every other day.

The first departure of Silja Serenade from Olympiaterminaali, Helsinki will take place on Sunday, 1 August 2021 at 17.00 and the vessel will arrive in Stockholm on the morning of Monday, 2 August at 9.45 local time. The vessel will then depart from Stockholm again on the evening of Monday, 2 August at 16.45 and arrive in Helsinki on the morning of Tuesday, 3 August at 10.00. The operating schedule will thereafter follow the same timetable and the vessel will operate via Mariehamn, Aland as previously.

Commenting on the re-launch of the route, Margus Schults from Tallink Silja OY/AB, said:

„Alhtough we have been able to keep the maritime link between Finland and Sweden strong with the Turku-Stockholm route remaining open throughout the last 16 months, it hasn’t quite compensated for the vital connection between the two capitals and there certainly hasn’t been any tourism traffic between the two countries since March 2020.

„We are pleased that step-by-step we are now able to restore those ties between our two countries and enable Finnish and Swedish travellers to travel to their neighbouring capitals again also by sea.

„Our loyal customers know that Silja Serenade is a speacious vessel, enabling sufficient social distancing for everyone on board, our crew will do their utmost in keeping the vessel disinfected and safe for all our guests and we will continue to focus on safety as one of our top priorities. At the same time, our restaurants are ready to offer you our usual top-quality taste experiences, our entertainers are ready to offer you an escape from the everyday and our shops are stocked with all your favourite travel retail goods, so we are ready to look after you, serve you and offer you the best short break of the Baltic sea this summer.“

Tickets for Silja Serenade Helsinki-Stockholm route departures are available from today and can be booked online at tallinksilja.com

For more information, please contact:

Katri Link
Communications Director
Tallink Grupp
Tel. +372 53042121
E-mail: katri.link@tallink.ee

Published 18.6.2021

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Tallink re-opens Tallinn-Stockholm route after nearly 16 months on 9 July 2021

Tallink Grupp has today announced that it will re-open the popular Tallinn-Stockholm ferry route on 9 July 2021, after nearly 16 months of suspension of the route due to travel restrictions between Estonia and Sweden. The route will initially be operated with one vessel, Baltic Queen, with departures from Tallinn and Stockholm every other day.

Although the route will re-open to the public on Friday, 9 July, the company will operate a special cruise to Stockholm also on 7 July, where Tallink’s cooperation partners and employees will have the first opportunity to sail again on the route and help „wake Baltic Queen up from a long slumber to offer the best experiences on the Baltic sea once again.“

Commenting on the re-opening of the route, Tallink Grupp’s CEO Paavo Nõgene said:

„When we temporarily suspended the Tallinn-Stockholm ferry route on 14 March 2020, severing the crucial regular maritime connection between our two capitals for the first time in decades, we never thought it would take us nearly a year and a half to restore this connection. We have done what we could during this time, enabling passengers with cars to travel to Sweden using our cargo vessels on the Paldiski-Kapellskär route, temporarily operating a Tallinn-Stockholm-Riga triangle route with our cruise ferry Victoria I and giving customers the option to travel to Sweden via Finland, where and when possible. But nothing has been as good as a direct ferry connection, so I am very pleased that the improvement of the pandemic situation and the progress with the vaccinations, has now reached a point where quarantine-free* travel between Estonia and Sweden is a reality from 1 July and we are able to meet the popular demand at last and re-start operations on this important route.

„As we slowly start coming out of the restrictions and will see how the pandemic situation develops in the coming months, we are re-starting the operations gradually, initially offering departures from Tallinn and Stockholm every other day with one vessel on the route. Our vessels continue to provide sufficient opportunities for social distancing on board and we will continue with the extremely strict hygiene and disinfecting procedures on board.

„At the same time, we are gearing up to offer our customers the best dining, entertainment, relaxation experiences and unfortgettable moments on the Baltic sea as always after the extremely challenging winter and spring. For the last few months we have received questions from our customers almost daily, asking us on both sides when will they be able to sail to Stockholm or Tallinn again. I am pleased to say this time has now arrived and you are all most welcome on board Baltic Queen.“

Baltic Queen will operate from Tallinn and Stockholm on alternate days from 9 July and will operate in the following schedule:

• Departure from Tallinn: 18:00
• Arrival in Stockholm: 10:30
• Departure from Stockholm: 17:30
• Arrival in Tallinn: 10:15

Ticket sales for the Tallinn-Stockholm route will open during the day on Tuesday, 15 June 2021. Re-opening the route will once again also give people working in Scandinavia the option of travelling to work with their cars. For now, Tallink will also continue to take passengers with vehicles on board its cargo vessels Sailor and Regal Star, operating between Paldiski and Kapellskär.

Before booking your trip, please ensure you have checked that you have the right to enter the country at your destination port and you have all the necessary documentation required to enter the country.

It is the obligation of every passenger to ensure they are aware of the requirements and have checked the quarantine and self-isolation requirements prior to travelling. *

For more information, please contact:

Katri Link
Communications Director
Tallink Grupp
Tel. +372 53042121
E-mail: katri.link@tallink.ee

*https://vm.ee/en/information-countries-and-self-isolation-requirements-passengers

Published 15.6.2021

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Travelling to Finland by ferry is allowed with a COVID-19 vaccine certificate as of 8 June - travel restrictions are still valid

Tallink Grupp, among other shipping companies, will accept a single-dose COVID-19 vaccine certificate or certificate of a negative COVID-19 test for passengers coming to Finland as of Tuesday, 8 June 2021.

Since February, shipping companies have required a certificate of a negative COVID-19 test or proof of recovery from COVID-19 from all passengers travelling to Finland, as recommended by the Finnish National Institute for Health and Welfare. From 8 June 2021, boarding will also be allowed with a COVID-19 vaccine certificate, subject to existing entry restrictions.

Vaccines are an effective way to combat the spread of COVID-19. According to experts, the likelihood of a vaccinated person contracting COVID-19 and spreading the virus is very low. The vaccine certificate will also be included in the common EU green certificate for healthy travel, which is under preparation.

The shipping companies will accept a certificate of receiving one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine approved by the World Health Organization or the European Medicines Agency. The vaccine must be taken at least 21 days before the trip. The vaccine certificate must indicate the name of the customer, the date of birth, the name of the vaccine, the date and place of administration of the vaccine, and the issuer of the certificate. No certificate is required of cruise passengers who have not gone ashore in another country.

For the time being, a vaccine certificate, unlike a preliminary test and proof of recovery from COVID-19, does not exempt you from a health check carried out by the authorities at the border.

Finentry can be used to streamline your entry in the ports of Helsinki. For more information on current travel restrictions to Finland, please check the Finnish Border Guard website.

Published 07.06.2021

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Tallink Grupp launches 2021 summer cruise sale in Finland and Sweden with special routes

The beloved cruise ship Silja Serenade, will return to service after a long absence on June 4, 2021. The ship will start operating on the Helsinki-Tallinn route, making one-night cruises for passengers departing from Finland without embarkation in Tallinn on June 4-22, 2021.

Silja Serenade will continue to operate on the Helsinki-Tallinn-Mariehamn route in Midsummer from June 24 to July 31, when passengers can take a One Day in Mariehamn cruise. The Åland Island is a popular domestic destination this summer for Finns. Silja Serenade operates from Helsinki Olympia terminal on both routes.

“This summer's routes will pamper people in Finland who have been waiting for Silja Serenade's return. Now we offer our passengers the opportunity to get to the Promenade after a long time and to enjoy the ship’s great restaurants and other services. Silja Serenade has never operated on the Helsinki-Tallinn route before, and we are looking forward to this new product. We hope that Silja Serenade will be able to return to its own Helsinki-Stockholm route from the beginning of August, “ says Margus Schults, CEO of Tallink Silja Oy.

Silja Europa will start operating on the Helsinki-Tallinn route on 23 June according to its normal schedule. The fast ferries Megastar and Star also operate throughout the year according to their normal schedule. The vessels operate in Helsinki from the West Harbour, terminals T1 and T2. Also completely renovated Tallink City Hotel awaits passengers in Tallinn.

During the summer, Silja Symphony operates on domestic routes in Sweden, offering special cruises to passengers departing from Sweden. The new destination this summer is Ystad. During July, Silja Symphony will make a total of 11 cruises from Stockholm to Visby inn Gotland island and 2 cruises on the Stockholm-Ystad-Visby route.

The Baltic Princess and Galaxy on the Turku-Åland-Stockholm route will operate according to their normal schedule throughout the summer. All the ships' restaurants and services will open on 4.6. It is possible to make a one-night cruise from Turku, an 11-hour archipelago cruise or an hotel package, and regular one way trips to Stockholm are also possible taking into consideration the travel restrictions.

The start time of the planned Helsinki-Riga cruises, operated by Romantika, during the summer season will be specified later. The company will monitor the developments of the national vaccination programmes, the overall pandemic situation in its home markets and national travel restrictions, and make decisions regarding additional routes, cruises and beyond July, within the next month.

The health and safety of our clients and crew is our priority. The number of passengers onboard has been reduced to maximum 75% of normal capacity to make social distancing easier. Restaurants will use tiered settings for reservations in order to provide safe and comfortable dining.

Commenting on the launch of sales for the first summer cruises, Paavo Nõgene, CEO of Tallink Grupp said:

“Our recent survey among Finnish and Swedish customers clearly showed that people around the Baltic Sea are looking for a get-away this summer, as they were last summer. However, when last year more than 10% intended to stay at home and not go anywhere during the summer, then this year, this number has dropped to 5%. After the year we have had, it is understandable that travelling, even if available only within our own domestic markets, is on the cards for most people.

“While the uncertainties regarding restrictions and the virus still remain in our region, all we can do right now is initially get creative with routes and trips within our markets and offer customers safe and quarantine free travel options, which we are happy to offer in June and July to Finnish and Swedish customers on their favourite vessels at first and, hopefully, to our other markets’ customers soon as well".

For more information, please contact:

Katri Link
Communications Director
Tallink Grupp
Tel. +372 53042121
E-mail: katri.link@tallink.ee

Marika Nöjd
Communications Director
Tallink Tallink Silja Oy
Tel.+358 400 207 704
E-mail: marika.nojd@tallinksilja.com

Published 06.05.2021

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TALLINK SILJA LAUNCHES SUMMER CRUISES TO ÖSTERLEN AND GOTLAND

Summer is fast approaching and it is clear that it will not be as usual this year either. To meet the demand for domestic travel, Tallink Silja today releases this summer's cruises and at the same time launches this year's news: Ystad and Visby in combination..

- Continued uncertainty about travel restrictions and the fact that different countries have different levels of and have come in their vaccination of the population means that interest in travelling within Sweden is increasing. We want to answer to this demand with our unique concept where the whole trip is an experience. This year, we are especially pleased to be the first Swedish cruise company to be able to offer our customers a cruise to the picturesque city of Ystad with its medieval city center and fantastic beaches. Österlen and Gotland - two of Sweden's most beloved summer destinations - are a hard-to-beat combination, says Ats Joorits, CEO of Tallink Silja.

- That Tallink Silja chooses to visit us in Ystad with Silja Symphony, as the largest passenger ship ever, feels fantastic. This is possible thanks to the port's investment in two new large ferry berths. We look forward to welcoming all guests and our local business community is ready with everything that Ystad and Österlen have to offer, from Wallander to Ales Stenar, says Björn Boström, CEO of Ystad Hamn.

Together with the industry organization Svensk Sjöfart, Tallink Silja has adopted a long list of measures for safe travel during the pandemic, and in the autumn of 2020, the company was praised for handling covid-19 on board the ships in the Swedish Brand Award.

- The pandemic is not over, but we have incredibly well-established routines for reducing the spread of covid-19 that we feel safe with. In addition, vaccination in Sweden maintains a good pace. Before we set off for our premiere cruise this summer, a large part of Sweden's population will have been vaccinated, and the desire to get out and experience things together with loved ones will be great. Being able to offer travel within Sweden to meet this desire in a safe way is our highest priority, says Ats Joorits.

- We are very happy that Tallink Silja will again choose Visby as a destination this summer. Last year's visit contributed enormously to the local business community and we are grateful that the good collaboration that began then is intensified and continues now, says Magnus Olsson, head of Visby center.

- Together with Region Gotland and Gotland's United Visitor Industry, we make Visby and Gotland a safe and secure destination this summer. Our stores have the opportunity to place parts of their business outdoors, we have increased the number of outdoor seating areas and our world-famous Covid knights and trained summer hosts will be on site for everyone's safety. This, together with a continued high vaccination rate and all the measures that Tallink Silja is taking on board, makes me look forward to welcoming our joint guests with confidence to the island this summer, says Magnus Olsson.

The thirteen summer cruises Stockholm - Visby and Stockholm - Ystad - Visby, via Mariehamn on Åland, will take place as follows:

Visby, two nights on board, one day in Visby: 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28 and 30 July
Visby, three nights on board, two days in Visby: 4 and 18 July
Ystad and Visby, three nights on board, one day in Ystad and one day in Visby: 11 and 25 July

Ticket sales start today, Tuesday 4 May. 

For more information, please contact:

Erika Janson
Communications Manager
Tallink Silja AB
Tel. +46 70 9901 999
E-mail: erika.janson@tallinksilja.com

Published 4.5.2021

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TALLINK GRUPP TO OFFER ANTIGEN TESTING ON BOARD SHUTTLE VESSELS DAILY FROM 26 APRIL 2021

Tallink Grupp, in partnership with Farmatar, will start offering rapid antigen testing on board its Tallinn-Helsinki route shuttle vessels Star and Megastar daily and on all departures from Monday, 26 April 2021.

The company has been offering the testing service on board the shuttle vessels on Fridays since 9 April this year, following a successful pilot of testing on board in March. Due to considerable interest in the service from passengers and the likelihood that the negative test certificate requirement will remain in force between Estonia and Finland for the foreseeable future even if travel restrictions are eased between the two countries, Tallink wants to play its part in ensuring safe travelling and to make travelling as hassle-free as possible.

The testing service is provided in partnership with Farmatar and by qualified medical personnel from medical trainings and services company Eldred. The service includes rapid antigen testing and the issuing of either a digital or printed test certificate.

„It is very important for Tallink that travelling at this difficult time is as comfortable as possible. This is why we are giving our passengers this opportunity to use the time during their trip to take the test, which is necessary for many for travelling to Estonia, Finland or elsewhere. The cost of the tests with the provided certificate is 39 euros, which is the cheapest testing option in Estonia and Finland, to our knowledge,“ Paavo Nõgene, CEO of Tallink Grupp said.

Commenting on the daily testing service, Tallink Grupp’s Head of Customer Experience, Age Vanajuur added:

„The limited testing service we have run on the shuttle vessels from early April on Fridays, has proved to us that there is quite a lot of interest among our passengers to make the most of the convenience of testing on board. On the two Fridays we have been offering the service this month, we have carried out an average of a few hundred tests per day and Customer feedback on the service and the availability of this service has been very positive.

„When the travel restrictions are ultimately lifted between Estonia and Finland, at first for commuter traffic and thereafter hopefully tourism traffic, it is most likely that the negative test certificate requirement will still remain in place for some time when travelling. At least until vaccination reaches a critical mass and a vaccination passport system is developed, which is acceptable as an alternative to negative test certificates.

„Testing on board is quick and easy and within 15-20 minutes during your trip you can have the peace of mind of a test result in your hand with no need to worry about finding and booking a testing appointment while in Estonia or Finland.“

The antigen tests we use are the SARS-Cov-2 Rapid Antigen Tests, developed by SD Biosensor and currently the only rapid antigen tests verified by local laboratories. The cost of the rapid antigen test with the certificate is EUR 39.

For more information, please contact:

Katri Link
Communications Director
Tallink Grupp
Tel. +372 53042121
E-mail: katri.link@tallink.ee

For more information regarding Farmatar, visit: https://farmatar.ee
For more information regarding Eldred, visit: https://eldred.ee/

Published 20.4.2021

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TALLINK GRUPP TO OFFER RAPID ANTIGEN AND ANTIBODY TESTING ON BOARD VESSELS STAR AND MEGASTAR ON FRIDAYS FROM 9 APRIL 2021

Starting from this Friday, 9 April 2021, Tallink Grupp in partnership with Farmatar will be offering the rapid antigen and antibody testing service on board its Tallinn-Helsinki route shuttle vessels Star and Megastar every Friday.

The new service option comes after a recent successful pilot of the service on the company’s vessel Megastar in March and as part of the company’s drive to offer a more stress-free travel option for those passengers who need to present a valid negative coronavirus test result upon arrival. The service is predominantly aimed at passengers travelling from Finland to Estonia for the weekend and needing to return to Finland on the Sunday or Monday. The test result from Friday will enable passengers to return to Finland within 72 hours, thus taking away the stress of finding a testing location and having the test done during the weekend.

Commenting on the new service Age Vanajuur, Tallink Grupp’s Head of Customer Experience said:

„Our pilot of the antigen testing service on Megastar clearly showed us that this is something that the customers would use and want, so we are rolling it out on our shuttle vessels and while passenger numbers are still very low, we will only offer this service on Fridays. The aim, however, is that once the borders gradually open and commuter traffic resumes, we will extend the service to more days and hopefully thus also build traveller confidence in safe and stress-free travelling once again. “During the pilot on Megastar many passengers also asked us whether we could offer antibody testing as part of the service and I am pleased to say that we have now also managed to negotiate with Farmatar to make this type of testing also available on board also already from this week.”

Antigen and antibody rapid testing on board both vessels will be carried out by qualified medical personnel and passengers will be issued with a verified test result and certificate. The cost of the rapid antigen test with the certificate is EUR 39 and the cost of the rapid antibody test (finger-prick blood test) is EUR 17.

„Farmatar is pleased that, in partnership with qualified medical professionals, we are able to offer this service to passengers and help them have as hassle-free a journey as possible. The antigen tests we use are the SARS-Cov-2 Rapid Antigen Tests, developed by SD Biosensor and currently the only rapid antigen tests verified by local laboratories. The antibody tests we use are the SARS-CoV-2 Rapid IgG/IgM AB Test N40 developed by Roche Diagnostics, which will show presence of antibodies, but will not show the amount of antibodies. As travelling slowly resumes at some stage, but the negative test result requirement may still be in force for some time, then making this service available on board will hopefully make the whole travel process a bit more comfortable“, Jaana Püttsepp, Member of Management Board at Farmatar added.

Testing will be available on Megastar on Fridays from the 10.30 departure onwards throughout the day and on Star from the 7.30 departure onwards throughout the day.

Katri Link
Communications Director
Tallink Grupp
Tel. +372 53042121
E-mail: katri.link@tallink.ee

Published 7.4.2021

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Tallink pilots coronavirus antigen testing on board Megastar on Friday, 26 March 2021

On Friday, 26 March 2021, passengers of Tallink Grupp’s Tallinn-Helsinki route vessel Megastar, will be able to take the coronavirus antigen tests during their voyage on the vessel, as part of a pilot by the company. In partnership with Farmatar, the company is trialling the rapid testing service on 4 departures on the route during the day.

The trial is part of the company’s longer-term consideration to start offering this service on its vessels for increased safety and virus control on board once borders re-open for travelling and the numbers of passengers increase once again. It is also a part of the company’s wider and even further review and upgrade of safety features and procedures in preparation of the lifting of travel restrictions.

Commenting on the cooperation and pilot with Farmatar, Tallink Grupp’s Head of Customer Experience, Age Vanajuur said:

„We continue to search for all kinds of enhanced safety solutions and to make preparations for safe travelling for the time when the borders will ultimately open again for tourism, whenever this will be. The time to search, test, trial is now, so when tourism is allowed again in our countries, we can say hand on heart that we have done all we can to make travelling safe and give our customers peace of mind when they step on board.

„Access to rapid testing is a very simple way of giving people greater confidence in their own health and peace of mind, so it is something we are considering making available on all our vessels for the foreseeable future when more passengers, families, friends and groups return to our ships.

„This, in addition to other upgrades to our enhanced virus control procedures, should further help ensure that travelling is safe for everyone.“

Antigen testing on Megastar will be carried out by qualified medical professionals, will be available for all passengers on the 4 voyages, travellers as well as cargo drivers, and taking the test will cost passengers 39 euros.

For more information, please contact:

Katri Link
Communications Director
Tallink Grupp
Tel. +372 53042121
E-mail: katri.link@tallink.ee

Published 26.3.2021

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Tallink passengers will be able to take coronavirus antigen tests before travelling at newly opened Confido testing location at Terminal D, Port of Tallinn from Tuesday, 16 March 2021

From Tuesday, 16 March 2021, Confido will open a new coronavirus testing location at Terminal D, Port of Tallinn and will thus make it easier for passengers to obtain the necessary negative COVID test certificates, required for travelling to Finland since the end of February.

Passengers will be able to take the coronavirus antigen test at the new testing location and should allow at least half an hour before boarding to get the result and necessary certificate. Passengers wanting to use this service must book a testing slot in advance.

The new coronavirus antigen testing location is also open for those people not travelling. Booking a testing slot in advance is also required.

„We are pleased that our negotiations with several testing providers in Estonia have finally resulted in an agreement with Confido and testing opportunities will now also be available at the port, making the lives of many of our passengers easier at this difficult time. From the moment of introducing the new negative test result certificate requirement to our passengers when travelling to Finland, at the request of the Finnish health authority, the biggest problem for many of our passengers has been the lack of sufficient testing opportunities at a time when testing requirements have gone through the roof here in Estonia, “Age Vanajuur, Tallink Grupp’s Head of Customer Experience, commented.

„Offering a testing opportunity at the port will make the currently challenging and often stressful process of travelling much more comfortable for those people who are allowed to travel and need to travel for work or family reasons. Any step that we are currently able to take to enhance safety, but at the same time also comfort for our passengers, is well worth the effort and is worth taking, “Vanajuur added.

„We are happy to help make passengers lives easier by offering testing opportunities in Tallinn now also at the port, in addition to the airport and Confido clinics. At the port we will be offering the coronavirus antigen testing service, which are accepted by both Finland and Sweden for entering the countries. The antigen tests are performed by taking a nasal swab and the result will show whether the person has proteins characteristic of coronavirus in their sample or not, i.e. whether a person is contagious or not. The results of the test with the necessary certificate required for travelling can be obtained quickly – within 30 minutes, “Liis Ader, Confido testing locations coordinator, said.

According to Ader, people wishing to take the test, must book a slot for the test in advance in order to avoid queues at the terminal. „There may be many people wishing to take the test shortly before vessel departure times. By booking a test slot in advance, passengers will be able to ensure that they will get the test done in time before the trip and that we are able to ensure safe distance-keeping and adherence to the 2+2m rule around the testing location. We are also reminding everyone coming for the test to ensure they wear facemasks, “Ader added. To book a slot at the Port of Tallinn D-Terminal testing location, go to:

https://www.confido.ee/en/coronavirus-testing/coronavirus-antigen-testing-at-port-of-tallinn-d-terminal/

The testing location will be open every day at the following times in March and April 2021: 
Monday-Friday 06:00-21:00
Saturday 06:00-18:00
Sunday 09:00-21:00

For more information to the media, please contact: 
Liis Ader
Confido testing locations coordinator
Tel +372 523 0840
Email: liis.ader@confido.ee

Katri Link
Communications Director
Tallink Grupp
Tel. +372 53042121
E-mail: katri.link@tallink.ee

Published 15.3.2021

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TALLINK GRUPP TO REQUIRE PASSENGERS TRAVELLING TO FINLAND FROM ESTONIA AND SWEDEN TO PRESENT NEGATIVE COVID TEST RESULT PRIOR TO BOARDING IN TALLINN AND STOCKHOLM FROM TUESDAY, 23 FEBRUARY 2021

Tallink Grupp has announced that from Tuesday, 23 February 2021 until further notice, the company will require passengers travelling to Finland to present a negative COVID-19 test result certificate or a certificate from the GP evidencing that the passenger has recovered from coronavirus. The new requirement follows a strong recommendation from the Finnish Health Authority (Terveyden ja hyvinvointilaitos) to all shipping companies operating passenger ferries between Finland and neighbouring countries to introduce such a requirement.

According to the new rules, one of the two following documents will be accepted by the company and must be presented to the company’s customer services staff at the Port of Tallinn and at the Port of Stockholm prior to boarding and to the Finnish Border and Health Authority officials upon arrival in Finland: - negative covid test proof (not older than 72h) - GP proof of having had covid and recovery from the illness (during last 6 months).

The negative covid test proof should include:
- information about the tested person
- information about the laboratory which made test
- time of testing (max 72h before boarding)
- type of test (PCR or antigen test)
- result of the test (negative)

As an exception, the following people do not need to present the proof:
- children under the age of 12 - exchange crew members of the vessels
- crew members going to / arriving back from work
- cargo drivers performing work duties
- other people important for Finnish “huoltovarmuus” where the negative test requirement would make their job impossible (for ex cargo drivers).

The documents will also not be required from individuals who take a return trip from Finland on the vessels without disembarking in Estonia or Sweden.

Commenting on the new requirements, Paavo Nõgene, CEO of Tallink Grupp said:

„We are making preparations already to comply with this requirement from next Tuesday, 23 February and we will do everything we can to help and support the Finnish authorities in their efforts to curb the spread of coronavirus in Finland. We naturally hope that taking these extra steps as a service provider and putting these additional requirements in place for passengers travelling to Finland, will, in return, enable the Finnish government to ease the travel restrictions specifically for commuter traffic, currently in place until 25 February 2021 and thus improve the situation for many families whose family life and work are split between several countries.“

It also important to remember that this recommendation is an additional action to limit the spread of covid. All other previously imposed and currently valid restrictions (for example related to work-travel) are still in force.

More detailed information regarding the Finnish Health Authority recommendation can be found here: https://www.traficom.fi/fi/ajankohtaista/thl-suosittelee-negatiivisen-koronatestitodistuksen-edellyttamista-suomeen-tulevilta

Instructions and Q&A about COVID-19 test certificates

For more information, please contact:

Katri Link
Communications Director
Tallink Grupp
Tel. +372 53042121
E-mail: katri.link@tallink.ee

Published 17.2.2021

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TALLINK SUSPENDS OPERATION OF VICTORIA I ON TALLINN-STOCKHOLM-RIGA-STOCKHOLM-TALLINN AND TALLINN-HELSINKI ROUTES FROM 1 JANUARY 2021

Tallink Grupp has today announced that it will suspend the operation of its vessel Victoria I on the Tallinn-Stockholm-Riga-Stockholm-Tallinn and the Tallinn-Helsinki routes route from 1 January 2021.

The vessel has been operating on the two temporary routes since this autumn, providing additional cargo capacity between Estonia and Sweden and the only maritime transport route between Stockholm and Riga on a temporary basis. Since October it has also provided weekend cruises on the Helsinki-Tallinn route without disembarking in Tallinn for the Finnish market.

The company’s decision comes as the operation of the vessel between Estonia, Sweden and Latvia has become financially unfeasible in the current pandemic situation and due to tightening travel restrictions once again in Estonia, Finland, Sweden and Latvia, making passenger numbers plummet.

„We are sorry to suspend another vital maritime travel routes between our neighbouring countries, but with passenger numbers dwindling and the travel restrictions expected to last for some time as a result of the worsening coronavirus pandemic situation in our countries, it is impossible to continue to operate these routes without significant losses,“ Paavo Nõgene, CEO of Tallink Grupp said.

The company will contact any customers impacted by this decision at the first opportunity.

During the time when Victroia I is suspended from the Tallinn-Helsinki route, it will be possible to take a 5-hour mini-cruise without disembarking onboard Megastar and Star every day and it will be possible to travel to Sweden on Tallink Grupp ferries from Estonia and Finland via the ports of Paldiski and Turku respectively.

According to current plans, the vessel will return to the Tallinn-Helsinki route during weekends from 19 February 2021. The company will notify of operations resuming on the routes between Tallinn and Stockholm and Riga and Stockholm at the first opportunity when such decisions are made.

For more information, please contact:

Katri Link
Communications Director
Tallink Grupp
Tel. +372 53042121
E-mail: katri.link@tallink.ee

Published 1.12.2020

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TALLINK GRUPP ADDS ADDITIONAL DEPARTURES TO TALLINN-HELSINKI ROUTE FOR WEEKENDS FROM 28 NOVEMBER 2020

Tallink Grupp will add additional departures on the Tallinn-Helsinki route for its shuttle vessel Star for Saturdays from this Saturday, 28 November 2020.

This follows the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency’s (TRAFICOM) decision last Friday, 20 November, to award the contract for securing the movement of supplies and goods between Estonia and Finland to Tallink Grupp and Viking Line.

The additional departures from Saturday, 28 November for shuttle vessel Star are the following:

• 7:30 departure from Helsinki
• 10:30 departure from Tallinn
• 13:30 departure from Helsinki

We are pleased that Traficom has made this favourable decision, which will enable us to add departures to this vital route and thus ensure there is enough capacity for transporting goods and supplies between Estonia and Finland,“ Paavo Nõgene, CEO of Tallink Grupp said.

„As promised in October to our cargo customers, with the Traficom support, we are now able to return the cargo transport pricing to pre-October levels,“ Nõgene added. Tallink Grupp’s other shuttle vessel Megastar will continue to operate according to its normal schedule.

Helsinki-Tallinn timetables

For more information, please contact:

Katri Link
Communications Director
Tallink Grupp
Tel +372 53042121
E-mail: katri.link@tallink.ee
 

Published 23.11.2020

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TALLINK SILJA TO BECOME THE FIRST SHIPPING COMPANY TO RECEIVE
SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL FINLAND LABEL

Tallink Silja Oy has today announced that the company is the first shipping company to be granted the Sustainable Travel Finland label developed by Visit Finland. The label is awarded for active companies in the Finnish tourism sector as well as for the Finnish tourist regions. Tallink Silja fully meets the economic, ecological, social as well as cultural sustainability criteria set by Visit Finland.

” It was clear to us from the start that we wish to be a part of developing sustainable travel in Finland and spread this message far and wide. We have fully met the various criterias of the label and have thoroughly acquainted ourselves with the Sustainable Travel Finland programme. Sustainable and responsible travel is one of the core values to us as a shipping company. We are constantly striving to be better as there are always new heights to be reached and the work is ongoing”, commented Margus Schults, CEO of Tallink Silja Oy on the receiving the Sustainable Travel Finland label.

” Environment, corporate social responsibility and sustainable development are an important part of Tallink Silja operations. We are proud over the Sustainable Travel Finland label that we have been awarded. Responsibility for our environment is our common task, we are in this together and we hope that our example can inspire also other companies in the travel industry to join us to make travel more sustainable,” Schults continued.

The Finnish travel industry and travel regions who were granted the label have pledged to work together to make travel more sustainable. Every organisation has fulfilled the uniform set of criteria and put together a sustainable travel action plan and taken part in training.

” Coastal Finland and archipelago of the Baltic Sea are home or holiday destination to many Finns, and the awareness for the wellbeing of the Baltic Sea is growing. It is really impressive how Tallink Silja is taking care of the environment where they carry out their operations and their list of concrete actions to ensure sustainable travel is indeed extensive. Tallink Silja is an excellent example how corporate social responsibility can be the essential pillar of activities”, said Liisa Kokkarinen, Sustainable Travel project director, Visit Finland.

” To our international customers visiting Finland, now more than ever, sustainable travel is increasingly important for the future. For a long time, we have worked very hard on various fields within our industry to develop more sustainable products. At Visit Finland, we want to promote Finland internationally as a sustainable travel destination offering meaningful travel experiences to travellers across the globe for a long time to come”, commented Nina Tähtinen, International Sales Director, Tallink Silja Oy.

The Sustainable Travel Finland label along with its sustainable development agenda aims at developing the sustainable travel in Finland, promoting Finland better as a sustainable travel destination, helping travellers in decision making when choosing their travel destinations, improving cooperation in the area of sustainable travel within the tourism sector, municipalities and other parties. So far, approximately 50 Finnish tourism sector companies or tourist regions in Finland have received the label.

More information on Sustainable Travel Finland -label and agenda: 
https://www.businessfinland.fi/en/do-business-with-finland/visit-finland/sustainable-travel-finland-label/ 

Read more about the Tallink Silja corporate social responsibility and what we do to save the environment: 
https://www.tallink.com/sustainability

https://www.tallinksilja.com/sustainable-travel

For more information, please contact:

Marika Nöjd
Communications Director
Tallink Silja Oy
Tel. +358 40 0207704
E-mail: marika.nojd@tallinksilja.com

Published 20.10.2020

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TALLINK TEMPORARILY SUSPENDS OPERATION OF TALLINK HOTEL RIGA FROM 18 OCTOBER 2020

Tallink Grupp has today announced that it will temporarily suspend operations of the Tallink Hotel Riga from this Sunday, 18 October 2020 due to a significant drop in guest numbers and bookings for the near future as a result of new travel restrictions in place in Latvia and neighbouring countries. The new travel restrictions have been imposed once again by governments in the region as the COVID-19 pandemic situation in Europe is worsening and the infection rates are yet again on the increase.

According to current plans, operations of the hotel will be suspended until spring 2021.

However, should the virus situation improve earlier, this decision will be reviewed sooner, and the hotel re-opened before spring 2021. While the hotel operations are suspended, the services, concepts and processes of the hotel will be reviewed and updated to meet all the new safety requirements in the post-COVID world and the „down time“ will be used practically to identify and develop even greener and more sustainable accommodation services for the future.

Commenting on the suspension of the operations, Ave Svarts, Management Board Member of Tallink Hotels said:

„With hotel occupancy levels in all hotels being below optimum occupancy levels for several months now and travel restrictions due to increasing infection rates once again in place and preventing travel, it is impossible to keep the operations running without incurring losses every day we are open for business.

„So, instead, we have decided to suspend our activities temporarily and wait for the storm to pass. We have already had to let the majority of our staff go through collective redundancies and will now need to shut down and conserve as much as possible for the months ahead, so that we may survive this time of disruption and restart our operations as soon as the pandemic situation allows us to do so.

„Those staff members remaining in the business, will spend the next few months re-imagining and re-focusing our offering for the post-COVID world we will be faced with in 2021 and will look and develop new concepts, ideas, services for the post-COVID traveller. We want to be fresh, safe and ready for the new world as soon as the borders in the new world re-open and travelling resumes.“

Out of the four hotels Tallink Hotels operates, two will currently still remain open – the Tallink Spa & Conference Hotel and the Tallink Express Hotel in Tallinn. The company’s fourth hotel, the Tallink City Hotel in Tallinn, shut its doors for major refurbishment already this summer and will reopen after the revamp in spring 2021. Tallink Hotels will communicate the Tallink Hotel Riga re-opening date at the earliest opportunity when the date has been confirmed.

For more information, please contact:

Katri Link
Communications Director
Tallink Grupp
Tel. +372 53042121
E-mail: katri.link@tallink.ee

Published 13.10.2020

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The keel-laying of Tallink’s newest vessel MyStar takes place today in Rauma shipyard, Finland

Tallink Grupp has announced today that the keel laying of the company’s newest eco-friendly LNG-powered shuttle ferry, MyStar is to be carried out today at the Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC) shipyard in Rauma, Finland. The traditional keel-laying event – in keeping with the global corona virus pandemic and the current precautionary measures – is conducted at 10.00 local Finnish time, is live streamed from Rauma with Tallink Grupp’s representatives participating via the Internet.

The construction of the LNG-powered shuttle vessel MyStar began in Rauma earlier this year on 6 April, and the delivery of the vessel is planned for January 2022. Upon completion and delivery in January 2022, MyStar will operate on the company’s Tallinn-Helsinki route, connecting the twin capitals of Estonia and Finland.

MyStar is another important step for Tallink Grupp towards achieving greater energy efficiency and eco-friendliness for its shipping operations on the Baltic Sea. The LNG-powered new shuttle vessel comes with the latest cutting-edge technology and innovation onboard and will meet all the current and known future emission regulations.

Laying down the keel is an important milestone in shipbuilding, often considered the birth of the ship. During the event, the first keel-block of MyStar, weighing approximately 270 tonnes, is laid into Rauma shipyard’s dry dock. Traditionally, lucky coins are placed under the keel during the event, which this time include both Estonian and Finnish Euro coins.

Commenting on the MyStar keel-laying, the CEO of Tallink Grupp, Paavo Nõgene, said:
- „It is extremely important to keep our sights both on the near as well as the more distant future right now and continue with key projects that will ensure shipping is greener, more efficient and increasingly sustainable in the future.“

- „With the MyStar project, we are proud and happy to be able to help sustain the rich tradition of Finnish shipbuilding. Now more than ever, it matters to us that we can build our ship close to home in Finland, and this way, help preserve jobs in Finland and Estonia, to keep the historic shipbuilding industry in Finland going and support and contribute to the economies of our Baltic Sea region as a whole.“

Jyrki Heinimaa, President and CEO of RMC added:

- “Despite the challenging economic situation and the global coronavirus pandemic, we are pleased that the MyStar production is continuing in Rauma shipyard as planned and the shipbuilding project will provide over 1,500 person-years of employment for the Rauma shipyard.”

“The delivery of the main equipment of MyStar is proceeding according to schedule. During the summer the vessel’s main engines were tested, with tests completed on the generators this autumn.”

“Although the final impacts of the pandemic on the operations of the shipyard are yet to be seen, we are confident that operations will continue on track due to all the health and safety measures we have undertaken.”

MyStar will be built with shore-to-ship green power equipment as well as the Smart Car Deck solution, developed in cooperation with Tallinn Technical University (TalTech), which will enable even faster and more convenient loading and unloading of the vessel and is compatible with the already existing Smart Port solution at the Port of Tallinn.

Following the keel-laying, the next big milestone - launching and christening of the vessel will take place in the summer of 2021.

MyStar:

• Length - 212m
• Width - 30.6m
• Gross tonnage – 50,000
• 2800 passengers
• 4 car decks accommodate up to 750 vehicles
• Max speed 27 knots

Reference vessel is Tallink’s shuttle vessel Megastar

For more information, please contact:

Kai-Ines Nelson, Senior Communications Specialist, Tallink Grupp
Tel +372 55 689 644
E-mail: kai-ines.nelson@tallink.ee

Laura Virtanen, Executive Assistant, Rauma Marine Constructions
tel. +358 50 528 0068
laura.virtanen@rmcfinland.fi

Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC), founded in 2014, is a Finnish fully domestically-owned shipbuilding company, that represents the strong Finnish traditions in the industry. RMC is specialised in ship construction and maintenance, including construction and maintenance of icebreakers, car and passenger ferries, and vessels for use by the armed forces. The company represents world-leading expertise in Arctic shipbuilding, an area heavily relied upon by the knowhow and competitiveness of the Finnish marine industry. For more information, visit www.rmcfinland.fi.

Published 18.09.2020

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TALLINK CHANGES WEEKEND OPERATING SCHEDULE OF TALLINN-HELSINKI ROUTE SHUTTLE VESSEL STAR FROM NEXT WEEK

Due to the Finnish government decision adopted this week to restrict tourism traffic between Estonia and Finland from Monday, 28 September 2020, Tallink Grupp has today made the decision to reduce the number of weekend departures for its Tallinn-Helsinki route shuttle vessel Star, starting from next week.

From next Saturday, 2 October 2020, Star will operate according to the following schedule on weekends:

• Saturdays – 7.30 departure Helsinki-Tallinn; other departures cancelled.
• Sundays – 7.30 departure cancelled; all other departures according to schedule.

The company’s other Tallinn-Helsinki route shuttle vessel Megastar will continue to operate according to its current schedule and there are no changes.

„The closing of the borders during the first wave of the epidemic in spring clearly showed us that closing the borders to tourism resulted in an immediate and drastic drop in passenger numbers on all our vessels and all our routes. In these circumstances it is economically impossible to continue operations in the same capacity as before. We will, of course, aim to maintain the operations of as many vessels and routes as possible to ensure that the free movement of people and goods would not be halted as a result of governmental virus-blocking decisions. Similarly to spring 2020, we promise to keep all our customers informed of any changes to our schedules at the first opportunity in order to enable people to re-organise their lives and plans accordingly, if necessary,“ Paavo Nõgene, CEO of Tallink Grupp said.

For more information, please contact:

Katri Link
Communications Director
Tallink Grupp
Tel. +372 53042121
E-mail: katri.link@tallink.ee

Published 25.09.2020

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Tallink Silja extends cruises to Höga Kusten until the autumn holidays

The demand for domestic cruises in Sweden remains high. After the five scheduled departures to Höga Kusten and Härnösand sold out in record time in August and September, Tallink Silja is now releasing further departures - this time with the autumn holidays in focus and extended stay at the destination, but also with the possibility for people living in the Höga Kusten area to take the trip “backwards”, Härnösand - Stockholm - Härnösand with a day's stay in Stockholm during the autumn holidays.

- With travel restrictions still in place in many countries and when uncertainty remains high, many people are looking for domestic travel options during the autumn, and not least for the autumn holidays. Höga Kusten is a destination that many Swedes have discovered this summer, and the feedback from our customers so far has been fantastic. Therefore, we are very happy to now be able to offer even more people to travel there with us and get a fantastic experience on the way, says Marcus Risberg, CEO of Tallink Silja AB.

Tallink Silja's flagship Silja Symphony will operate Stockholm - Härnösand for another five trips until the autumn holidays. The route goes via Mariehamn on Åland, which enables duty-free sales on board. After departure from Härnösand, passengers are offered a unique opportunity to experience the world's highest coastline from the water, during a nearly four-hour trip inland, through Sannasundet to Högakustenbron and Ulvön before the ship turns off and sails back to Stockholm.

- We are extremely pleased that Tallink Silja chooses to extend the cruises to us during the autumn. Getting to welcome their guests for a total of ten weekends is incredibly valuable for Härnösand municipality and all our businesses and entrepreneurs. The autumn is also a fantastic season to discover the destination Höga Kusten so we are very happy that more people now will get the opportunity to visit our beautiful world heritage, says Petra Forsström, business manager at Härnösand municipality.

- It is especially exciting that the cruises continue over the autumn holidays when the so-called Fire Week takes place in the Höga Kusten area. Campfires will burn, flatbread and stick bread will be baked, and our entrepreneurs will offer experiences such as treasure hunts and fiery dishes. In short, there will be a lot of experiences for a memorable autumn holiday, says Mia Karlsson, CEO of Höga Kusten Destinationsutveckling. In order to welcome passengers in a safe and secure way, the industry organization Swedish Shipping, of which Tallink Silja is a part, has adopted an industry standard with several safety measures that apply in both terminals and on-board ships.

- A safe voyage for both our guests and our staff is our highest priority. We have adapted all functions on board and introduced safety routines that are well established by now. We also continue to sell only half of our normal passenger capacity so that everyone can keep a safe distance, says Marcus Risberg.

- Härnösand Municipality and Destination Höga Kusten have worked hard to adapt our activities in order to be able to welcome tourists in a way that is safe for both visitors and locals. We feel very safe with all the measures that both Tallink Silja and we in Härnösand have taken, says Petra Forsström.

The added cruises will depart from Stockholm on 25 September and 2, 23, 26 and 29 October 2020. The last three departures take place during the Sweden's autumn holiday week and the ship then stays in Härnösand for one additional day to be able to offer more experiences at the destination. Ticket sales start on September 10.

For more information, please contact:

Tallink Silja AB
Communications Manager
Erika Janson
erika.janson@tallinksilja.com

Published 09.09.2020

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TALLINK CHANGES TALLINN-HELSINKI ROUTE VESSEL SILJA EUROPA OPERATING SCHEDULE

As a result of significantly reduced ticket sales following advice from the company’s home market governments not to travel due increasing coronavirus infection rates and limited numbers of passengers travelling on the company’s Tallinn-Helsinki route vessels, Tallink Grupp has announced changes to the schedule of the company’s vessel Silja Europa from this weekend.

The changes made to the schedule are the following:

• 4-5 September – Silja Europa departures according to schedule
• 6-10 September – All Silja Europa departures cancelled
• 11-12 September – Silja Europa departures according to schedule
• 13-17 September – All Silja Europa departures cancelled
• 18-21 September – Silja Europa departures according to schedule

Passengers who have booked a return trip to Tallinn from Helsinki, starting Saturday 5 September will be transferred to one of the company’s shuttle ferries for the return trip on the morning of Sunday, 6 September.

From Monday, 21 September evening Silja Europa will be suspended from traffic until further notice from the company. The company’s vessel Victoria I, operating on the Tallinn-Stockholm-Riga-Stockholm-Tallinn route from Sundays to Fridays, will operate on the Tallinn-Helsinki route on weekends instead of Silja Europa from 25 September 2020.

All customers who have bookings for Silja Europa from 5 September onwards will be contacted by the company’s customer services at the first opportunity and offered alternative travel options.

For more information, please contact:

Tallink Grupp
Communications Director
Katri Link
+372 53 042121
katri.link@tallink.ee

Published 04.09.2020

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Tallink Grupp replaces vessel on Helsinki-Riga route and makes changes in ferry traffic from September 2020

Tallink Grupp has today announced that it has made decisions regarding its autumn traffic, resulting in vessel changes on some routes from September.

On the Helsinki-Riga route the company has decided to replace Silja Serenade with the company’s vessel Baltic Queen from 16 September 2020. Silja Serenade will be suspended from traffic from 13 September 2020 at the Port of Helsinki until further notice from the company. The vessel’s return to traffic will depend on the future developments of the pandemic situation in, changes in travel restrictions between the countries and any decisions regarding government support for maritime transport services.

This change also means that the company’s recently reopened Tallinn-Stockholm route as well as the Riga-Stockholm route, will be operated with the company’s vessel Victoria I from 6 September 2020. Victoria I will depart from Tallinn to Stockholm on Sundays, from Stockholm to Riga on Mondays, from Riga to Stockholm on Tuesdays and from Stockholm to Tallinn on Wednesdays.

The company has also decided that it will suspend the operations of its vessel Isabelle from 1 September 2020 and Romantika from early October until 31 March 2021 or until further notice from the company. The company’s vessel Silja Symphony will be suspended from regular traffic from early October, while the company continues to identify opportunities for special cruises for the vessel and other company vessels.

“We are forced to make this vessel change on the Helsinki-Riga route as it is not economically viable to continue to operate this route with a vessel the size of Silja Serenade, now that the high season is over and passenger numbers for the autumn-winter season ahead are much lower than in the summer,” Paavo Nõgene, CEO of Tallink Grupp said.

“The current passenger numbers forecast for the route indicates we will be able to effectively operate the route with a smaller vessel, still ensuring more than adequate social distancing opportunities for everyone on board,” Nõgene said.

“We regret having to make this decision, particularly as it means that we will have to suspend the operations of Silja Serenade for the time being and commence lay-off proceedings with the vessel’s crew in Finland as there is no economically viable route for us to operate with a vessel this size in the current travel restrictions situation and no government support for its operations,” Nõgene added.

Tallink Grupp’s vessels operating on the Tallinn-Helsinki, Muuga-Vuosaari, Paldiski-Kapellskär, Turku-Stockholm routes currently continue to operate as normal. Tallink will contact passengers with bookings for Silja Serenade on the Helsinki-Riga route at the first opportunity to make the necessary amendments to their bookings.

For more information, please contact:

Tallink Grupp
Communications Director
Katri Link
+372 53 042121
katri.link@tallink.ee

Published 28.08.2020

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TALLINK WILL START TO OPERATE TWO RETURN TRIPS PER WEEK ON THE TALLINN-STOCKHOLM ROUTE FROM SEPTEMBER

Tallink will start to operate on the Tallinn-Stockholm route with two vessels from September and will provide two return trips between the two cities per week.

The company announced already in early August that it will reopen the Tallinn-Stockholm route from 26 August with one return trip per week. Following the announcement from the Estonian Government today that Estonia will replace the two-week quarantine requirement in place for people arriving from countries with high COVID-19 infection rates with a virus testing alternative, the company has announced it will add a further return trip per week to the route from September onwards. Which vessels will be operating on the route will be decided in the near future and announced on the company’s website at the first opportunity.

From September 2020 it will be possible to travel on the Tallinn-Stockholm route on the following days (all departure times are local times):

Sundays – 18.00 departure from Tallinn

Tuesdays – 17.30 departure from Stockholm

Wednesdays – 18.00 departure from Tallinn
                           17.30 departure from Stockholm

„The decision and announcement made by the Estonian Government today to replace the quarantine requirement for people arriving in Estonia from countries with a high COVID-19 infection rate with the virus testing option, will allow us to gradually start restoring travel options for those people who have unavoidable reasons for travelling between Estonia and Sweden for family or work reasons,“ Paavo Nõgene, CEO of Tallink Grupp commented on the decision by the company.

„Further, the additional departures will enable us to increase cargo transport capacity on the vital route between Estonia and Sweden and thus enable us to restore and stabilise cargo transport between our two countries. Today’s decision certainly doesn’t mean that tourism traffic between Estonia and Sweden is restoring as the departures we are offering from September will still predominantly be meant for cargo transportation and for those people with unavoidable reasons for travelling,“ Nõgene added.

Ticket sales for the Tallinn-Stockholm route departures are now open on the company’s websites.

Tallink Grupp continues to limit the numbers of passengers on all its departures to provide all passengers with safe social distancing opportunities. Strict hygiene requirements are in place on all the vessels and all passengers must confirm at check-in that they are healthy and have no virus symptoms. Passengers with virus symptoms or who are ill will not be allowed to board.

For more information, please contact: 

Katri Link
Communications Director
Tallink Grupp
Tel. +372 53042121
E-mail: katri.link@tallink.ee 

Published 18.8.2020

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TALLINK TO OFFER ADDITIONAL SEPTEMBER CRUISES TO ÅLAND AND HELSINKI WITH DEPARTURE ON FRIDAYS WITH THE SHIP ROMANTIKA

Tallink Grupp has announced today that due to the high interest and demand for new temporary routes, it will add additional Friday cruises on the route Riga - Åland Islands (Mariehamn) - Riga and Riga - Helsinki - Riga in September 2020. Special cruises will be made by ship Romantika with a departure on Fridays, offering a themed and versatile entertainment program for various interests both on board and in destinations.

Additional trip to the Åland Islands with the ship Romantika will be operated on 11 September, making its forth voyage to this destination, which is especially popular among cycling and motorcycle enthusiasts and families with children. To Helsinki the ferry Romantika will go on 25 September, which will be the fifth Romantika voyage on this route. "In response to good reviews and genuine interest of our travellers, we decided to open new dates for special cruises and provide an opportunity to enjoy an Indian summer on the Åland Islands and a golden autumn in Helsinki. We decided to organize trips with departure from Riga on Fridays, allowing travellers to experience great holidays at the weekend,” said Hillard Taur, member of the Board of Tallink Latvia.

Special cruises from Riga with the ship Romantika will take place according to the following schedule:

21 August Riga - Helsinki - Riga

28 August Riga - Helsinki - Riga

4 September Riga - Åland Islands - Riga

11 September Riga - Åland Islands - Riga

25 September Riga - Helsinki - Riga

September is the time of the apple harvest in the Åland Islands. During this time, the island turns bright and colourful - a wonderful holiday with family and friends. To explore the island beyond Mariehamn, it is advisable to take a bicycle or travel by car. The richness of the island's water world will definitely be appreciated by anglers, who have the opportunity to go to the Åland Islands from Riga on 4 September and return with the next trip in a week, leaving Mariehamn on 12 September. Helsinki also has a wide range of entertainment in the autumn, interesting and attractive museums and amusement parks.

On board Romantika an extensive and exciting entertainment program available. Latvian rock legend Felikss Kigelis will perform on 21 August, but famous group Bermuda Divsturis during the trip on 28 August. On 11 September, while traveling to the Åland Islands, the local band Gain Fast will perform on board. Seniors are especially invited to enjoy the special program for seniors and the magic of a sea voyage during the cruise to Helsinki on 25 September. Youth and fans of various quests can also try their hand at the exciting Hack on Deck interactive game.

Hillard Taur adds: “Although the COVID-19 pandemic still has a major impact on Tallink's operations, Finland is still one of the safest countries in Europe to travel. We want to offer our customers the opportunity to relax safely and spend a full-fledged, musical impressive holidays.”

Tickets for the Romantika holiday cruises can be purchased on the website www.tallink.lv or by getting in touch with Tallink travel consultants at booking@tallink.lv or +371 67099700.

Strict hygiene rules and disinfecting protocols have been introduced on all Tallink Grupp’s vessels, the company limits the number of passengers on each departure to allow for the required social distancing and all passengers must confirm at check-in that they are well and do not have any virus symptoms. Passengers with virus symptoms will not be allowed to travel. Tallink Grupp reserves the right to make changes to the published schedules at short notice, depending on the virus situation developments and any travel restrictions that may be introduced by national governments.

For more information, please contact:

Tallink Grupp
Communications Director
Katri Link
+372 53 042121
katri.link@tallink.ee

Published 17.08.2020

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TALLINK RE-OPENS LIMITED MARITIME TRAFFIC BETWEEN TALLINN AND STOCKHOLM AT THE END OF AUGUST

Tallink Grupp has announced that it will reopen the traffic between Tallinn and Stockholm in a limited capacity from 26 August 2020 and initially mainly for cargo transportation. Traffic between the two capital cities was suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic and state of emergency declared in Estonia in March this year.

From 26 August, the company’s vessel Baltic Queen will operate one return trip on the Tallinn-Stockholm route every week, departing from Stockholm on Tuesday evenings and from Tallinn on Wednesday evenings.

In addition to the Tallinn-Stockholm return trips, Baltic Queen will also operate on the Turku-Tallinn route on weekends and will provide cargo transportation between Turku and Stockholm on Mondays and Thursdays every week.

Baltic Queen’s weekly route schedule from 26 August will be the following:

• Monday: Turku-Stockholm
• Tuesday: Stockholm-Tallinn
• Wednesday: Tallinn-Stockholm
• Thursday: Stockholm-Turku
• Friday: Turku-Tallinn
• Saturday: Tallinn-Turku
• Sunday: no departures

The more specific timetable for Baltic Queen departures can be found and tickets for the vessel purchased on the company’s website www.tallink.com.

„We are pleased that the gradual improvement of the pandemic situation in Sweden over the last month is enabling us to start seriously considering the restoration of the transport service between Tallinn and Stockholm, even if in a reduced capacity at first. However, it is clear that tourism traffic and transport of passengers without cars will continue to be suspended until the authorities change their travel advice for Sweden and until travel restrictions are removed,“ Paavo Nõgene, CEO of Tallink Grupp said.

„At the end of August we will once again make cargo transportation between our two capital cities easier and with today’s decision, we will also add additional cargo capacity to our Turku-Stockholm route with another vessel. As the situation in Sweden continues to improve and as demand on the Tallinn-Stockholm route increases, we will review the routes and schedules and quickly make changes where necessary to provide transport links according to market demands,“ Nõgene added.

„ In our opinion it is vital that there is sufficient cargo transport capacity between our countries and that people who work in Scandinavia have the required transport options to go to work and those options are safe. Our vessels are large and thus provide the best social distancing possibilities when travelling and it is possible to prepare for work or relax in your own space in a cabin on board,“ Nõgene commented.

The current weekly route schedule for Baltic Queen will apply until further notice of any changes toi t from the company.

There are still maximum passenger number limits in place on Tallink Grupp’s vessels with only 75% of the total passenger capacity allowed on any departure. Strict hygiene requirements are in place on all the vessels and all passengers must confirm at check-in that they are healthy and have no virus symptoms. Passengers with virus symptoms or who are ill will not be allowed to board.

For more information, please contact: 

Katri Link
Communications Director
Tallink Grupp
Tel. +372 53042121
E-mail: katri.link@tallink.ee 

Published 7.8.2020

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TALLINK SILJA TO MAKE CHANGES TO BALTIC PRINCESS CRUISE TICKET SALES FROM 7 AUGUST 2020

From Friday, 7 August 2020 until further notice from the company, Tallink Silja will sell Baltic Princess cruise tickets only in Finland. Until further notice Baltic Princess 23-hour cruise and Archipelago cruise cannot be started from Stockholm but only from Turku. Tallink Silja’s decision to make the above temporary changes to ticket sales on the Turku-Stockholm route is based on the ongoing travel restrictions between Finland and Sweden due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

In addition, the company has made the decision to continue selling tickets for its vessels only up to 75% of the vessels’ total capacity, thus further ensuring there is plenty of space on board at all times for social distancing. All Tallink Silja vessels follow rigorous cleaning and disinfecting protocols and all passengers are required to sign a health declaration prior to travelling, proving they have no illness symptoms before travelling.

“At Tallink Silja we continue to cooperate closely with our national authorities and to follow their guidance for guaranteeing the safety of our passengers. We are flexible and respond quickly to all changes in the constantly evolving pandemic situation and ultimately simply want to ensure one thing – that we can continue to offer all our customers the safest and most comfortable travel experiences on the sea”, Marco Palmu, Commercial director of Tallink Silja OY said.

According to the instructions of the Finnish authorities, single tickets from Sweden to Finland may currently only be sold to Finnish passengers returning to Finland, or to passengers travelling between Finland and Sweden due to work or other unavoidable reasons. If the passenger has ensured they have the right to travel between Finland and Sweden according to national authorities’ current restrictions and guidelines, single tickets on the Turku-Stockholm route can still be purchased. 

For more information, please contact:

Tallink Grupp
Communications Director
Katri Link
+372 53 042121
katri.link@tallink.ee

Published 03.08.2020

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TALLINK SILJA TO OFFER SWEDISH TRAVELLERS FIVE SPECIAL CRUISES FROM STOCKHOLM TO HÖGA KUSTEN IN AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER

Tallink Silja AB, Tallink Grupp’s Swedish subsidiary, has announced that it will offer a number of new domestic special cruises to the Swedish market in late August and September, this time on a completely new route between Stockholm and the Swedish World Heritage site, the High Coast – Höga Kusten.

The cruises will depart from Stockholm on 21, 28 August and 4, 11 and 18 September 2020. Thereafter, additional departures may be added. Departures take place from Värtahamnen in Stockholm on Fridays at 16.00, Saturday is spent in Härnösand and the ship will arrive back in Stockholm on Sundays at 14.00.

The cruises will be operated with the company’s flagship vessel Silja Symphony. The cruises will go via Mariehamn and can thus offer tax-free shopping opportunities for the travellers.

Ticket sales for the Stockholm – Härnösand cruises will open on Friday, 31 August 2020. “Höga Kusten is a destination that we have looked at for a long time. When the Corona crisis halted our normal operations and vessel traffic, we saw this as an excellent opportunity to think outside the box and test new destinations instead of simply waiting idly for the pandemic situation to improve. The cruises we have organised to Visby this summer have exceeded all our expectations and the feedback from the guests has been incredibly positive, so we are very excited to now be able to offer another new and sought-after destination to our customers,” Marcus Risberg, CEO of Tallink Silja AB commented.

“Höga Kusten is an increasingly popular travel destination and this summer, interest in the area has sky-rocketed, not least thanks to increased domestic tourism in Sweden. With Silja Symphony to Härnösand, we can offer a fantastic experience to all our customers, with world-class views, good food and drink, entertainment and duty-free sales. Sweden's Hurtigruten offers a fantastic and powerful natural world experience and the High Coast has a lot to offer, not least in the form of taste experiences, which our customers can also experience already on board the ship,” Risberg added.

In order to ensure the highest levels of passenger and crew safety on board, Tallink Silja has adopted new safety standards and processes with a number of concrete safety measures that apply in both terminals and on-board ships. “Safety and a safe journey for both our guests and our crew is our highest priority. We have introduced a large number of safety measures on board that are well established and the new normal by now. We also continue to limit the number of passengers and it is possible to bring the car on board for a safe boarding and disembarkation without queues and congestion,” Risberg said. For more information, please contact:

For more information, please contact:

Erika Janson
Communications Manager
Tallink Silja AB
Tel. +46 709901999

Published 31.7.2020

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TALLINK TO OFFER ADDITIONAL CRUISES FROM RIGA TO HELSINKI AND THE ÅLAND ISLANDS IN AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER 2020

Tallink Grupp has announced that in August and September 2020 it will make two additional special Friday cruises to Helsinki and the Åland islands, operated with the company’s vessel Romantika and offering a wide range of entertainment on board and taking customers to destinations that are so popular among both Latvian and Finnish travellers this summer.

The additional cruises will be operated on 21 August on the route Riga - Helsinki - Riga and on 4 September on the route Riga - Mariehamn - Riga. "In response to the positive feedback from our customers, we have decided to add two more cruises to Helsinki and the Åland islands with the ship Romantika into our cruise calendar. The cruises have been specifically planned to depart on Fridays, so passengers can enjoy short weekend trips in our very own Baltic sea region,” said Hillard Taur, CEO of Tallink Latvia. In total, Tallink offers 3 additional special cruise trips from Riga to Helsinki and 2 to the Åland Islands.

The Åland Islands are ideal for travellers on bicycles, scooters or even electric scooters, which is a very convenient way to discover the island's beautiful natural landscapes and leisurely pace of life. This type of travel experience has already become popular among Tallink passengers. Travelers will also find interesting leisure opportunities in Helsinki. The company’s vessel Romantika offers an exciting and versatile recreation programme for both adults and children on board. "We are pleased to offer new and hopefully unforgettable experiences to our passengers when travelling with Tallink. August and September are very good months for maritime trips, so that everyone still has the opportunity to enjoy an unforgettable holiday even this year,” Taur added.

Special cruises from Riga will take place according to the following schedule:

• 7 August Riga - Helsinki - Riga
• 10 August Riga - Åland Islands - Riga
• 21 August Riga - Helsinki - Riga
• 28 August Riga - Helsinki - Riga
• 4 September Riga - Åland Islands - Riga

In June and July, more than 77,000 passengers and 4,000 vehicles were carried on the new routes to Helsinki and the Åland Islands. More than 3,500 hotel nights have been booked, indicating a clear interest in enjoying longer holidays at the destinations. About 40% of Tallink’s travellers are between the ages of 35 and 55, followed by young people and seniors - 17% and 13% respectively.

Tickets for the Romantika cruises can be purchased from today, 30 July 2020 on the website www.tallink.lv.

In August, Tallink will additionally continue to operate special trips on the route Riga - Stockholm - Riga once per week, which takes place in accordance with the regulations of the Cabinet of Ministers No. 360 of Republic of Latvia. Only persons needing to travel for business reasons between the two countries may travel on these special departures at present. The employer or employee will have to prove to the transport company that the travel is for business purposes.

More information:
Katri Link
Tallink Grupp Communication Director
katri.link@tallink.ee
Tel+ 372 53042121

Esēnija Zīriņa
Tallink Latvija Public Relations Project Manager
esenija.zirina@tallink.lv
Tel+371 670 997 45

Published 30.7.2020

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Tallink Grupp to extend popular Helsinki-Riga and Turku-Tallinn routes

Tallink Grupp has today announced that responding to increasing customer demand, the company will extend the two popular temporary routes - Helsinki-Riga-Helsinki route on company’s vessel Silja Serenade until January 2021 and Turku-Tallinn-Turku route on company’s vessel Baltic Queen until the end of March 2021.

According to company’s customer feedback, the two novel summer season routes have been received very well by the passengers. To many Finnish travellers, Latvia and Riga have been a new and exciting destination to discover.

Turku-Tallinn-Turku route, however, enables holiday-makers to plan shorter or longer trips to either Estonia or Finland, either as short day-cruises, with a day to spend in the destination or to spend longer holidays in the country of destination.

“We are very pleased indeed that both these summer direct sailings have proven to be really popular and have received so much positive feedback from our customers. Turku and the people of Turku area have been waiting and requesting for this direct route to Tallinn for a very long time. Helsinki-Riga direct sailing on one of our most spectacular vessels Silja Serenade offers an opportunity to explore Riga for a day or plan a longer holiday in Latvia which is a fairly new destination for many of our customers.

Under the current situation the tourism sector is in, we wish to remain flexible and offer our customers safe travel opportunities and exciting destinations closer to home to explore or just enjoy a leisurely sea voyage on the beautiful Baltic Sea, and Estonia and Latvia an opportunity to recover from current tourism crisis”, Paavo Nõgene, CEO of Tallink Grupp said.

The sailings from Helsinki to Riga on company’s vessel Silja Serenade will be departing from the Finnish capital three times a week on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. The first sailing of the autumn season takes place from Helsinki on 30 August 2020 and the last departure from Riga on 9 January 2021.

Sailings from Turku to Tallinn will depart weekly on Fridays on the company’s vessel Baltic Queen, with additional three departures over the autumn school break and departures every other day from 21 December to 10 January 2021. The autumn season’s first departure from Turku is 28 August 2020 and the departures are planned until the end of March 2021. Please note that the ticket sales for this route will open gradually. Currently, the bookings are possible until 10 January 2021.

The more detailed timetables for regular Helsinki- Riga-Helsinki and Turku-Tallinn-Turku departures are as follows:

• Turku-Tallinn-Turku
  
  The timetable for the weekly departures on Fridays, starting from 28 August 2020 until the end of March 2021, is the following:
  
  17.45 Departure from Turku
  
  10.15 Arrival in Tallinn the following morning
  
  18.00 Departure from Tallinn
  
  11.00 Arrival in Turku the following morning
   
• Helsinki- Riga-Helsinki
  
  The timetable for the departures every other day from Starting from 30 August 2020 until 10 January 2021, is the following:
  
  16.00 Departure from Helsinki, Olympia terminal
  
  10.30 Arrival in Riga the following morning
  
  16.30 Departure from Riga
  
  11.15 Arrival in Helsinki, Olympia terminal

Tickets for the autumn departures are available on Tallink Grupp’s websites. 

Kai-Ines Nelson
Senior Communications Specialist
Tallink Grupp
Tel +372 55 689 644
E-mail: kai-ines.nelson@tallink.ee

Published 17.7.2020

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FOR THE FIRST TIME IN FOUR MONTHS – ALL TALLINK GRUPP’S VESSELS ARE SAILING ON THE BALTIC SEA IN ONE DAY

Today, 15 July 2020, is the first day since the outbreak of the coronavirus epidemic and the rapid closure of many European borders and the introduction of travel restrictions, when all Tallink Grupp’s vessels are once again all sailing on the Baltic sea together.

The last time all Tallink Grupp vessels were on the sea together in one day was Saturday, 14 March 2020 – exactly four months ago. 

During the peak of the crisis, only half of the company’s fleet continued operations to a limited extent and for several months mainly to transport cargo between the company’s home markets of Estonia, Finland, Sweden and Latvia. 

Today, all 14 vessels the company had operating on the Baltic sea before the crisis and one new vessel the company purchased earlier this month, are all sailing on various regular and temporary routes around the Baltic Sea region. 
Today, approximately 20 000 passengers are travelling on all departures on Tallink Grupp’s vessels on the Baltic Sea on the company’s vessels on routes, such as Tallinn-Helsinki, Stockholm-Riga (commuter traffic only), Stockholm-Visby, Tallinn-Turku, Turku – Aland, Turku-Stockholm, Helsinki-Riga.  Last year, on the same day, respectively, there were 41 403 passengers travelling on this date on Tallink Grupp’s vessels in the Baltic Sea region.

Commenting on the occasion, Tallink Grupp’s CEO Paavo Nõgene said: 

„The last four months have been a challenge for everyone, but we said we will cruise again in the spring and today we can say that this day has come. True, we are not anywhere near returning to our normal operations yet, but at least all our ships are where they belong again – back on the sea and not suspended in ports. True - currently not all our vessels have daily departures, and we forsee that there will be also periods during this autumn season when certain ships are not operating. However, our activities are based on the developments of the epidemological situation in various countries and we are adapting accordingly.

„I am pleased that we are able to offer our services and memorable experiences to our loyal customers again after this challenging time and we thank them all for their continued support and belief in us. 

„But I am even more pleased for everyone at Tallink Grupp on this day. Everyone has worked extremely hard, fast and flexibly over the last four months to keep the business going, to find solutions and help our customers. I am extremely proud of every single colleague here at Tallink Grupp and thankful to all of them and their families for so much commitment and dedication. We are cruising again.“ 

For more information, please contact: 

Kai-Ines Nelson
Senior Communications Specialist
Tallink Grupp
Tel +372 55 689 644
E-mail: kai-ines.nelson@tallink.ee

Published 15.7.2020

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TALLINK ADDS MORE DEPARTURES TO TALLINN-TURKU ROUTE FOR LATE JULY AND EARLY AUGUST

The new temporary Tallinn-Turku route launched for this summer and only announced this Monday, 15 June, has turned out to be so popular this week that Tallink Grupp has decided to add 6 more departures to this route in late July and early August. The group’s vessel Baltic Queen will operate on this route and will operate for a further three weeks between the two cities on the route according to the new plans. In total, 12 return trips will be operated on this route this summer, thus enabling holiday-makers to plan shorter or longer trips to either Estonia or Finland, either as short day-cruises, with a day to spend in the destination or to spend longer holidays for a week or two in the country of destination.

The additional departures on the Tallinn-Turku route will take place on 27 July, 29 July, 3 August, 5 August, 10 August and 12 August.

The weekly schedule for Baltic Queen on the Tallinn-Turku route from 6 to 24 July is the following:

Monday
18.00 Departure from Tallinn
Tuesday 
10.00 Arrival in Turku 18.00
Departure from Turku
Wednesday
10.00 Arrival in Tallinn 18.00
Departure from Tallinn
Thursday
10.00 Arrival in Turku 18.00
Departure from Turku
Friday
10.00 Arrival to Tallinn

All departures will make a short stopover in Åland, Port of Långnäs, thus allowing all the passengers to enjoy the opportunity for tax free shopping during the trip.

Paavo Nõgene, CEO of Tallink Grupp commented: - „The popularity of the Tallinn-Turku route shows that our customers have really been looking forward to us opening this route and are using this opportunity to travel and discover Tallinn and Estonia directly from Turku area, or to travel directly from Tallinn to Muumin World, Naantali resort or to Western Finland in general.

- „Since the interest is significant and in order to ensure the safety of all our lovely passengers and dear colleagues, we don’t want to pack the trips too full, we have decided to add extra departures to the route to offer everyone a spacious and comfortable journey. We are very pleased that there is such a great interest in travelling between our neighbouring countries and we look forward to seeing everyone on board.

In cooperation with Tallink Hotels, Tallink also offers the opportunity to buy travel packages on Tallinn-Turku route trips. Convenient and frequent route schedule allows to plan a shorter or longer vacation in both countries of destination.

For more information, please contact: 

Katri Link
Communications Director
Tallink Grupp
Tel. +372 53042121
E-mail: katri.link@tallink.ee 

Published 19.6.2020

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TALLINK SPA & CONFERENCE HOTEL TO REOPEN FOR GUESTS FROM 12 JUNE 2020

Tallink Grupp’s subsidiary Tallink Hotels has today announced that it will reopen the company’s hotel located in the Estonian capital, the Tallink Spa & Conference Hotel, for guests from tomorrow, Friday, 12 June 2020. The company suspended the operations of the hotel on 18 March due to travel restrictions put in place by governments as a result of Covid-19 pandemic and the states of emergency declared.

Since the travel restrictions between the Baltic states have already been lifted and from 15 June also with Finland, and therefore people who display no coronavirus symptoms can freely travel cross-border to neighbouring Latvia, Lithuania and Finland , the Management Board of Tallink Hotels decided to reopen the Spa & Conference hotel in Tallinn as of 12 June.

Ave Svarts, Management Board member of Tallink Hotels, commented:

- „The summer holidays are almost upon us and people are looking forward to getting out and about after being stuck at home, even for a short holiday. Today, visitors from a number of countries are, once again, allowed to travel to Estonia and we are warmly welcoming our dear guests to our hotels. Tallink Spa & Conference Hotel, located from a 5-minute walk from Tallinn’s historic Old Town, lends a superb opportunity to spend either a fun-packed city break with the whole family or a comfortable business trip.”

- ”In our hotels, in accordance to the current safety regulations, we are implementing frequent disinfecting of surfaces, reminding our customers to follow the recommended 2m social distancing rule and offer contactless services, where possible. So, for example, it is now possible to enjoy our ever-popular Sunday brunch in Restaurant Nero, located in our Spa & Conference Hotel, not only traditionally, on the restaurant’s premises, but also as a takeaway picnic basket to enjoy with family or friends outdoors. In addition, for our hotel guests, we offer a complimentary room service with breakfast or to be enjoyed as individual table service at the restaurant, “ Svarts said.

Bookings for Tallink Hotels can be made on the company’s website: www.tallinkhotels.com.

See also: Video about the current safety regulations implemented at the Tallink Spa & Conference Hotel.

Tallink Hotels currently operates four hotels: Tallink Spa & Conference Hotel, Tallink City Hotel and Tallink Express Hotel located in Tallinn and Tallink Hotel Riga in the Latvian capital. Until the reopening of Tallink Spa & Conference Hotel tomorrow, due to the travel restrictions imposed during the Covid-19 pandemic and the various states of emergency, only Tallink Express Hotel has been operating in Tallinn. Tallink Hotel Riga reopened its doors to visitors on 1 June.

The operations of Tallink City Hotel are currently still suspended due to the effects of recent state of emergency in Estonia and decisions regarding the reopening of the hotel this summer will be made once travel restrictions are also lifted in Estonia’s other neighbouring countries, the number of tourists visiting Estonia starts to increase and creates more demand. Tallink Grupp announced last week that the company will begin a full-scale renovation of its Tallink City Hotel this autumn, starting from 1 September. The renovation works will be complete by end of May 2021 and the current plans will see the hotel reopened in June next year.

For more information, please contact: 

Kai-Ines Nelson
Senior Communications Specialist
Tallink Grupp
Tel +372 55 689 644
E-mail: kai-ines.nelson@tallink.ee

Published 11.6.2020

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TALLINK LAUNCHES NEW REGULAR FERRY ROUTE FOR SUMMER 2020 BETWEEN HELSINKI AND RIGA

The beauty of the Baltic sea, Silja Serenade, takes you on a safe journey to Latvia!

Tallink Grupp will start operating a temporary regular ferry route between Helsinki and Riga from 26 June until 29 August, giving travellers in the region the unique opportunity for direct travel between Finland and Latvia by ship this summer.

Operating on the route will be one of the company’s and the Baltic sea’s most glamorous vessels, Silja Serenade, which usually operates on the Helsinki-Stockholm route. The route will have frequent departures with the vessel sailing from both capital cities every other day throughout the summer. The arrival and departure times allow travellers from both countries to enjoy a leisurely voyage onboard Silja Serenade overnight and spend the day or possibly longer exploring the local sights at the destination.

The timetable for the departures every other day from 26 June is the following:

16.00 Departure from Helsinki, Olympia terminal - 10.30 arrival in Riga the following morning
16.30 Departure from Riga - 11.15 arrival in Helsinki, Olympia terminal

In addition to ferry tickets on the route, Tallink Grupp will be offering customers travel packages to Riga, including accommodation at the group’s conveniently located Tallink Hotel Riga and tickets to local attractions and much more. For example, Tallink Hotel Riga offers accommodation packages for 2, 4 or ore nights for a longer and more relaxed discovery of the Latvian capital.

„The Riga-Helsinki route is not completely new for us as we have provided special cruises between the Nordic and Baltic capital in previous years, always with great interest from and success among our Finnish customers,“ Paavo Nõgene, CEO of Tallink Grupp said.

„As this summer and high season are very different from any previous years and we have had to completely rethink and redesign our services in a very short timescale, we have listened to what our customers have said to us about their travel and destination preferences this summer and I am pleased that we are able to offer people in the region some great new travel opportunities close to home.“

„With regular sailings from Helsinki and Riga every other day from 26 June, Silja Serenade and her crew are looking forward to welcoming passengers on board and we are ready to ensure that, despite the recent challenging times, this summer does not have to pass without everyone having the opportunity to make some amazing travel memories in the comfort of our own Baltic sea region. The Baltic states have been able to demonstrate that we have been able to stop the spread of the unexpected visitor Covid-19 spread in our countries and therefore we are able to provide a safe destination for travellers,“ Nõgene concluded.

Tickets for the new Helsinki-Riga route sailings onboard Silja Serenade are available from 4 June 2020 and can be purchased on the company’s websites www.tallinksilja.fi and www.tallink.lv. Travellers from Estonia are able to join the trips from Helsinki and are also very welcome onboard.

Onboard Silja Serenade great care is taken to ensure everyone’s safety with frequent cleaning and disinfecting, capacity restrictions in restaurants and bars at different times, different entertainment options to ensure adherence to regulations and much much more. Whilst ensuring everyone’s safety, significant attention is also paid to passenger comfort, entertainment, good food and relaxation.

For more information, please contact: 

Katri Link
Communications Director
Tallink Grupp
Tel. +372 53042121
E-mail: katri.link@tallink.ee 

Published 4.6.2020

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Tallink adds more departures and an additional vessel to Tallinn-Helsinki route

Since the decisions by the Estonian and Finnish governments this week to lift travel restrictions between the two countries and an anticipated increase in demand for travel options between Tallinn and Helsinki after 1 June, Tallink Grupp has decided to add extra departures and an additional vessel to the route from early June. The decision has been made to meet the increased demand on the route and to ensure social distancing requirements are met on the vessels.

From June, 4 of the company’s vessels will operate on the Tallinn-Helsinki route for the summer 2020 as follows:

Megastar

• In its current schedule until 5 June (inclusive)
• From Saturday, 6 June full summer schedule with 6 departures per day

• Monday, 1 June: 13.30 Helsinki-Tallinn and 16.30 Tallinn-Helsinki
• Tuesday, 2 June: no departures
• Wednesday, 3 June: no departures
• Thursday, 4 June: 19.30 Helsinki-Tallinn
• Friday, 5 June: 10.30 Tallinn-Helsinki, 13.30 Helsinki-Tallinn, 16.30 Tallinn-Helsinki, 19.30 Helsinki-Tallinn, 22.30 Tallinn-Helsinki
• Saturday, 6 June: 7.30 Helsinki-Tallinn, 10.30 Tallinn-Helsinki, 13.30 Helsinki-Tallinn, 16.30 Tallinn-Helsinki, 19.30 Helsinki-Tallinn
• Sunday, 7 June: 16.30 Tallinn-Helsinki, 19.30 Helsinki-Tallinn, 22.30 Tallinn-Helsinki
• Monday, 8 June: 13.30 Helsinki-Tallinn and 16.30 Tallinn-Helsinki
• Tuesday, 9 June: no departures
• Wednesday, 10 June: no departures
• Thursday, 11 June: 19.30 Helsinki-Tallinn
• Friday, 12 June: 10.30 Tallinn-Helsinki, 13.30 Helsinki-Tallinn, 16.30 Tallinn-Helsinki, 19.30 Helsinki-Tallinn, 22.30 Tallinn-Helsinki
• Saturday, 13 June: 7.30 Helsinki-Tallinn, 10.30 Tallinn-Helsinki, 13.30 Helsinki-Tallinn, 16.30 Tallinn-Helsinki, 19.30 Helsinki-Tallinn
• Sunday, 14 June: 16.30 Tallinn-Helsinki, 19.30 Helsinki-Tallinn, 22.30 Tallinn-Helsinki
• From Monday, 15 June full summer schedule with 6 departures per day.

Victoria I

• Sunday 7 June 17.00-20.00 Tallinn-Helsinki (passengers with vehicles only)
• From 8 June - 31 August regular departures on the Tallinn-Helsinki route as follows:
  9.30-12.00 Helsinki-Tallinn
  17.00-20.00 Tallinn-Helsinki 
• EXCEPT! 19 June -21 June (included) – no departures. 

Silja Europa

• 12 June – the vessel will start operating according toi ts normal schedule
• EXCEPT! 19 June -21 June (included) – no departures. 

Ticket sales for all new and additional departures will open from Monday, 1 June 2020 in the course of the day. More information regarding the new schedules and departures will be available on the company’s websites.

For more information for the media, please contact: 

Katri Link
Communications Director
Tallink Grupp
Tel. +372 53042121
E-mail: katri.link@tallink.ee 

Published 30.5.2020

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BALTIC PRINCESS AND GALAXY TO START OPERATING VIA MARIEHAMN FROM MAY 28TH, 2020

Tallink Grupp will reroute its Turku-Stockholm route vessels Baltic Princess and Galaxy to operate via Mariehamn harbour in Åland instead of Långnäs again from this Thursday, 28 May 2020.

The vessels were rerouted to Långnäs instead of Mariehamn on 23 March 2020 as a result of travel restrictions and port operation restrictions during the Covid-19 crisis. The vessels continued to operate via Långnäs to provide the Åland islands with vital supplies, mainly carrying goods and cargo to the islands during the last two months.

As the virus situation improves in the region and some of the restrictions in place over the last few months are gradually lifted, the decision has been made by the authorities to allow ferry traffic to the islands to pass through its main harbour in Mariehamn once again from this week.

At present, only two of Tallink Grupp’s vessels operate between Finland and Sweden and have done so since the beginning of the crisis to ensure vital movement and supply of goods between the two countries. Baltic Princess and Galaxy will continue to operate on the Turku-Stockholm route, via Mariehamn, according to their normal schedule.

The vessels predominantly provide cargo transportation, but also carry passengers who have checked and have the right to enter the country at their destination port. Passenger numbers are capped on these vessels similarly to other Tallink Grupp vessels currently operating on the Baltic sea. Tourism and leisure travel between the Nordic countries as well as between the Nordics and Baltics is still prohibited.

For more information, please contact: 

Katri Link
Communications Director
Tallink Grupp
Tel. +372 53042121
E-mail: katri.link@tallink.ee 

Published 27.5.2020

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TALLINK GRUPP ADDS MORE DEPARTURES TO TALLINN-HELSINKI ROUTE FROM 24 MAY 2020

Tallink Grupp has today announced that it will add more departures to the Tallinn-Helsinki route for its shuttle vessel Star due to significant demand on the route and in order to guarantee maximum safety on board.

From this Sunday, 24 May, Star will have additional departures on Sundays and Mondays and the vessel’s full schedule from 24 May onwards will be the following:

• Mondays: 13.30 Helsinki-Tallinn and 16.30 Tallinn-Helsinki
• Tuesdays: no departures
• Wednesdays: no departures
• Thursdays: 19.30 Helsinki-Tallinn
• Fridays: 10.30 Tallinn-Helsinki, 13.30 Helsinki-Tallinn, 16.30 Tallinn-Helsinki, 19.30 Helsinki-Tallinn
• Thursday, 28 May 19.30 Helsinki-Tallinn
• Saturdays: no departures
• Sundays: 16.30 Tallinn-Helsinki, 19.30 Helsinki-Tallinn, 22.30 Tallinn-Helsinki

Tallink Grupp’s vessel Megastar will continue to operate as normal.

Passengers are reminded that currently only commuter traffic and travelling for unavoidable reasons only is permitted on the tallinn-Helsinki route. Leisure travel is currently still banned between Estonia and Finland. Before purchasing a ticket, passengers must check that they are permitted to enter the country at the destination port. Passengers must also ensure they are healthy and have no coronavirus symptoms before travelling.

For more information, please contact: 

Katri Link
Communications Director
Tallink Grupp
Tel. +372 53042121
E-mail: katri.link@tallink.ee 

Published 19.5.2020

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TALLINK ADDS EXTRA DEPARTURES FOR TALLINN-HELSINKI ROUTE VESSEL STAR FROM 14 MAY 2020

Tallink Grupp has today made the decision to add extra departures on the Tallinn-Helsinki route for shuttle vessel Star. The group initially announced that Star will return to the route only for limited weekend departures from 15 May 2020, but due to increased demand and the company’s commitment to ensure maximum safety and adherence to distance requirements onboard, the company has today decided to add further departures to the route already from this Thusrday, 14 May 2020.

During the month of May Star will operate according to the below schedule only:

• Thursday, 14 May 19.30 Helsinki-Tallinn
• Friday, 15 May 10.30 Tallinn-Helsinki, 13.30 Helsinki-Tallinn, 16.30 Tallinn-Helsinki, 19.30 Helsinki-Tallinn
• Sunday, 17 May 16.30 Tallinn-Helsinki
• Wednesday, 20 May (ahead of Helatorstai / Ascention Day) 13.30 Helsinki-Tallinn, 16.30 Tallinn-Helsinki, 19.30 Helsinki-Tallinn
• Sunday, 24 May 16.30 Tallinn-Helsinki
• Thursday, 28 May 19.30 Helsinki-Tallinn
• Friday, 29 May 10.30 Tallinn-Helsinki, 13.30 Helsinki-Tallinn, 16.30 Tallinn-Helsinki, 19.30 Helsinki-Tallinn
• Sunday, 31 May 16.30 Tallinn-Helsinki

The departures for Star will follow the same pattern also in June, until 14 June (inclusive).

Megastar will continue to operate on the Tallinn-Helsinki route according to normal schedule.

Commenting on the decision to add extra departures to the route, Tallink Grupp’s CEO Paavo Nõgene, said:

“Since the announcement by the Finnish government last week that commuter travel as well as travelling for unavoidable reasons will once again be permitted between Estonia and Finland, the demand for tickets has increased significantly. Thus, to ensure that we are able to keep the necessary distance between all the passengers onboard to prevent the possible spread of the virus, we consider it necessary to add more departures to this vital route between our two countries.

“We are taking significant steps and putting in place a host of measures to enhance everyone’s safety onboard, but are also encouraging our passengers to ensure they follow the rules in place and adhere to the guidance from our staff both in terminals as well as onboard, as we all need to act responsibly to guarantee maximum safety.

“We advise passengers to ensure they allow more time ahead of their trip for embarking as there will be measures in place also in terminals, as well as for disembarking as passengers will be allowed to disembark the vessels also in groups, which allows us to adhere to the distance requirements in place. We are grateful to all our passengers for their cooperation and understanding during this time.”

For more information, please contact: 

Katri Link
Communications Director
Tallink Grupp
Tel. +372 53042121
E-mail: katri.link@tallink.ee 

Published 11.5.2020

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TALLINK GRUPP STARTS SELLING TICKETS TO PASSENGERS TRAVELLING TO FINLAND AGAIN FROM TODAY, FIRST PASSENGERS TO FINLAND ALLOWED ON BOARD ON 14 MAY 2020

As a result of the decision made by the Finnish government yesterday (4 May 2020) to allow passenger transport to Finland on ferries again from 14 May 2020 for workers and people with unavoidable reasons for travel, Tallink Grupp will reopen ticket sales on Tuesday, 5 May 2020, for passengers wishing to travel to Finland. Ticket sales for passengers from Finland have remained open throughout the state of emergency period. In this changed environment Tallink Grupp will also return its other shuttle vessel Star to the Tallinn-Helsinki route for peak weekend departures from Friday, 15 May 2020.

During the month of May Star will operate according to the below schedule only:

• 15 May 13.30 Helsinki-Tallinn, 16.30 Tallinn-Helsinki, 19.30 Helsinki-Tallinn;
• 17 May 16.30 Tallinn-Helsinki;
• 20 May (Helatorstai) 13.30 Helsinki-Tallinn, 16.30 Tallinn-Helsinki, 19.30 Helsinki-Tallinn;
• 24 May 16.30 Tallinn-Helsinki;
• 29 May 13.30 Helsinki-Tallinn, 16.30 Tallinn-Helsinki, 19.30 Helsinki-Tallinn;
• 31 May 16.30 Tallinn-Helsinki.

Megastar will continue to operate on the Tallinn-Helsinki route according to its normal schedule.

Passenger transport on ferries to Finland was suspended on 11 April 2020 at the request of the Finnish government in order to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. As the pandemic situation has improved, the Finnish government adopted a decision at yesterday’s cabinet meeting to restore passenger traffic with ferries to Finland for the Schengen area citizens, who need to travel to Finland for work reasons or for other unavoidable reasons. Border control on the Finnish borders will remain in place also after 14 May until further notice from the Finnish government and the Finnish authorities will work out and publicise information regarding the detailed rules and guidance for border crossing from 14 May onwards in the next few days. Travel four tourism purposes to Finland is currently still not permitted and decisions regarding allowing travel to Finland for tourism will be made by the Finnish government in due course as the pandemic situation improves further. People travelling to Finland must still follow the strict hygiene and health rules and restrictions.

„We welcome the Finnish government’s decision, which will allow many Estonians working in Finland to return to work or to their families from next week. It is clear that as the virus situation improves, we must start moving towards restarting our economies and our work lives, and in today’s world, where our economies are so intertwined with those of our neighbouring countries, it is important to gradually remove restrictions on free movement to restart our economies,“ Paavo Nõgene, CEO of Tallink Grupp commented.

According to Nõgene the group’s vessels are ready and prepared for the gradual and safe return of services and the company has been working closely with the authorities over the last few weeks already to achieve this.

„Many of the safety measures were already in place on our vessels still in operation before the crisis escalated and in the near future we will continue to enhance and introduce even more measures according to our agreements with the authorities and our partners. It is clear that the numbers of passengers will not be the same as they were before the crisis and not all our vessels will return to all the routes straight away. The Finnish government’s decision is a small step forward and here at Tallink we will of course synchronise our steps with those of our governments,“ Nõgene added.

From 5.5.2020, passengers who need to travel to Finland for work or for other unavoidable reasons, can purchase tickets to Finland for Tallink Grupp’s vessels Megastar, Star, Baltic Princess and Galaxy for departures starting from 14 May 2020. Tickets for departures travelling out of Finland can be purchased for all the current departures as previously.

All the above is valid unless new decisions are made by our governments or authorities, which may require further changes and updates to services. Some of the measures implemented on board Tallink Grupp’s vessels and at the Port of Tallinn to ensure safety of employees and passengers:

• On board vessels and in terminals disinfectant stations are in place in order to follow strict hygiene rules.  
• More thorough and frequent cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces on board vessels and in terminals is taking place. 
• All passenger vessels will only take a maximum of half of the total vessel capacity on board for any departure to ensure enough space is provided on board to keep passengers 2 metres apart from each other.  
• In order to disperse passengers on board and in terminals and galleries, distance markers will be created on the floors and signage put on the walls;  
• In ship shops and catering areas, maximum capacity levels have been established and will be followed.  
• In catering areas (including kitchens, restaurants, cafes, etc) personnel will wear face masks during the initial period of restoration of services.  

For more information, please contact: 

Katri Link
Communications Director
Tallink Grupp
Tel. +372 53042121
E-mail: katri.link@tallink.ee 

Published 5.5.2020

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TALLINK'S VESSELS JOIN GLOBAL ACTION AIMED AT RECOGNISING THE CONTRIBUTION OF MARITIME WORKERS DURING THE GLOBAL CRISIS

On Friday, 1 May, international Labor Day, the International Chamber of Shipping is calling upon all ships around the globe that are in port at 12PM local time to sound the ship’s horns in recognition of the significant contribution made by all maritime workers during this global crisis.

Over 1.2 million seafarers are currently working hard to ensure that food, fuel and supplies continue to move between the different countries despite the global lock-down and many restrictions in place worldwide.

During the last month and a half, almost half of Tallink Grupp’s fleet has also played a crucial role in securing the continuing movement of vital supplies and goods between Estonia and Finland, Finland and Sweden, Estonia and Sweden and Estonia and Germany. The Group’s vessels have transported X tons of cargo in the last month alone, including food supplies, medicine, electronics, construction materials and so much more.

On Friday, 1 May, the following vessels will participate in the global action and sound their horns in the following ports:

• Silja Europa, Baltic Queen and Victoria I at the Port of Tallinn at 12PM local Estonian time
• Romantika and Isabelle at the Port of Riga at 12PM local Latvian time
• Silja Serenade and Star at the Port of Helsinki at 12PM local Finnish time
• Silja Symphony at the Port of Stockholm at 12PM local Swedish time

Commenting on the action, Tallink Grupp’s Head of Ship Management, Captain Tarvi-Carlos Tuulik, said:

„The current crisis has presented us with many challenges over the last few months, but as always, I have seen our crew members rise to every challenge we have faced and they have all continued to do their jobs flexibly, efficiently and professionally every step of the way. Many of them have had to be separated from their families for weeks at a time during this difficult time to ensure that we play our part in keeping our economies going. „Some others, who are not able to work in their usual jobs onboard our vessels, have decided to support local communities during the lay-offs and are volunteering in our different countries. I personally feel very proud of the work – both paid and voluntary work - every single one of our crew members has done and this is why we are happy to take part in this activity to pay tribute also to this sector’s employees and their work during this crisis.“

For more information, please contact: 

Katri Link
Communications Director
Tallink Grupp
Tel. +372 53042121
E-mail: katri.link@tallink.ee 

Published 30.4.2020

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TALLINK GRUPP’S VESSEL ROMANTIKA TO CARRY OUT SPECIAL TRIP ON THE RIGA-STOCKHOLM ROUTE ON 29 – 30 APRIL 2020 TO TRANSPORT CARGO AND WORKERS BETWEEN THE TWO CAPITALS

Tallink Grupp has agreed to operate one special return trip with its vessel Romantika on the Riga-Stockholm route on 29-30 April 2020, at the request of the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia and with the permission from the Latvian Ministry of Transport. The aim of the special trip, which will depart from Riga on the evening of 29 April and from Stockholm on the evening of 30 April, will be to provide a vital transport link for companies whose employees need to travel to Sweden for work, but who are currently unable to travel to Sweden by any other means of transport due to the ongoing travel restrictions. The special trip is also needed for transporting goods between the two Baltic sea countries.

Romantika will depart from Riga on the evening of Wednesday, 29 April at 16.00 local time, arriving in Stockholm the following moring at 11.00 local time. The vessel will then depart from Stockholm on the evening of Thursday, 30 April at 16.00 local time and arrive in Riga the following day at 12.00 local time. All passengers returning to Riga will be required to self-isolate for a period of 14 days after arrival in Latvia according to the current rules of the Latvian authorities. This restriction does not apply to cargo drivers.

Both Latvian and Swedish cargo transporters are permitted to transport goods on these departures. The only restriction that applies is that cargo drivers must be healthy and not have any coronavirus symptoms.

Only passengers whose employers have filled in the required form and requested permission to travel to Sweden for work from the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia, will be permitted to travel on the 29 April departure from Riga. EU citizens who have the right to enter Latvia or travel through Latvia during the current state of emergency will be permitted to travel on the 30 April departure from Stockholm. Passengers must check that they currently have the right to enter the country of the destination port before purchasing a ticket for these departures. Leisure travel is not permitted on these special departures.

Employers whose employees need to travel on Romantika on the 29 and 30 April departures must fill in the permission form on the Investment and Development Agency’s website: http://www.liaa.gov.lv/en/questionnaire-enterprises-planning-business-trips-during-emergency-situation

Cargo transporters are not required to fill in the form or obtain permissions for cargo transportation on these departures.

For cargo bookings, cargo customers should contact the company’s cargo customer services:

E-mail: cargo@tallink.lv
Telephone: +371 6709 9707

For passenger tickets for business travellers, once the required form is filled in on the Investment and Development Agency’s website, passengers can book tickets on the company’s website at www.tallink.lv

All passengers must ensure that they are healthy and do not have any coronavirus symptoms prior to departure. Passengers who are ill or who are displaying symptoms will not be allowed to board the vessel. Onboard the vessel strict measures are in place to prevent the spread of the virus.

The departures are subject to a minimum capacity level of ticket and cargo sales being reached. Should the minimum capacity level not be reached, the company reserves the right to cancel the trips with full refund to the customers.

The company currently has no information regarding the restoration of the Riga-Stockholm passenger ferry route, but will communicate any plans to start providing a regular service on this route again as soon as respective decisions are made.

For more information, please contact: 

Katri Link
Communications Director
Tallink Grupp
Tel. +372 53042121
E-mail: katri.link@tallink.ee 

Published 27.4.2020

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TALLINK GRUPP’S HELSINKI-STOCKHOLM ROUTE VESSEL SILJA SERENADE TO GO TO DOCK IN NAANTALI SHIPYARD FOR ESSENTIAL MAINTENANCE

Tallink Grupp’s vessel Silja Serenade, which is currently suspended from traffic in Helsinki due to the ongoing coronavirus epidemic and travel restrictions, will next week be sent to Naantali, Turku Repair Yard for essential maintenance works. The technical works required for the ship’s class renewal were originally scheduled to take place this autumn (8-20.11.2020), but have been brought forward since the vessel is currently not in operation and is waiting for passenger traffic between Finland and Sweden to resume after the state of emergency in Finland ends.

The vessel will be at the Naantali shipyard between 20-30 April 2020 and during the docking regular maintenance of the ship’s hull, replacement of some of the ships pipework and some electrical works, and, will be carried out. Upgrades to passenger areas were not part of the original autumn docking plans and no such upgrades will be carried out during this docking.

„Since some of our vessels are currently suspended in ports during this crisis period, it made every sense to bring the planned docking forward from later this year and make the best use of this idle time. We are grateful to our partners at BLRT, operating the Turku Repair Yard, for flexibility and for fitting us in at short notice, so we can get the necessary works done before the travel restrictions are hopefully lifted and our ships can return to their usual routes,“ Tallink Grupp’s Head of Ship Management, Captain Tarvi-Carlos Tuulik, said.

All vessels must go through regular hull inspections and technical maintenance at least twice in five years and the maximum time between the two dockings cannot exceed 36 months. Silja Serenade’s docking was originally scheduled to take place in November this year and the vessel was due to be off the Helsinki-Stockholm route for 10 days. The docking of the vessel early and while it is suspended in port anyway means there will be less disruption to passengers on this route in the autumn.

For more information, please contact: 

Katri Link
Communications Director
Tallink Grupp
Tel. +372 53042121
E-mail: katri.link@tallink.ee 

Published 15.4.2020

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FINLAND BANS INBOUND FERRY PASSENGER TRAFFIC FROM 11 APRIL 2020– TALLINK GRUPP’S VESSELS MEGASTAR, GALAXY AND BALTIC PRINCESS SUSPEND PASSENGER TRANSPORT TO FINLAND

The Finnish authorities have announced this morning that from Saturday, 11 April 2020, Finland is no longer allowing entry into Finland for ferry passengers to help prevent the spread of the corona virus in the country. The border restrictions in Finland are in place until 13 May 2020 or until further notice from the authorities. Cargo transportation and transport of cargo drivers, crew, essential vessel maintenance staff and shipyard employees will continue on all routes as previously.

As a result, Tallink Grupp’s vessels Megastar, Baltic Princess and Galaxy will no longer allow foot passengers and passengers with cars to travel to Finland from Saturday, 11 April. Passengers are still allowed to travel these vessels from Finland to Estonia and Sweden as previously and cargo transportation will continue on all these vessels according to schedule.

Megastar will still allow passengers to travel to Finland on 7- 10 April 2020 on all departures. Passengers will not be allowed to travel to Finland on Megastar from Saturday, 11 April. Passengers may still continue to travel from Finland to Estonia and cargo transportation will continue both ways as normal.

Galaxy will allow last passengers to travel to Finland on 7-10 April departures. From Saturday, 11 April, foot passengers to Finland will only be allowed to travel from Aland islands. Passengers may still continue to travel on Galaxy from Finland to Sweden and cargo transportation will continue as normal both ways.

Baltic Princess will allow last passengers to travel to Finland on 7-10 April departures. From Saturday, 11 April, foot passengers to Finland will only be allowed to travel from Aland islands. Passengers may still continue to travel on Baltic Princess from Finland to Sweden and cargo transportation will continue as normal both ways.  

The restriction regarding passenger transport to Finland will be in place by all shipping companies operating routes between Finland and neighbouring countries from Saturday, 11 April until 13 May 2020 or until further notice from the authorities.

More information from the Finnish Government:  https://valtioneuvosto.fi/artikkeli/-/asset_publisher/10616/hallitus-linjasi-rajaliikenteen-tiukennuksista-ruotsin-ja-norjan-vastaisella-rajalla-ahvenanmaan-sairaanhoito-turvataan?_101_INSTANCE_LZ3RQQ4vvWXR_languageId=en_US

For more information regarding Tallink Grupp ferry traffic during the corona virus situation, please contact:

Katri Link
Communications Director
Tallink Grupp
Tel. +372 5304 2121
E-mail: katri.link@tallink.ee

Published 7.4.2020

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TALLINK GRUPP RETURNS VESSELS BALTIC PRINCESS AND GALAXY BACK TO TURKU-STOCKHOLM ROUTE VIA LÅNGNÄS

Tallink Grupp announces that it is rerouting its vessels Baltic Princess and Galaxy back to the Turku-Stockholm route, via Långnäs in Aland. The rerouting is vital to ensure maritime transport of supplies and goods between Finland and Sweden continues as normal during the current coronavirus situation.

It is also important to note that the vessels will be routed via Långnäs, Aland so as to ensure continuing movement of goods also to the islands.

Baltic Princess will return to its normal operating schedule from tonight, 23 March with the evening departure from Turku. Galaxy will return to its normal operating schedule from tomorrow morning, 24 March with the morning departure from Turku.

The vessels will also allow one-way passengers on board, providing the passengers have checked and have the right to enter the country at the port of destination.

Cargo transportation on Baltic Princess and Galaxy can be booked via Tallink Silja cargo customer services:

Email: cargo.booking@tallinksilja.com

Cargo bookings for Baltic Princess and Galaxy can be made via the Tallink Silja Cargo call centre: 

E-mail: cargo.booking@tallinksilja.com
 
Telephone
Finland: Tel +358 203 74266
Sweden: Tel +46 8 666 3555

Call centre opening hous:
Mon-Sun  07.15 - 21.00

Published 23.3.2020

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TALLINK SHUTTLE STAR TO START OPERATING BETWEEN ESTONIA AND GERMANY FROM 19 MARCH 2020

Due to the closure of borders across Europe and a number of travel restrictions in place between countries, Tallink Grupp will start operating its vessel Star temporarily between Estonia and Germany from Thursday, 19 March 2020 to ensure transportation of goods between Estonia and western Europe. According to current plans the vessel will start to operate between Paldiski and Sassnitz. The transportation service has been requested by the Estonian Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communication.

Star will depart for its first trip to Germany from Tallinn Old City Harbour at 18.00 on Thursday, 19 March 2020. After the first trip, Star will arrive at Paldiski Harbour and all future departures and arrivals will be at the Paldiski Harbour.

The exact timetable for the planned Paldiski-Sassnitz route will be determined imminently, but according to initial plans Star will depart from Paldiski to Sassnitz every other day at 20.00 local time and from Sassnitz every other day at 19.00 local time. The journey time between Paldiski and Sassnitz is approximately 20 hours.

The vessel’s cargo capacity is 100 lorries and 10 passenger vehicles. Passengers without vehicles will not be allowed on board. Food and medical supplies transport will be prioritised during the booking process. Accommodation for all people on board will be provided in cabins.

Cargo transportation can be booked via Tallink Cargo customer services:

E-mail: booking.cargo@tallink.ee 
Tel. +372 612 8686
Fax +372 631 8222

Call centre open:
M-F 08.00–20.00
Weekend: 09.00–18.00

Published 18.3.2020

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TALLINK GRUPP SUSPENDS OPERATION OF HELSINKI-STOCKHOLM ROUTE VESSELS SILJA SERENADE AND SILJA SYMPHONY FROM 19 MARCH 2020

Tallink Grupp announces that due to the ongoing coronavirus situation and the Finnish Government today (17 March) announcing that it will close the borders of the Republic of Finland from 19 March 2020, the company will temporarily suspend the operation of its Helsinki-Stockholm route vessels Silja Serenade and Silja Symphony.

Both vessels will temporarily make their final departures tomorrow evening, 18 March 2020 and will thereafter remain suspended in the ports of their respective flag states until the end of the emergency state in Finland and the termination of travel restrictions.

From Stockholm, only passengers who have the right to enter the Republic of Finland or the right to use the Republic of Finland as a transit corridor (e.g. citizens of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Russia), are allowed to board Silja Serenade travelling to Helsinki.

Cargo transporters are allowed to board both vessels without restrictions as the governments have agreed to allow cargo transport passengers on board vessels without restrictions to ensure the continuing movement of goods between European countries.

Tallink Silja will contact all customers affected by this change at the first opportunity. We recommend passengers continue to monitor the company’s websites for the latest travel updates and information on continuing services.

Published 17.3.2020

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TALLINK GRUPP MAKES CHANGES TO TALLINN-HELSINKI ROUTE DEPARTURES FROM 18 MARCH 2020

Tallink Grupp is making changes to the Tallinn-Helsinki route vessels schedule from Wednesday, 18 March.

The group’s vessel Star will depart from Helsinki to Tallinn according to schedule at 7.30am. All the following Star departures are cancelled until further notice from the company.

The group’s vessel Megastar will continue to operate on the Tallinn-Helsinki route according its usual schedule at present.

The group’s vessel Sea Wind will also continue to operate according to its normal schedule at present.

Tallink will contact all customers affected by this change as soon as possible.

We would like to remind all passengers that from 17 March 2020 entry restrictions are in force on the Estonian borders. More information regarding the restrictions and rules of entry can be found on the Estonian Foreign Office website: https://vm.ee/et

We urge all passengers to check that they have the right to enter the Republic of Estonia and Latvia before purchasing a ticket.

Tallink continues and will continue to contact all customers with bookings  to discuss options.

Published 17.3.2020

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TALLINK GRUPP SUSPENDS OPERATION OF TALLINK CITY, TALLINK SPA & CONFERENCE AND TALLINK RIGA HOTELS FROM 18 MARCH 2020

Due to the ongoing coronavirus emergency situation and several travel restrictions in force across Europe, Tallink Grupp will temporarily suspend the operation of three of its hotels in Tallinn and Riga from Wednesday, 18 March 2020. Operations will be suspended at Tallink City and Tallink Spa & Conference hotels in Tallinn and at Tallink Hotel Riga in Latvia.

Tallink Express Hotel in Tallinn city centre will remain open and all guests who have existing reservations at Tallink City and Tallink Spa & Conference hotels in Tallinn, will be accommodated at Tallink Express Hotel. Tallink Express Hotel will also be able to accommodate guests, whose reservations at other Tallinn hotels have been cancelled due to closure.

Operations at Tallink City, Tallink Spa & Conference and Tallink Riga hotels will be suspended until further notice from Tallink Grupp. 

Tallink continues and will continue to contact all customers with bookings to discuss options.

Published 16.3.2020

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Tallink Grupp temporarily suspends operations of Tallinn-Helsinki route vessel Silja Europa from Tuesday, 17 March 2020

Tallink Grupp will suspend operations of its Tallinn-Helsinki route vessel Silja Europa from Tuesday, 17 March 2020 due to the ongoing coronavirus situation and new measures adopted by the Estonian government regarding border control, entering into force from 17 March 2020.

Silja Europa will make its final trips on Monday, 16 March according the vessel’s normal schedule, but only passengers with a one way ticket will be allowed to travel on the 18.30 departure from Helsinki to Tallinn. From 17 March 2020 Silja Europa will remain in Port of Tallinn until further notice from the company.

From 17 March 2020 maritime transportation between Estonia and Finland will continue to operate to ensure Estonians are able to travel back to Estonia via Finland from neighbouring countries and so that residents of neighbouring countries could use Estonia as a transit country to get home. Cargo transportation between Estonia and Finland and between Estonia and Sweden will also continue. The Muuga-Vuosaari route vessel Sea Wind will temporarily not provide transport for passengers, but will continue with cargo transportation. Cargo transportation from Latvia to Sweden and Finland will continue via Estonia, providing the land border between Estonia and Latvia remains open.

More information regarding the capacity of the continuing traffic and schedules between Estonia and Finland will be announced as soon as decisions are made. The company urges all customers to monitor the company’s websites and social media channels as well as national news channels for the latest updates. 

Tallink continues and will continue to contact all customers with bookings to discuss options.

Published 16.3.2020

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TALLINK GRUPP SUSPENDS PASSENGER VESSEL OPERATIONS ON RIGA-STOCKHOLM ROUTE FROM 16 MARCH 2020

Tallink Grupp has announced that due to the ongoing challenging Coronavirus situation and in order to ensure the health and safety of people around the Baltic Sea, the company will suspend operating the Riga-Stockholm route passenger vessels Romantika and Isabelle from Monday, 16 March 2020 until further notice.

The company’s vessel Romantika will arrive in Riga on Sunday, 15 March 2020 according to Schedule. All Romantika departures from 15 March are cancelled until further notice. Romantika will remain in port in Riga until the company decides to restore passenger ferry operations between Riga and Stockholm.

On Sunday, 15 March the company’s vessel Isabelle will depart from Stockholm according to schedule, however passengers with one way tickets and those passengers who started a cruise on Isabelle from Riga on Saturday, 14 March, will be able to travel back to Riga on the vessel. All Isabelle departures from 16 March are cancelled until further notice. Isabelle will also remain in port in Riga until the company decides to restore passenger ferry operations between Riga and Stockholm.

Cargo transport will be available on the company’s Paldiski-Kappelskär route vessel Regal Star, providing the land border between Estonia and Latvia allows this.

The traffic will resume after risk areas change.

Tallink Silja will contact customers affected by the changes.

Published 15.3.2020

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TALLINK GRUPP SUSPENDS OPERATIONS OF PASSENGER VESSELS ON THE TALLINN-STOCKHOLM ROUTE FROM SUNDAY, 15 MARCH

Tallink Grupp has announced that due to the state of emergency declared in Estonia and in order to ensure the health and safety of people around the Baltic Sea, the company will suspend operating the Tallinn-Stockholm route passenger vessels Baltic Queen and Victoria I from Sunday, 15 March 2020 until further notice.

On Saturday, 14 March Baltic Queen will depart from Stockholm according to schedule. All departures from 15 March 2020 onwards are cancelled until further notice. On Saturday, 14 March only passengers with one way tickets and those passengers who started a cruise on Baltic Queen from Tallinn on Friday, 13 March, will be able to travel back to Tallinn on the vessel. From Sunday, 15 March, Baltic Queen will remain in port in Tallinn until the company decides to restore passenger ferry operations between Tallinn and Stockholm.

On Saturday, 14 March Victoria I will depart from Tallinn according to schedule. On Saturday, 14 March only passengers with one way tickets and those passengers who started a cruise on Victoria I from Stockholm on Friday, 13 March, will be able to travel back to Stockholm on the vessel.

From Stockholm, only passengers with a one way ticket will be allowed to travel on the vessel to Tallinn. Upon arrival to Tallinn also Victoria I will remain in port in Tallinn until the company decides to restore passenger ferry operations between Tallinn and Stockholm.

The company’s vessel Regal Star, operating on the Paldiski-Kapellskär route, will continue to operate between Estonia and Sweden to guarantee transport of goods. The vessel will operate according to a non-fixed schedule. 

The traffic will resume after risk areas change.

Tallink Silja will contact customers affected by the changes.

Published 14.3.2020

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Tallink Grupp names new Tallinn-Helsinki route shuttle vessel MySTAR

Tallink Grupp has today announced that the name of the new Tallinn-Helsinki route shuttle vessel, which will be built at Rauma shipyard in Finland and is due to be completed by the end of 2021, will be MySTAR. The name for the vessel was proposed as an entry in the vessel naming competition by a Finnish national.

The shipping company ran a naming competition for the new vessel this summer and the final decision regarding the name was made by the company’s Management Board in September.

More than 2,800 entries were received for the naming competition from 30 countries from across the world. The biggest number of entries was received from Tallink Grupp’s home markets of Estonia, Finland, Latvia and Sweden with Finnish shipping enthusiasts submitting the most entries.

Although the proposed names varied greatly, a large number of the entries contained the words „star“ and „Baltic“ in them and, compared to the naming competition held a few years ago for naming the Megastar, this time there was a significant increase in the number of names containing some reference to eco-friendliness, i.e. variations of „eco“ and „green“.

Tallink Grupp’s CEO Paavo Nõgene was delighted with the level of interest in the naming of the company’s new vessel. „We never doubted the interest people in this region have in shipping and knew that many people around the Baltic sea would take up the opportunity to write their name in the region’s shipping history by proposing the winning name to our vessel. But we never knew there were so many shipping fans also wider afield, who all submitted some great names as well,“ he commented.

„Choosing the winning name was not easy for us as there were many great proposals, but ultimately we wanted to carry on with the tradition that our shuttle vessels are „stars“ of the Baltic Sea, so that narrowed the selection somewhat. And why we opted for MySTAR – well, because the new vessel is shaped by everyone who travels with it, so everyone can feel that this vessel is part of them,“ Nõgene added.

The name MySTAR was submitted to the naming competition by Marietta Kähärä from Finland, who will now receive a gift box of Tallink 30 goods and will be invited to join the ship on its maiden voyage as a prize.

In addition to the more common names for a vessel, the competition also received more unconventional entries for the new vessel’s name, such as M/S Ott Tänak, M/S Marie Under, Speedy Gonzales, Great Finland, Queen Suomi, Suomenlinna, Mega Tallsinki Express, Kalevipoeg, King Kong, Eri Klas, Tunnel, Vana Toomas, Sibelius, Megafast and many others.

And no vessel naming competition would be complete without the proposal Boaty McBoatface, which was also submitted for this competition together with Shuttle McShuttleface.

For further information, please contact:

Katri Link, Communications Manager
Tallink Group
katri.link@tallink.ee

Published 28.10.2019 

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TALLINK GRUPP BECOMES FIRST COMPANY IN THE WORLD TO OFFER GLOBAL BLUE FAST REFUND SERVICE ON SHIPS

Since June 2019, Tallink and its partner Global Blue offer international travellers onboard Tallink vessels operating between Tallinn and Helsinki an option to receive a tax refund onto their credit card or into their digital wallet within 2 days after purchase or instantly onto their Alipay account by using the Fast Refund service.

Tallink Grupp has recently launched the Global Blue Fast Refund service onboard its Tallinn-Helsinki route shuttle vessels for shoppers from non-EU countries, becoming the first company in Estonia to offer this service and the first shipping company in the world to offer this service onboard.

The Global Blue Fast Refund service enables to trigger a credit card or digital wallet refund to travellers even before they leave the store. Global Blue refunds the travellers onto credit cards within 2 days after purchase or instantly onto their Alipay account. This service is available for Chinese shoppers having an Alipay app with both an Alipay balance account (similar to a debit card) and a Huabei account (similar to a credit card). The shopper just needs to validate the Tax Free forms at customs and simply return them to Global Blue using the postage-paid envelope.

According to Head of Business Development and e-Commerce at Tallink Duty Free, Sven-Erik Veimer, bringing the Fast Refund service onboard was a logical step to take as the company’s Asian passenger numbers continue to grow year-on-year.

„We are always on the look-out for solutions and systems that would make our customers’ lives easier. For our non-EU passengers the focus has been on bringing the various payment solutions they are used to onboard, which we did last year when we rolled out AliPay and WeChat Pay across our fleet and now also making the tax refund process easier for them,“ Veimer said.

„Working together with our partners at Global Blue we have managed to bring the Fast Refund service onboard for the first time globally, so our passengers can be the first to enjoy the benefits of this service while shopping on the sea,“ Veimer added.

Kati Aru, Country Manager for Global Blue Estonia commented: “Digital wallet is the preferred Chinese payment option. By providing Tallink with the Fast Refund service onboard, we help them to meet Chinese shoppers’ needs and offer them a seamless journey.“

The service is currently available for non-EU passengers on Tallink Grupp’s vessels Star and Megastar.

For further information, please contact:

Katri Link, Communications Director
Tallink Group
katri.link@tallink.ee

Kati Aru, Country Manager
Global Blue Estonia
karu@globalblue.com

Published 24.7.2019 

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POPULAR TALLINK SPA & CONFERENCE HOTEL AND TALLINK EXPRESS HOTEL WELCOME GUESTS WITH SEVERAL MAJOR UPDATES FOLLOWING LARGE-SCALE RENOVATIONS

Major renovation and construction works have been successfully completed in the two popular Tallink hotels in the Estonian capital - the Tallink Spa & Conference Hotel and Tallink Express Hotel. The works which began last autumn, were undertaken to modernise both hotels and to expand the ever popular Spa & Conference Hotel to having 300 hotel rooms.

Peter Roose, Member of the Management Board of Tallink Hotels noted that the visitor numbers of the Tallink hotels are growing vigorously year-by-year. „Our customers are very loyal and visit us again and again. Doubtless, this is due to the excellent location of our hotels and also due to having one of the best hotel spas in the Estonian capital,“ Roose said. „We are very pleased indeed that having undertaken extensive renovation works in both these hotels, we are now able to offer our customers an even more comfortable and pleasant stay as well as memorable experiences. And in response to an increasing demand, we are also able to offer a greater number of superior rooms which are in such a high demand in Tallinn“, Roose added.

As a result of extensive renovation works and brand new development, Tallink Spa & Conference Hotel now has expanded to having 300 hotel rooms in total. Due to high customer demand, as a result of the renovation works, there were 25 brand new Superior category rooms added to the existing ones and 37 Premium category rooms completely renovated.

Both the hotel lobby along with the lobby bar now attract visitors with a new modern classy interior design immersed in natural light and decorated using light colours. So too, the hotel’s restaurant Nero is completely redecorated and changes have been made also to the service concept. The hotel’s Aqua Spa is completed with a new lobby area where one can comfortably relax and enjoy a smoothie or soft drinks in the plastic-free drink bar which offers a nice spot for relaxation before or after a visit to the spa or hotel’s beauty salon. The new interior design for the Spa & Conference Hotel has been designed by the renowned Finnish design agency dSign Vertti Kivi &Co, who also designed the interior of Tallink’s shuttle vessel Megastar.

The renovation works at the hotel will be continued this year with the aim to give a complete overhaul to the hotel’s conference centre. As a result of the renovation works at the Tallink Express Hotel, the hotel received a new-look facade and a more spacious and a redecorated reception area along with the lobby bar where the visitors have at their disposal a completely unique self-service tap bar in Estonia, offering light alcoholic beverages such as beer, cider and long drink. The design for the lobby has been done by the Estonian architectural bureau Emil Urbel.

Refurbished Tallink Spa & Conference Hotel

For further information, please contact:

Katri Link, Communications Manager
Tallink Group
katri.link@tallink.ee

Published 11.6.2019 

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Additional personal passenger data submission required for passengers travelling to and from Latvia from 20th May 2019

From 20th of May 2019 onwards all passengers travelling to and from Latvia will need to provide additional personal information to the bookings.

The information is needed from all passengers; from countries in European Union and outside European Union.

The mandatory data required in addition to last name, first name, date of birth, gender and nationality from 20th of May, is the following:

Additional information:

• ID document type (ID card or Passport)
• ID document issuing country
• ID document expiration date
• ID document serial number

Applies for routes:

• Riga-Stockholm and Stockholm-Riga (operated by Romantika & Isabelle)
• Helsinki-Riga (operated by Silja Europa, special cruises 30.6. & 12.8.2019)

The request is following the Latvian Regulation of the Cabinet of Ministers no. 339 adopted on 15 May 2012 “Regulations regarding port formalities”, where it is stated that, additional information of all inbound and outbound passengers travelling with a ship to and from Latvia shall be provided to the Latvian State Border Guard from 20 May 2019.

Passengers who have made their bookings prior to 20 May 2019, will need to provide this information during their check-in from 20 May onwards. Additional information can be filled in in terminals in self-service kiosks or at check-in counters.

For all new reservations the information can be given during the booking process.

Published 16.5.2019 

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BALTIC QUEEN HAS RETURNED TO THE TALLINN-STOCKHOLM ROUTE

Tallink Grupp’s cruise ship Baltic Queen returned from Gdansk Shipyard, Poland, at the beginning of the week meaning daily ferry service on the Tallinn-Stockholm route has resumed.

Built in 2009, Baltic Queen was transported to the shipyard in Poland for regular maintenance in early January. While the vessel was docked, many of its passenger areas were updated, technical maintenance was performed, and numerous innovative solutions were installed for increasing the ship’s energy efficiency and eco- friendliness.

For example, the café was completely refurbished to introduce the new Fast Lane concept, the Grande Buffet restaurant was renovated, and the ship’s show bar Starlight got a new visual solution and service concept. In addition, carpets were replaced in the vessel’s passenger areas while restaurants, bars, corridors, shops and cabins were updated.

From the technical point of view, a substantial amount of work was performed: main propulsion reduction gears were replaced, and more advanced power transmission equipment with even more functionalities was installed, which will enhance the vessel’s manoeuvring capability and increase performance.

“This time, the six-week docking allowed us to perform a number of planned maintenance works for even greater passenger comfort as well as increased environmental friendliness and economic efficiency of our operations,” captain Tarvi-Carlos Tuulik, Head of Tallink Grupp’s ship operations, said.

“From this week, we welcome all our passengers back onboard the renovated Baltic Queen for an even greater travel experience,” Tuulik added.

Four Grupp’s vessels have already been to planned maintenance at the beginning of the year: the company’s shuttle Star and cruise ships Silja Symphony and Galaxy, in addition to Baltic Queen. Next in turn for regular maintenance are cruise ships Victoria I (scheduled for March) and Isabelle (scheduled for March/April). In the past five years, Tallink has invested nearly 80 million euros in its ship renovation programme.

In Early February, Tallink’s subsidiary in Finland held an auction in the Makasiini terminal in Helsinki, where anyone interested could buy the items decommissioned from Silja Symphony and Silja Serenade during the vessels’ recent dockings, including bar and restaurant signs, chairs, paintings and even cabin numbers. The 7,000 euros raised during the auction were donated to the Finnish charity Helsinki Mission, which supports people suffering from loneliness.

For further information, please contact:

Katri Link, Communications Manager
Tallink Group
katri.link@tallink.ee

Published 21.2.2019 

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NEWLY RENOVATED GALAXY RETURNS TO STOCKHOLM-TURKU ROUTE

Galaxy entered Remontowa shipyard in Gdansk on January 20, and she returned to traffic on February 6, continuing to traffic the Stockholm-Turku route. Between 2014 - 2018, Tallink Grupp has invested over EUR 75 million in ship renovations, which has meant that Galaxy, one of two vessels under the Swedish flag, has undergone extensive renovation works with refurbished retail areas, restaurants and a completely new Silja Land.

Three surfaces onboard stand out after renovations were completed. The café in the ship's bow underwent a complete renovation and the introduction of Fastlane is a fact. A new kid’s playroom named Silja Land, has taken shape, as well as a brand new 70m2 floating Superdry-shop in shop. Fastlane is a well-known restaurant concept, located on some of the Group's vessels and offers simpler dishes as well as a night menu in a bright and modern environment. Silja Land is a completely new playroom for children, now with a much larger play area.

“The renovation of Galaxy has further strengthened our position on the Stockholm-Turku route. With a modern vessel, trafficking under the Swedish flag and brought into service in 2006, we continue to offer our travellers fantastic dining experiences, high-quality shopping and an abundance of entertainment for adults and kids. The investments we made between 2014 and 2018 allow us to drive the development forward, in order to ensure that we in the future will continue to maintain the position as the leading shipping company in the northern part of the Baltic Sea,” says Marcus Risberg, CEO of Tallink Silja AB.

During the 16-day renovation period, changes of carpets in standard cabins, suites and public areas was carried out, as well as renovations of toilets in public areas. The ship's buffet has changed its name to Grande Buffét, where surfaces underwent modernization work and new chairs and tables added. During the renovation, a number of technical works were also been carried out, Hans Friberg, Operational Manager at Tallink Silja AB comments:

“As always when a ship is in a dry dock, a lot of maintenance work is carried out, everything far from visible to our guests but very important! We have done normal maintenance work on the bottom of the ship, maintenance of rudders and propellers, servicing the ship's stabilizers so they function optimally for comfortable journeys. At the same time, amounts of maintenance on ventilation- and water systems onboard has been done. Plenty of maintenance just like on a large house ashore! And just like a house, we have painted and painted and painted!”, says Hans Friberg.

Galaxy is now back in traffic on the Stockholm-Turku route as of February 6 in a new and modern vintage.

For further information, please contact:

Janis Pavuls, Communications Director
Tallink Silja Ab
janis.pavuls@tallinsilja.com

Published 11.2.2019 

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Tallink Shuttle Star is modernised

Tallink’s vessel Star, which operates on the Tallinn-Helsinki route, was recently renovated at the Klaipeda shipyard in Lithuania.

During the docking of the vessel between 7-22 January, the Snack Time cafe and the cafe serving Starbucks beverages were completely renovated and updated with new furniture, and the ship’s pub Sea Pub was updated with a brand new concept and received a brand new look. In addition, the children’s play area was refreshed and extended, the shopping areas received a facelift, carpets were changed on the stairs, in the corridors and in Business Lounge, all the vessel’s toilets were renovated and some new toilets were added. During the renovations arrangements were also made on the ship to stop using disposable plastic plates, cups and cutlery in all the ship’s restaurants after the docking.

„I am pleased that the Tallinn-Helsinki route’s second shuttle vessel Star has gone through such extensive refurbishment and will now be offering our customers an even better travel experience and conditions for the years to come. When planning the updates, we took into account our customers’ feedback and the extension of the children’s play area is a perfect example of making changes on our ships based on customer feedback,“ Peeter Kangro, Estonia-Finland Route Director at Tallink Grupp, said.

In addition to refurbishing the passenger areas, technical improvements were also carried out on the vessel during the docking. For example, an innovative „EnergoProFin“ solution was fitted on the ship’s propellers, which is an additional screw with small rotors, which helps make the ship’s propeller more efficient and reduces the energy loss resulting from the whirlpool by 2-5% and which also helps reduce the underwater noise and vibration caused by the vessel. Star was also fitted with the latest next generation integrated navigation system.

Star returned to the Tallinn-Helsinki route on Tuesday, 22 January and from this week the normal Tallinn-Helsinki route shuttle service has resumed with six departures per day from both ports.

In addition to Star Tallink Grupp’s vessels Baltic Queen, operating on the Tallinn-Stockholm route, and Galaxy, operating on the Turku-Stockholm route, are currently being modernised. This spring, two further vessels, Victoria I, operating on the Tallinn-Stockholm route, and Isabelle, operating on the Riga-Stockholm route, will also be updated.

Tallink Grupp regularly upgrades and renews all its vessels according to the company’s Ship Renewal Programme. In the last five years the company has invested nearly 80 million euros into its fleet renewals.

For further information, please contact:

Katri Link, Communications Director
Tallink Grupp
katri.Link@tallin.ee

Published 25.1.2019 

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It is Silja Symphony's turn to get an upgrade

Today, Monday 7 January 2019, Silja Symphony is sailing to Naantali for an upgrade at the Turku Repair Yard. The renovated ship will return to service on 21 January 2019. During the two weeks of repairs, only one ship, Silja Serenade, which was already renovated in November, will operate on the Helsinki-Stockholm route.

Similarly to its sister ship Silja Serenade, the most significant changes on Silja Symphony will take place in the nearly 1,500m2 night club Atlantis Palace, fine dining restaurant Bon Vivant and restaurant El Capitan. Also, the carpets in all cabins and stairways – a total of 4,500m2 – will be replaced with new ones. The new carpets are made by the Danish producer Dansk Wilton using a completely new technique and with consideration to the environment. The energy for producing the carpets is mostly wind energy and recycled materials are used as raw material. When these carpets reach the end of their service life, they can be recycled again.

During docking, Silja Symphony will be modernised and renovated over an area of 6,500 m2. The night club, which is now called Atlantis Palace, will get a revamp and a new name, Starlight. Restaurant Bon Vivant, the wine bar and the wine shop will also be renovated to new glory. Restaurant El Capital will become restaurant Grill House. During docking, Silja Symphony will be fitted ready for onshore power supply. This means that power can be supplied to the ship from the shore in Stockholm and later also in Helsinki, instead of having to use auxiliary engines. Silja Symphony will also undergo regular maintenance.

- Tallink has invested a total of EUR 75 million in the renovations of the ships between 2014 and the end of 2018. In addition to Silja Symphony, Star from the Helsinki-Tallinn route and Galaxy from the Turku-Stockholm route will be docked for repairs during the first half of this year. Baltic Queen, Victoria and Isabelle will also be docked before summer. These modernisations are part of the broader development of the customer experience. The needs, wishes and feedback of customers are monitored consistently in order to develop ship operations and services, says Margus Schults, CEO of Tallink Silja Oy.

Silja Symphony will return to service on Monday evening, 21 January 2019, departing from Helsinki. Silja Symphony was completed at the Masa Yards shipyard in Turku in 1991, and it operates on the Helsinki–Stockholm route. The ship has 986 cabins and a capacity of 2,852 passengers. It operates under the Swedish flag.

For further information, please contact:

Marika Nöjd, Communications Director
Tallink Silja Oy
marika.nojd@tallinksilja.com
Tel. +358 400 207 704

Published 7.1.2019 

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Silja Serenade modernised in November

The modernisation of Silja Line’s ships continues when Silja Serenade, operating on Helsinki-Stockholm route, will be docked in Naantali on 11–23 November 2018. The nearly 1,500 m2 nightclub Atlantis Palace, fine dining restaurant Bon Vivant and restaurant El Capitan will see the most drastic changes. Additionally the ship’s pub will get a facelift and stairways and cabin corridors will be modernised.

During docking, the ship will be modernised and renovated over an area of 6,500 m2. The nightclub and restaurant Bon Vivant have never before seen such massive changes. Some of the functionalities will also be improved. At the nightclub, bars and stairs will be relocated, passengers will have new lookout spots and the name of the nightclub will change from Atlantis Palace to Starlight. Restaurant Bon Vivant, its wine bar and wine shop will get a new and exclusive look. Restaurant El Capital will become restaurant Grill House following its new theme. Old Port Pub will become a more open and spacious Sea Pub.

“We have systematically modernised our magnificent sister ships Silja Serenade and Silja Symphony since 2014. They are both unique ships, in particular, thanks to their Promenade. We have invested tens of millions of euros into these ships during the past few years – it is truly wonderful. The sister ship Silja Symphony will undergo similar modernisations in January 2019. We want to continue to offer Finnish and foreign passengers with new experiences and mini vacations”, says Margus Schults, CEO of Tallink Silja Oy.

Previously, Silja Serenade has seen significant changes in early 2014 and in 2015. In addition, the extensive cabin modernisation project will be completed later this year. These modernisations are part of the broader development of the customer experience. The needs, requests and feedback of customers are monitored consistently in order to develop ship operations and services. The goal is to provide a full-range Silja Resort experience, which keeps on offering new experiences to passengers.

“Finally the whole ship becomes more consistent! Small original details, such as seashell lamps and herring decorations on handrails, can go. The new interior design will be timeless, stylish and spacious. Colours and lights, in particular, can be used to radically change the atmosphere of each area. For example, the nightclub can also be used during the day to host various events. I believe that passengers will love the spectacular Sea View Lounge bow bar at the new Starlight night club”, says interior architect Heikki Mattila.

During the docking, both ships will be fitted for onshore power supply. This means that power can be supplied to the ships from the shore in Stockholm and later also in Helsinki, instead of having to use auxiliary engines. Silja Serenade will also undergo regular maintenance.

“We have traditionally arranged highly anticipated auctions during ship modernisations, and people can expect another auction in January 2019. Proceeds will be donated in full to charity, while all nostalgic items will find a new home”, Margus Schults says.

While Silja Serenade is on the dock, Helsinki-Stockholm route will be operated by its sister ship Silja Symphony on every other day. Silja Serenade will make its return when it departs in the evening of Friday 23 November. Silja Serenade was built at the Masa Yards shipyard in Turku in 1990, and it operates on the Helsinki–Stockholm route. The ship has 986 cabins and a capacity of 2,852 passengers. It operates under the Finnish flag.

For further information, please contact:

Marika Nöjd, Communications Director
Tallink Silja Oy
marika.nojd@tallinksilja.com
Tel. +358 400 207 704

Published 5.11.2018 

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TALLINK AND RAUMA MARINE CONSTRUCTIONS SIGN LETTER OF INTENT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF NEW SHUTTLE FERRY

AS Tallink Grupp and Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC) last night signed a Letter of Intent for the construction of a new shuttle ferry for the Tallinn-Helsinki route. The estimated cost of the project is approximately 250 million euros and the new vessel will be built at the Rauma shipyard in Finland. The construction of the new ship is expected to be completed by the end of 2021. The project will provide approximately 1500 man-years employment for the shipyard.

The new ferry will be dual fuel operated, using LNG as its main fuel and will have capacity for 2,800 passengers. It will start operating on the Tallinn-Helsinki route, further developing this important route between the two capital cities. The new ferry will be built using all the latest technologies and the most innovative solutions available and the group’s aim is to build the most energy efficient and environmentally friendly vessel operating on the Baltic Sea.

Commenting on the news, Tallink Grupp’s CEO Paavo Nõgene said:

“Tallink Grupp has put a great deal of resources and effort into developing the Tallinn-Helsinki route for decades. With the launch of the shuttle service over ten years ago, we have built a bridge between the two capitals, offering year-round frequent departures and thus bringing the two countries closer together. The next step on our journey is the continuous development and improvement of that service. Megastar was the first giant leap forward for us and the new ship will be a similarly momentous achievement.

„We are also very happy to cooperate with a Finnish shipyard on this project, providing valuable man-hours of work and opportunities for several Estonian and Finnish companies and suppliers to benefit from this joint project.“

„Tallink is a group that is continuously developing and the decisions we make are proof of this. As we continue to grow and build on our offering to our customers, there will no doubt be more news to share in the future.”

“We are very pleased to announce that Rauma shipyard’s shipbuilding tradition, together with Tallink, will continue with RMC's building of a new Shuttle ship. It is a great honour to be signing a Letter of Intent with our old friends at Tallink who have always shown appreciation for the shipbuilding expertise in Rauma. This is an opportunity for us to utilize our longstanding experience and to help steer the ship traffic between Finland and Estonia in a more environmentally friendly direction,” Jyrki Heinimaa, CEO of Rauma Marine Constructions said.

Historically four Tallink Grupp ships have been built at the Rauma shipyard (although under different management at different times) and in addition to this, two vessels have been designed in Rauma shipyard. The last ship built at the shipyard was the group’s vessel Baltic Queen, delivered in 2009 and currently operating on the group’s Tallinn-Stockholm route. Over the next few months Tallink Grupp and RMC will work on the shipbuilding contract and financing arrangements.

Additional information and interview requests:

Katri Link, Communications Director, Tallink Grupp
Tel. +372 53 042 121, E-mail: katri.link@tallink.ee

Laura Virtanen, Management assistant, Rauma Marine Constructions
Tel. +358 50 528 0068, E-mail: laura.virtanen@rmcfinland.fi

Tallink Grupp AS Tallink Grupp is the leading passenger and cargo transportation service provider in the Northern region of the Baltic Sea. The company owns 14 vessels and operates under the brands of Tallink and Silja Line on 7 different routes. AS Tallink Grupp employs more than 7,400 people in the region and over 9.8 million passengers travelled on its ferries in 2017. AS Tallink Grupp is listed on the Tallinn Stock Exchange. Rauma Marine Construction Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC) is a wholly Finnish-owned shipbuilding company formed in summer 2014 in Rauma. RMC specializes in building and servicing car and passenger ferries, multipurpose icebreakers and naval vessels. More information available at www.rmcfinland.fi.

Published 18.10.2018 

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Tallink Silja Oy got the first Golden Fish price in Finland

Finland’s first MSC Golden Fish price was awarded to Tallink Silja Oy as part of MSC Finland’s Sustainable Seafood day on 27th of September 2018. Tallink Silja Oy was awarded the price, because the company works hard to safeguard seafood supplies for this and future generations.

MSC has dealt out awards in other countries before but this price is the first of its kind in Finland.

”With this new award we wish to reward companies that work towards a better tomorrow. By highlighting their MSC certificate in the restaurants and in their communication Tallink Silja has directly affected their customers’ choices – this contributes to the health of our oceans and helps us safeguard seafood supplies for this and future generations,” says Johanna Vepsä, Marketing and Communications Manager for MSC Finland.

Tallink Silja was the first cruise company in the world to receive the MSC Chain of Custody when its five vessels that operate from Finland got certified in September 2017. In January 2018, the certificate was extended to cover the two high-speed vessels that travel between Finland and Estonia, Megastar and Star. At this moment in time, Tallink Silja’s certificate covers the shrimp and herring products but the company is looking to extend the selection further. Nearly 50 000 kilos of herring and 145 000 kilos of shrimp is currently being consumed on the ships each year.

”We are delighted of receiving this price. It is wonderful that we can tell our passengers about our sustainable development principles and at the same time guide them in choosing sustainable seafood in their everyday life. Sustainability is our common goal. We want to make sure we take good care of our environment and wish to encourage our customers and partners to do the same now and in the future,” says Marika Nöjd, Communications Director of Tallink Silja Oy.

Tallink Silja’s certificate will be extended later this year to also cover Tallink Group’s Stockholm-Riga and Tallinn-Stockholm routes. After this expansion is complete, all Tallink Group’s passenger vessels will be MSC certified. Johanna Vepsä is delighted of the prospect.

”This is exactly the sort of proactive development we hope to see from our partners. Without active partners it would be near impossible to achieve our vision of oceans teeming with life.”

Further information:

Johanna Vepsä, Marketing & Communications Manager, MSC Finland, johanna.vepsa@msc.org, +358 50 570 8000

Marika Nöjd, Communications Director, Tallink Silja Oy, marika.nojd@tallinksilja.com, +358 400 207 704

Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)

The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) is an international non-profit organisation. Our vision is for the world’s oceans to be teeming with life, and seafood supplies safeguarded for this and future generations. Our ecolabel and certification programme recognises and rewards sustainable fishing practices and is helping create a more sustainable seafood market. The MSC ecolabel on a seafood product means that:

• It comes from a wild-catch fishery which has been independently certified to the MSC’s science-based standard for environmentally sustainable fishing.

• It’s fully traceable to a sustainable source. More than 300 fisheries in 35 countries are certified to the MSC’s Standard. These fisheries have a combined annual seafood production of almost ten million metric tonnes, representing 14% of global marine catch. More than 28,000 seafood products worldwide carry the MSC label.

For more information visit www.msc.org/fi

Published 27.09.2018 

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Tallink extends online ticket sale cut-off time for shuttle ferries Star and Megastar to 45 minutes before departure

From Saturday, 1 September, travellers will be able to purchase tickets to Tallink Grupp shuttle ferries Star and Megastar online and via the group’s mobile app up to 45 minutes prior to departure. Until now ticket sales online and via the mobile app for the shuttle ferries, similarly to the company’s other ships, closed an hour and a half prior to departure.

The change in the cut-off time for online and mobile app ticket sales will be a welcome change for the passengers travelling on the company’s shuttle ferries on the Tallinn-Helsinki route. The aim of the change is to provide customers with more options and more freedom when making travel decisions.

Commenting on the decision, Paavo Nõgene, CEO of Tallink Grupp said:

“In an increasingly fast-paced world we have noticed that there is demand for more options for purchasing tickets also immediately before departure, particularly on our Tallinn-Helsinki route. Meeting start and end times often transpire last minute and this means travel services also need to be increasingly flexible.“

“What this change definitely doesn’t mean is that all shuttle service users should now start making last minute ticket purchases. With more popular departures, this may mean that you will be left without a ticket, you will pay a higher price for the ticket or that you may have fewer choices with travel classes. But it is definitely good to know that if you do have a situation where you need to buy a ticket last minute, then you will be able to do so easily online,” Nõgene added.

The option of purchasing tickets 45 minutes prior to departure online and via the mobile app, will be available for Tallink Grupp’s shuttle ferries Star and Megastar and for both foot passengers and those travelling by car. Passengers will be able to purchase tickets in person at the ferry terminal kiosks up to half an hour before departure, i.e. until check-in for a departure closes, as previously.

For additional information, please contact:

Katri Link, Communications Director
AS Tallink Grupp
Mob. +372 53 042 121
E-mail: katri.link@tallink.eet

Published 31.08.2018 

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TALLINK INSTALLS INNOVATIVE WIRELESS TRACKERS ON VESSELS TO PROVIDE PASSENGERS WITH BEST NETWORK COVERAGE ON THE BALTIC SEA

Tallink Grupp, the largest maritime passenger and cargo transport provider on the Baltic Sea, in partnership with Swedish company Nowhere Networks have recently installed a cutting-edge Wireless Antenna Tracking System (WATS) on board the company’s newest fleet member Megastar. The tracker provides the ship, operating on the Tallinn-Helsinki route, with a 400M/bit internet connection on board – the fastest and most stable internet connection currently available on the Baltic Sea.

The tracker enables the company to provide its customers with even faster uninterrupted network coverage on board Megastar during the whole two-hour journey. With the new technology a high speed connection is beamed to the shore by the tracker and the antenna re-aligns itself in real-time to maintain the highest speed at all times. The Nowhere Networks Trackers, manufactured in Stockholm, have been specifically designed to extend wireless connectivity to moving objects on land or sea and are built to survive harsh marine conditions.

Commenting on the partnership with Nowhere Networks and the new cutting-edge technology on board its ship, Tallink Grupp’s CEO Paavo Nõgene said: „Here at Tallink we are continuously looking for new and innovative solutions in cooperation with our business partners, all aimed at providing our customers with the latest products and services ahead of the rest of the market. „Good network connections at sea have been and continue to be a challenge for maritime transport providers and currently there is no good, cost-effective cross-Europe solution available for the sector. At the same time, having good access to the Internet is fast becoming a human right and our customers expect the same kind of connectivity while at sea as they have on shore. So it was clear to us that we must work hard and act now to meet our customers’ expectations. “I am pleased that our initial tests with the wireless tracking system solution went very well and we are now already able to provide our customers with the best Internet connection on the Baltic Sea on Megastar. We are in the process of installing the tracker also on our other shuttle Star in the near future and are working on finding a solution for improved connectivity also on our Estonia-Sweden and Finland-Sweden route vessels by the end of the year.“

Asbjörn Frydenlund, CEO at Nowhere Networks, added: “We are very pleased to have worked with Tallink Grupp on this cutting-edge technology project. By using the Nowhere Networks Tracker platform, Tallink can now successfully deliver an improved Internet service to the company’s millions of passengers with our unique technology. This is the first project of this kind with a ferry operator and we are pleased it has been a success. It’s another step in our mission to provide high speed, reliable internet and connectivity to historically impossible places, especially out at sea.”

For additional information, please contact:

Katri Link, Communications Director, Tallink Grupp
tel: +372 5304 2121 or katri.link@tallink.ee

Published 17.07.2018 

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Tallink starts offering AliPay payment solution to customers

Tallink is the first major Estonian company to start providing its customers with the option of paying by means of the world’s largest electronic payment solution, AliPay. Starting from July Tallink made the AliPay electronic payment solution available for buying goods and services at all the company’s points of sale on its Tallinn-Helsinki route’s Shuttles Megastar and Star.

The primary target group of AliPay with its almost 870 million users worldwide is the ever-increasing segment of Chinese tourists. The payment solution will be rolled out to the group’s other passenger ships by the end of the summer.

“The implementation of AliPay is another step by Tallink towards providing the best travel experience for the ever-growing number of Asian tourists on our ships,” Paavo Nõgene, Chief Executive Officer of Tallink Grupp said. AliPay is the world’s largest e-wallet service provider with 870 million users worldwide, which belongs to the Alibaba Group, a multinational commerce conglomerate worth over 500 billion US dollars.

Read the press release →

For media enquiries, please contact:

Katri Link, Communications Director, Tallink Grupp
tel: +372 5304 2121 or katri.link@tallink.ee

Published 10.07.2018 

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Megastar carries over 2 million passengers in its first year

“Megastar is the largest private capital based investment in Estonia in the past decade and we are very pleased with the ship’s performance in its first year. The ship truly is a next generation vessel, which has launched a new era on the Baltic sea and set a new standard“ said Janek Stalmeister, CEO of Tallink Grupp.

“Tallink is a pioneer when it comes to technological advances and environmentally friendly activities on the Baltic Sea, because this is beneficial for our business, both from the cost efficiency as well as customer satisfaction and travel experience perspective”, he added.

Compared to the Grupp’s other shuttle on the same route, the Star, Megastar is one third more powerful and accommodates 2,800 passengers, but its ecological footprint is the same or even smaller than that of the Star. The ship emits no SOx; NOx and almost no soot particles and the CO2 emissions compared to the Superstar, which Megastar replaced on the route, have decreased by nearly 40%.

Megastar is also the biggest so-called floating superstore on the Baltic sea, the shopping areas of which extend over two floors. The ship has several open plan dining facilities, various seating areas ja carefully planned store areas for convenient shopping, including the unique self-service shopping option Q-shopping.

The total cost of the Megastar was 230 million Euros. The construction of the ship began on 4 August 2015, the keel was laid on 9 February 2016, the christening took place in July 2016, the sea trials took place in December 2016 and the maiden voyage from Tallinn to Helsinki took place on 29 January 2017. The ship’s Godmother is Finland’s former President, Mrs Tarja Halonen.

Megastar is 212 meters long and accommodates up to 2800 passengers having the same length and capacity as one of the largest cruise ferries of the company, the Baltic Queen. Megastar uses LNG as fuel, but will also be able to run on diesel. She is a 49 000 GT ship with a service speed of 27 knots. Designed for the Tallinn-Helsinki route exclusively, Megastar complies with the current and future emission regulations for the ECAs (Emission Control Area), including the Baltic Sea.

Megastar’s first year in numbers:

• The ship has travelled 94,520 nautical miles, which equals 4.4 times around the globe or ten return trips from Port of Tallinn to New York.
• More than 2 million passengers have travelled on the ship in its first year, this equals the entire population of Latvia or 36% of the population of Finland.
• The ship has transported more than 375,000 passenger vehicles, which equals the distance from Tallinn to Prague, or from Helsinki to Rovaniemi and back if you lined the cars up!
• Due to the use of new Technologies and LNG, the CO2 emissions have reduced by 40% compared to the Superstar.
• A BURGER KING® burger is sold every 24 seconds on the ship.
• More than 51 tonnes of coffee have been sold on the ship.
• The most popular food item in the ship’s Fast Lane Buffet is the shrimp sandwich. More than 16 tonnes of shrimp have been consumed on the ship.
• The most popular perfume bought on the ship is Hugo Boss – The Scent For Her. Within one year it has been bought more than 2,600 litres.

For media enquiries, please contact:

Katri Link, Communications Director, Tallink Grupp
tel: +372 5304 2121 or katri.link@tallink.ee

Marika Nöjd, Communication Director, Tallink Silja Oy
tel: +358 4002 07704 or marika.nöjd@tallinksilja.com

Published 29.1.2018 

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Tallink Silja becomes the world’s first cruise line to serve MSC certified seafood

Five cruise ships out of Tallink Group’s fleet operating from Finland have become the world’s first cruise ships to obtain MSC Chain of Custody certification for the seafood they serve. The Tallink Group is one of the largest maritime carriers of passengers and cargo in the Baltic Sea region and this MSC certification demonstrates their commitment to sustainability and support of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), particularly SDG 14, which calls to conserve and sustainably use the oceans.

All Silja Line cruise ships operating between Helsinki-Stockholm & Turku-Stockholm, Silja Serenade, Silja Symphony, Baltic Princess and Galaxy, and one Tallink cruise ship Silja Europa operating between Helsinki-Tallinn route now offer their customers sustainable and traceable MSC certified shrimp and herring. About 160 tonnes of shrimp and 22 tonnes of herring are served on their cruise ships and this certification ensures that customers onboard these ships can enjoy seafood in restaurants that has come from a sustainable fishery and can be traced from ocean to plate.

“Tallink Silja strives to source sustainably and to guide its customers towards making the right choices,” explains Marika Nöjd, Communications Director at Tallink Silja. “The MSC is the world’s most credible environmental certificate for sustainably caught seafood, so the MSC Chain of Custody certification implemented on our vessels is a natural step towards advancing our sustainable development work. In the future, we intend to get MSC certification for all of our ships operating on the Baltic Sea.”

“Tallink Silja becoming the world’s first MSC certified cruise line is great news,” affirms Minna Epps, MSC Program Director, MSC Baltic Sea region. “This company is encouraging the fishing industry and other companies to take responsible courses of action. In order to attain SDG 14 we need more commitments from companies to only source sustainably caught fish that is traceable.”

The first MSC Chain of Custody certification of these cruise ships is a clear step forward in the sustainable seafood movement. MSC certified fisheries are continually monitored and must complete annual surveillance audits as well as being reassessed every five years. More than 1,200 improvements to fishing practices and environmental management have been delivered by MSC certified fisheries since 2000.

“Globally speaking, the situation of fish stocks is alarming and the WWF recommends that both retailers and restaurants should switch the imported seafood products to MSC-certified alternatives," says Matti Ovaska, Conservation Officer at WWF Finland. “It is a truly wonderful initiative for Tallink Silja to be a pioneer of fishery product responsibility in the global cruise line sector.”

For further information, please contact:

Tallink Silja Oy: Marika Nöjd, Communications Director, +358 400 207 704
marika.nojd@tallinksilja.com

MSC Finland: Janne Posti, Fisheries and Supply Chain Manager for Finland, +358 44 980 5916
janne.posti@msc.org

WWF Finland: Matti Ovaska, Conservation Officer, +358 40 727 3149
matti.ovaska@wwf.fi

Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) is an international non-profit organisation. Our vision is for the world’s oceans to be teeming with life, and seafood supplies safeguarded for this and future generations. Our ecolabel and certification program recognises and rewards sustainable fishing practices and is helping create a more sustainable seafood market. The MSC ecolabel on a seafood product means that:

• It comes from a wild-catch fishery which has been independently certified to the MSC’s science-based standard for environmentally sustainable fishing.

• It’s fully traceable to a sustainable source.www.msc.org

World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) is one of the world’s largest and most respected independent nature conservation organisations. The WWF global network is active in more than 100 countries and has over 5 million supporters. The WWF mission is to stop the degradation of the planet’s natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature. The WWF operates in all sectors of nature conservation.www.wwf.fi

Published 27.09.2017 

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Finland’s 100-year birthday celebration can be tasted on Silja Line’s Buffet selection - Customers selected 100 products

From the beginning of June, Silja Line ships offer the Finland 100 buffet, featuring the wishes and proposals of passengers. Customers from Club One (Tallink Silja’s Frequent Traveller Programme) were asked* to name their favourites, on the basis of which Matti Jämsén, Head of Restaurant Services at Tallink Silja, together with ship chefs, made the dreams come true. An abundant fish buffet, sandwich cake, meat loaf, cloudberry in various forms and chocolate mousse received the highest number of nominations. Persons with vegan diet are also taken into account in the summer buffets and in the food selection for the rest of the year. There are plenty of novelties which will certainly delight not only persons with vegan diet but all customers.

Many respondents valued Finnishness, and some even proposed many controversial products, such as boiled veal in dill sauce, mämmi (traditional Finnish Easter dessert) and blood sausage. The fish buffet was by far the most popular article. “The fish and seafood buffet is my favourite. A wide array of Atlantic herring, gravlax, shrimps and many other kinds of seafood. Add some potatoes and butter, and there you go,” said a passenger who responded to the survey.
 
“It was wonderful to read our customers' comments and to see how much they keep up with traditions and, in particular, how much they prefer traditional ship buffet products. We aim to use Finnish products at our ships' restaurants as largely as possible. Half of all products selected for the Finland 100 buffet come from Finland,” Matti Jämsén added.
 
At the Finland 100 buffet, passengers can, for example, enjoy smoked Vendace (white fish) from lake Pielinen, Heimon Kala's cold-smoked pike, fisherman Vento Aalto's Baltic herring and the Baltic fish balls. The much requested cloudberry cheesecake is made by Konditoria PH7 from Tuusula, and cranberry kissel (viscous fruit dish) is prepared on ships from fresh Finnish cranberries.
 
Main courses were also modified on the basis of customers’ requests. Baltic herring fillet, meat loaf prepared on board and blazed salmon with sautéed artificial morels were added to the range. “Seasonal products, such as apple pie, rice porridge and Mämmi, were also requested, but we decided to add these products later according to each season. Any special requests, such as fruit salad with ice cream, were not included this time. Game was also highly requested but, unfortunately, its availability is not sufficient for us. We also decided not to include controversial boiled veal in dill sauce, as people either love it or hate it,” Jämsén says.

Ship personnel were also able to vote for their favourite buffet products. Favourite starters included cold-smoked salmon, toast skagen, gravlax and different cheeses. Most popular main courses were smoked salmon and medium-rare roast beef. Cheesecake was the most popular dessert among ship personnel.

Demand for vegan and vegetarian food among customers has grown and it is also being increasingly requested. Now, many of these requests will be fulfilled. As a result of the #vegepaatti (#vegetarianboat) social media project launched in Finland in spring and many customer requests received for the Finland 100 buffet, a huge number of vegan products will be added to the buffet. This includes falafels, hummus, vegetable skewers, vegetarian curry and grilled eggplants. The aim is to cook tasty vegan food that all customers can enjoy.

The Finland 100 buffet will be served on all Silja Line ships and Silja Europa from the beginning of summer until late autumn. In the middle of October, the range will be updated with seasonal products, and Christmas buffet will be served starting from November 16th.

Read more about Silja Line's Finland 100 cooperation

Read more about the vegan challenge

Additional information:

Matti Jämsén, Head of Restaurant Services, tel. +358 400 729 099

matti.jamsen@tallinksilja.com

Marika Nöjd, Communications Director, tel. +358 400 207 704

marika.nojd@tallinksilja.com

* The survey was conducted for Finnish Club One customers in autumn 2016. There were a total of 627 respondents.

Published 02.06.2017 

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You can see and taste the 60th anniversary of Silja Line on board

This year, Silja Line celebrates its 60th anniversary. The anniversary year is being visibly celebrated in the ships' restaurants, shops and cabins. In celebration of this special year, Marimekko has produced Pikku Lokki and Mini Unikko products in special colours for Commodore cabins, suites and the ships’ restaurants and cafeterias. They are also being sold in the shops on board. Ships are also selling special products, such as jubilee cake by Gagu, chocolate from the Kultasuklaa chocolate factory and the Helsinki Distilling Company's Silja 60 jubileum product.

Oy Siljavarustamo – Ab Siljarederiet was founded on 20 May 1957. Silja's first passenger ship was the S/S Silja that started sailing on midsummer night between Turku and Stockholm. The ferry could take approximately 400 passengers and 25 cars could be lifted on board by crane. Today, the ships have room for almost 3,000 passengers and over 400 cars.
 
Four Silja Line chefs have designed a celebratory menu to cherish the favourite dishes from the past decades, such as lightly salted reindeer, Oscar's schnitzel and Pike-Perch à la Walewska. The Silja 60 celebratory menu is served in the Tavolàta restaurants on all four Silja Line ships until the end of the year.
 
Starting 17 May, “Menu Nordic by Tommy Myllymäki, Tribute to Silja 60”, that includes five dishes, will be available in the Bon Vivant restaurants. Swedish chef Myllymäki is inspired by simple and natural cooking. The menu is based on the best and most popular flavours of the season. In 2010, Myllymäki came second in the Bocuse d’Or competition, and in 2012 he won the Kockarnas kamp (Top Chef Sweden) competition. He has founded several restaurants in Stockholm and is a regular guest on Swedish cooking TV shows. Menu Nordic will be served from 17 May to 5 September 2017, and the price of the menu, including wines, is EUR 118 (EUR 109 for Club One customers).
 
During the summer, the Happy Lobster restaurants will serve a summer menu designed by Tommy Myllymäki and Matti Jämsén, Tallink Silja's Head of Restaurant Services, featuring the best tastes of summer in the archipelago.

In celebration of the anniversary, Marimekko has designed special colours for Pikku Lokki and Mini Unikko products. These colours are perfectly suited for seafaring, and they also highlight traditional marine style. The products are show-cased in Commodore cabins, suites, restaurants and cafeterias. These Pikku Lokki and Mini Unikko products are sold exclusively on Silja Line's ships. The selection includes canvas bags, coin purses, trays, mugs, oven mitts and potholders.

Silja Line's cafeterias and shops are also selling special products, such as the 60th anniversary jubilee cake by Gagu, a bakery from Espoo, several chocolates from Kultasuklaa, a chocolate factory in Iittala, and Helsinki Distilling Company's Silja 60 jubileum product.

Watch an introductory video and find out more about Silja's 60th anniversary: Silja Line 60

Take a look at Menu Nordic by Tommy Myllymäki

Additional information:

Matti Jämsén, Head of Restaurant Services, tel. +358 400 729 099

matti.jamsen@tallinksilja.com

Sari Sillman, Communications Specialist, tel. +358 50 574 2474

sari.sillman@tallinksilja.com

Published 11.05.2017 

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Tallink opened a Thai restaurant in Tallinn’s Old Town

On the 28th of April, a new Tallink restaurant NOK NOK opened its doors: its menu and atmosphere give a taste of authentic Thai cuisine.

“It is the company’s first restaurant that is not located on board of Tallink vessel or in a Tallink hotel. You can find NOK NOK in Tallinn’s Old Town on Vana-Posti street. It is a cozy, stylish and authentic restaurant, where guests can enjoy real Thai dishes and tastes,” says the project manager of NOK NOK Andres Poljakov.
 
The area of NOK NOK is 600 square meters. Here you will find a spacious and cozy cocktail bar, an à la carte restaurant, several unique private event halls, seminar rooms and a cooking school, where all interested can learn secrets of authentic Thai cuisine under guidance of chefs from the Kingdom of Thailand.
 
“In addition to enthusiastic and helpful waiters the team of NOK NOK includes five professional chefs, all from the Kingdom of Thailand. Thanks to their skills and experience we are able to offer the real Thai cuisine – exactly the way these dishes are prepared and served in Thailand,” adds Poljakov.
 
The kitchen team’s leader is chef Pensiri Pattanachaeng, who has over 15 years of professional experience and specializes on authentic Thai and modern Asian, Indian, Chinese and Korean cuisines. Pensiri has worked in top hotels and restaurants in Thailand, India and UAE.

According to Andres Poljakov, the cooking school of restaurant NOK NOK awaits everyone interested – both beginners and advanced cooking enthusiasts who wish to try their hand in making Thai dishes under guidance of NOK NOK chefs.

Interior of NOK NOK is inspired by national Thai decoration style blended with subdued while sophisticated northern overtones. “For instance, our dining tables are made on Estonian island of Saaremaa,” Andres Poljakov brings an example of combination of Eastern and Northern designs.

The author of the restaurant’s interior design is a well-known Finnish designer Marjut Nousiainen, who has also worked on Tempo restaurant in Tallink Express Hotel, as well as on cabins and various passenger areas on Tallink vessels.

Tallink was inspired to open the Thai restaurant by Enn Pant, the chairman of the council of Tallink, who is also the Honorary Consul of the Kingdom of Thailand in Estonia.

The word NOK means a bird in Thai language and NOK NOK also refers to the restaurant’s logo, where two owls are depicted. Owls, in turn, are found in bas-reliefs on external walls of the restaurant’s building on Vana-Posti 7.

Vessels of AS Tallink Grupp has 60 restaurants and cafés and the hotel chain Tallink Hotels has five restaurants where dozens of thousands dishes are served to customers every day.

Additional information:

NokNok Restaurant
e-mail: info@noknok.ee, tel: +372 5333 1744
www.noknok.ee

A la Carte Menu Here

Published 28.04.2017 

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Tallink Shuttle has transported 30 million passengers within ten years

Tallink, the leading shipping operator on the Baltic Sea, celebrates the tenth anniversary of the operation of Shuttle vessels on Tallinn-Helsinki route. Within this period, high-speed vessels of the highest weather and ice class have transported 30 million people between the two capitals, and the distance they have covered would be enough to circle the globe 40 times.

„“This year, we are celebrating a symbolic jubilee in marine traffic between Helsinki and Tallinn by bringing a new high-speed vessel Megastar, which is also the most modern on the Baltic Sea, to the route with the busiest ship traffic between two European capitals,” said Janek Stalmeister, chairman of the management board of Tallink Grupp. “Since the maiden voyage of our first shuttle class vessel, which consistently provides high-speed transportation all year round regardless of the weather conditions, in April 2007, we have carried a total of 30 million passengers between the so-called twin capitals.”
 
In addition to providing new traveler experience, the shuttle vessels have remarkably increased the reliability of sea transport in the eyes of passengers and made the connection between the two capitals comparable with a car or bus ride between Tartu and Tallinn. “Shuttle vessels of high ice class and storm resistance have created confidence among all the people who value travel reliability and consistent all-year-round schedules in the first place,” the chairman of the management board of Tallink Grupp noted. 
 
“Having started to use shuttle class vessels, we wished a well-deserved retirement to the era of smaller AutoExpress catamaran ships that also carried cars; in the weather conditions rather typical of the Baltic Sea, they took passengers on journeys best described as “rollercoaster rides” or would be stuck in the harbor because of the wind,” Janek Stalmeister added.
 
Tallink introduced the Star high-speed vessel produced by the Finnish shipyard Aker Yards on Tallinn-Helsinki route in the beginning of April 2007. The second vessel, Superstar, was added to the fleet on the route between Estonia and Finland in April 2008, and the newest ship is Megastar, the most modern on the Baltic Sea and running on environmentally cleaner LNG fuel, which started operation this January,replacing Superstar.

Additional information:

Jan Jõgis-Laats
e-mail: jan@hamburg.ee, mob: +372 56 496 382
Marika Nöjd, Communication Director, Tallink Silja Oy,
e-mail: marika.nöjd@tallinksilja.com, mob: +358 400207704

Published 07.04.2017 

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TALLINK SHUTTLE PASSENGERS WILL NOW USE THE NEW TERMINAL T2 IN HELSINKI

Starting from Monday 27th of February the passengers of both Tallink Shuttle vessels Star and Megastar will start using the new terminal T2 building in West Harbour and the new gangway to the vessels, shortening the distance between the ship and terminal significantly.

„We are very happy, that with the usage of the brand new and modern terminal T2 in Helsinki, our Tallink Shuttle passengers will have a perfect start or farewell of their trip. The facility is really beautiful and what is as important – practically next to our fast ferries arriving to and departing from Helsinki. No more long walks, just beautiful views and quick access“, added Mr Margus Schults, CEO of Tallink Silja Oy in Finland.

„We wish now to warmly thank The Port of Helsinki and The City of Helsinki for a smooth co-operation with building the West Terminal 2 and with the development of the whole West Harbour area“, Schults adds.

As there are now two terminals in Helsinki West Harbour, the company underlines the importance to doublecheck the departure terminal prior to coming to the trip.

Trams 6T and 9 have stops next to both terminals as well as the taxis, also there will parking slots for buses. The address of West Terminal 1 is Tyynenmerenkatu 8 and West Terminal 2 is Tyynenmerenkatu 14.

The company`s other Tallinn-Helsinki route vessel, cruise ferry Silja Europa remains using the same quay as always and the arrival and departure terminal of T1, so the gates do not change for the passengers of this ship.

Additional information:

Luulea Lääne, Communication Director, AS Tallink Grupp,
e-mail: luulea.laane@tallink.ee, mob: +372 5521296
Marika Nöjd, Communication Director, Tallink Silja Oy,
e-mail: marika.nöjd@tallinksilja.com, mob: +358 400207704

Published 27.02.2017 

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The biggest mall on the Baltic Sea will be completed on Megastar

The biggest mall on the Baltic Sea is being built on Tallink’s Megastar. The area will be 2 800m², which equals the size of 11 tennis courts. The two-story Traveller Superstore will be more than half bigger than any other store sailing on the Baltic Sea.

- Our passengers feel that the second most important thing on the trip, after the destination, is shopping. Since it has been wished for, we want to make it happen: the new Traveller Superstore is actually enormous, says Margus Schults, the CEO of Tallink Silja Oy.

Based on the suggestions from the passengers, direct access to the car deck and several cashiers were wished for. The outcome is the biggest, two-story mall on the Baltic Sea. Once you have booked yourself a parking space on the Garage-deck, you have access from the store to the car deck at all times through only one door. You can leave your shopping bags to the car and not worry about them during the rest of the sea voyage. This and the 19 cashiers make shopping fast and smooth so that you can enjoy other things as well during your two-hour sea voyage.

The huge Traveller Superstore on Megastar enables a very wide range of products from cosmetics to special wines and from clothes to design. One of the novelties in cosmetics is the New York based brand Kiehl’s. As for clothing brands, Emporio Armani can be mentioned as one of the novelties on board.

- Our customers are already familiar with the Q-shopping service, which will be launched also on Megastar. The passenger can perform the product scanning using a special mobile device and perform payment at special payment kiosks themselves without using the standard service counter. This provides the customers easier and quicker purchasing and it also decreases the potential queues. The passengers who have used this service on our vessels have been very pleased and we believe that it will work as well in the Traveller Superstore, says Margus Schults.

Additional information:

CEO Margus Schults, margus.schults@tallinksilja.com

Communications Director Marika Nöjd, marika.nojd@tallinksilja.com, +358 400 207 704

Read more about Megastar

Published 1.12.2016 

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TALLINK SIGNED A COOPERATION CONTRACT WITH THE LARGEST CHILDREN'S THEME PARK IN THE BALTICS

AS Tallink Grupp and the Estonian theme park Lotteland based on the popular cartoon character Lotte signed a three year cooperation contract to introduce the theme park in the destination countries of the shipping company – Finland, Sweden and Latvia. 

"Lotteland is a truly sweet Estonian theme park, which we are all proud of. We would like it to be visited by all our passengers from our ships. As our passenger numbers reach almost nine millions per year, among them many families with children, this park can offer joy and great discoveries to many of them", – said the Marketing and Sales director of AS Tallink Grupp, Marina Jõgi.

Lotteland is very happy about the cooperation with Tallink, too, as this helps to increase the awareness about the place among the friends of Lotte in the surrounding countries.

In addition to introducing Lotteland on board of all Tallink's ships under Estonian flag as the marketing activities towards Finland and Sweden the theme park will have a beach area designed by Lotte`s author Heiki Ernits, adding a ship attraction and ship like sandboxes to the park. Tallink has already a longer cooperation with the authors of the cartoon character, as there have been Lotte-themed playrooms on several ships and also the mascot Lotte visiting the ships during the school holidays and summer season.

AS Tallink Grupp is one of the leading passenger shipping companies on the Baltic Sea, having altogether up to 9 million passengers on board annually. The company ferries sail on six shipping routes connecting the largest cities around Baltic Sea. AS Tallink Grupp recognizes environmentally sound operations as very important having also ordered an LNG-powered passenger ferry delivered in 2017.

Lotteland theme park was established in 2014 following the characters and cartoons by Estonian artists Heiki Ernits and Janno Põldma, being a largest children's theme park in Baltic countries. The central message of the park established by Rein Malsubi, Heiki Ernits and Janno Põldma is the sincere wishes and evaluating being together with the family. As said by the main character Lotte herself: „Being good makes life more interesting."

Read more information about Lotte and Lottemaa theme park  »

Published 9.4.2015 

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Tallink & Silja Line Mobile Application

Find us also in App Store and book your trip on the go!

We are happy to announce that we have launched Tallink & Silja Line mobile application for Android OS and Apple iOS running mobile devices. 



Application "Tallink & Silja Line – booking" will enable you to search timetables, book one way and round trips (not cruises), manage reservations and pay for reservations with credit card by using your smartphone.  You can also use Club One membership number for discounts.

• Book ferry tickets online
• View timetables
• Manage reservations

To download the application, please search Tallink or Silja Line from  Google Play (Android) or Apple App store (iOS)