Discover Silja Line's History and Fleet

Silja Line has a rich history that spans over 50 years. The company was founded in 1962 as a Finnish shipping company.

One of the company's early successes was the introduction of the Silja Europa, a cruise ferry that was launched in 1993. This ship was a game-changer in the industry, offering luxurious amenities and amenities for passengers.

Silja Line's fleet has expanded over the years to include several ships, each with its own unique features. The company currently operates a total of 10 ships, ranging from small ferries to large cruise ferries.

The Silja Symphony, launched in 1990, is another notable ship in the Silja Line fleet.

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Silja Line operates a fleet of modern and well-equipped vessels that offer passengers a high level of comfort and safety.

The company's fleet includes some of the most advanced cruise ferries on the Baltic Sea, with a wide range of facilities for passengers, such as shops, children's play areas, conference facilities, saunas, jacuzzis, and restaurants.

Some of the key vessels in Silja Line's fleet are the M/S Silja Symphony, M/S Silja Serenade, M/S Star and M/S Megastar, M/S Victoria I, and M/S Baltic Princess.

These ships are known for their luxurious amenities, including restaurants, bars, shops, entertainment options, and luxurious cabins.

Here's a breakdown of some of the key ships in Silja Line's fleet:

Silja Line has a rich history dating back to 1970 when three rival companies, FÅA, Bore, and Svea, formed a joint marketing and coordination company, Silja Line. This marked a significant change in the company's structure.

The 1970s saw the introduction of new ships, including MS Aallotar and MS Svea Regina, which were delivered in 1972 and 1973, respectively. These ships played a crucial role in increasing passenger numbers on the Helsinki route.

Silja Line continued to expand its fleet in the 1980s, with the introduction of MS Finlandia and MS Silvia Regina in 1981. This marked a significant milestone for the company, with a 45% increase in passenger numbers.

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In 1987, Effoa purchased the GTS Finnjet, which became a prestigious addition to the Silja Line fleet. The same year, Effoa and Johnson Line jointly purchased Rederi Ab Sally, one of the owners of Viking Line.

The 1990s saw significant changes for Silja Line, including the merger of Effoa and Johnson Line to form EffJohn in 1990. The company also introduced new ships, including MS Silja Serenade and MS Silja Symphony, which featured a unique 140-meter promenade-street.

In 2006, Silja Line was rebuilt to make it more attractive to potential buyers, and the company was eventually sold to Tallink in 2008.

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The SS Silja, built in 1915, was one of the earliest ships to be marked for scrapping, meeting its demise in Helsinki, Finland, in 1971.

The SS Warjo, built in 1927, had a longer lifespan, but ultimately ended up being scrapped in Baia, Romania, in 1983.

The SS Romka, built in 1966, caught fire and sank as the ocean dream in Oslo, Norway, in 2010.

The SS Regin, built in 1960, was scrapped in Gothenburg, Sweden, in 1968.

The MS Skandia, built in 1961, met its end when it sank in the Atlantic in 1986.

The MS Nordia, built in 1962, was scrapped in Eleusis, Greece, in 1988.

The MS Fennia, built in 1964, had a complex service history, operating from 1966 to 1970, 1970 to 1984, and 1993 to 2001, before being scrapped in 2010.

The MS Botnia, built in 1967, was sunk outside Morocco in 2008.

The SS Bore, built in 1960, has since been converted into a hotel/restaurant/museum ship in 2010.

Here's a list of some of the ships that have been scrapped:

The MS Birger Jarl, built in 1970, has been in service since 2002, operating for Ånedin Linjen.

The MS Floria, built in 1970, was scrapped in India in 2008.

The MS Aallotar, built in 1972, was scrapped in Alang, India, in 2004.

The MS Svea Regina, built in 1972, was also scrapped in Alang, India, in 2005.

The MS Bore I, built in 1973, was scrapped in Alang, India, in 2021.

The MS Svea Corona, built in 1974, was scrapped in Aliağa, Turkey, in 1995.

The MS Wellamo, built in 1975, was sunk in 2017.

The MS Bore Star, built in 1975, was scrapped in India in 2013.

The MS Finlandia, built in 1981, was scrapped in 2025.

The MS Silvia Regina, built in 1981, has been an accommodation platform since 2020.

The MS Svea, built in 1985, has been in service since 2008, operating as the MS Mega Smeralda for Corsica Ferries.

The GTS Finnjet, built in 1977, was scrapped in Alang, India, in 2009.

The MS Silja Star, built in 1980, sank as the MS Estonia in 1994.

The MS Frans Suell, built in 1992, has been in service since 1997, operating as the MS Gabriella for Viking Line.

The MS Stena Invicta, built in 1985, has been in service since 2022, operating as the MS Superstar II for Seajets.

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The HSC SuperSeaCat Four, built in 1999, has been in service since 2021, operating as the HSC Superrunner Jet for Seajets.

The HSC SeaCat Denmark, built in 1990, has been in service since 2015, operating as the HSC Atlantic Express with Colonia Express.

The HSC SuperSeaCat Three, built in 1999, has been in service since 2022, operating as the HSC Speedrunner Jet for Seajets.

The HSC SuperSeaCat One, built in 1997, has been in service since 2023, operating as the HSC Speedrunner Jet 2 for Seajets.

The MS Sally Albatross, built in 1992, has been in service since 2007, operating as the MS New Dawn for Celestyal Cruises.

The MS Wellamo, built in 1986, has been in service since 2015, operating as the MS Mega Andrea for Corsica Ferries.

The MS Silja Europa, built in 1993, has been chartered for Tallink in The Netherlands since 2013.

The MS Galaxy, built in 2006, has been chartered for Tallink in The Netherlands since 2023.

In 1970, Silja Line was established as a joint marketing and coordination company between FÅA, Bore, and Svea. This marked a significant change for the companies, which had previously operated separately.

The ships of Siljavarustamo were divided among the three companies, and a new color scheme was introduced, featuring a white hull and superstructure with dark blue accents. Each company retained its own funnel colors to maintain distinct identities.

Two new ships, MS Aallotar and MS Svea Regina, were delivered to FÅA and Svea, respectively, in 1972. These ships began year-round service on the Helsinki-Stockholm route.

Passenger numbers on the Helsinki route grew rapidly, prompting the three companies to order identical ships to replace their existing vessels. MS Svea Corona and MS Wellamo were delivered in 1975, followed by MS Bore Star in December.

The winter passenger numbers were insufficient for three ships, so Bore Star was chartered to Finnlines during the winters of 1975-76 and 1976-77.

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In 1980, Bore decided to bow out of passenger traffic altogether, opting to focus solely on freight-carrying.

Their two ships were sold to Effoa, and their shares of Silja Line were split between the two other companies. This marked a significant change in the company's operations.

A large maritime strike in spring 1980 stopped ferry traffic completely in Finland and later in Sweden, prompting Effoa to terminate the Silja Cruises service.

Despite these difficulties, Silja's first real cruiseferries, Finlandia and MS Silvia Regina, entered service in 1981, leading to a 45% raise in passenger numbers.

Johnson Line purchased Rederi AB Svea in 1981, and the former Svea ships received Johnson Line's blue/yellow colours.

The good experiences with the new Helsinki ships prompted Effoa and Johnson Line to order two ships built on a similar principle for traffic on the Turku–Stockholm route.

These ships, MS Svea and MS Wellamo, were delivered in 1985 and 1986 and sported an attractive streamlined superstructure instead of the box-like superstructure of Finlandia and Silvia Regina.

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1987 was a pivotal year for Silja Line, marked by the purchase of the GTS Finnjet and the prestigious "Queen of the Baltic Sea" which joined their fleet.

Effoa and Johnson Line jointly purchased Rederi Ab Sally, a rival of Viking Line, in 1987. However, the other Viking Line partners forced them to sell their share.

The purchase of Sally proved to be important later, even though it didn't have an immediate effect on Silja Line's traffic.

In 1987, Effoa and Johnson Line also ordered new ships for the Helsinki-Stockholm route, which would become the largest ferries ever built, named MS Silja Serenade and MS Silja Symphony.

These new ships featured a 140-meter promenade-street running along the center of the ship, a unique feature at the time.

In late 1989, Wärtsilä Marine, the shipyard building Silja's new cruiseferries, went bankrupt, causing a delay in the delivery of the ships.

To ensure the delivery of their ferries, Effoa and Johnson Line purchased a part of the new Masa-Yards established to continue shipbuilding in Wärtsilä's former shipyards.

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The year 1990 saw the merger of Effoa and Johnson Line to form EffJohn, resulting in the seal's head logo replacing the individual owner company logos on the funnel.

The new MS Silja Serenade made its maiden voyage from Helsinki to Stockholm in November 1990, approximately seven months after the original planned delivery date.

MS Silja Symphony was delivered the following year, but the high cost of the new ships, coupled with the depression in the early 1990s, forced EffJohn to cut costs.

In 1992, Wasa Line and Sally Cruises were merged into Silja Line, and the ships Svea and Wellamo were modernised and renamed Silja Karneval and Silja Festival, respectively.

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Silja Line's financial troubles began in 1993 when Rederi AB Slite couldn't afford its new ship, MS Europa, so it was chartered to Silja instead.

The shipyard made this decision in 1993.

In 1994, Silja joined forces with Euroway on their Malmö–Travemünde–Lübeck route, but it proved unprofitable and was terminated in the spring.

MS Sally Albatross was grounded outside Helsinki in the spring of 1994, suffering major damage, which prompted Silja to give up traffic on her.

The Estonia sinking in September 1994 led to a significant drop in passenger numbers, further straining Silja's financial situation.

Silja Europa, Silja Symphony, and Finnjet all assisted in searching for survivors from the disaster.

In 1995, Effjohn changed its name to Silja Oy Ab.

Three years later, the name was changed again, this time to Neptun Maritime.

By 1999, Silja faced two big changes: tax-free sales ended on routes between EU countries, and Sea Containers purchased the majority of Neptun Maritime's shares.

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In 2006, Silja Line merged with Tallink to form the largest ferry operator in the Baltic Sea.

The merger allowed Silja Line to expand its route network and increase its fleet size.

Silja Line's fleet now includes several modern cruise ferries, including the Silja Symphony and the Silja Serenade.

These ships offer luxurious amenities and services to passengers.

The Silja Line's route network now spans across the Baltic Sea, connecting major ports in Finland, Estonia, and Sweden.

This expansion has made Silja Line a popular choice for travelers and cargo shippers alike.

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Traveling with Silja Line is a convenient option, with departures from Helsinki and Stockholm to Tallinn and other destinations in the Baltic Sea.

The journey takes around 2 hours, depending on the route and time of year.

Silja Line offers a range of onboard amenities, including restaurants, cafes, and shops, as well as comfortable cabins and seating areas.

Traveling with Tallink Silja Line can be a breeze, especially if you know where to start. Tallink Silja Line has departure ports in several locations.

You can depart from Tallinn, a bustling port city in Estonia, and also from Mariehamn, a charming town in the Åland Islands. Stockholm and Langnäs are other departure ports, offering easy access to Sweden and Finland.

If you're traveling to Estonia, you can depart from Muuga or Paldiski, but keep in mind that these options might not be as frequent as the ones from Tallinn. Helsinki and Turku are also departure ports, providing convenient access to Finland.

In addition to these ports, you can also depart from Kapellskär and Riga, which are great options if you're traveling to Sweden or Latvia.

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Tallink Silja operates a significant number of sailings daily and weekly on its 6 ferry routes.

You can expect multiple departures a day on the busier routes, making it easy to find a convenient time to travel. For example, the Helsinki-Tallinn route has many daily sailings, about every two or three hours, with both morning and evening options available.

The ferry company's schedule is designed to accommodate all types of travelers, with options for both day and overnight cruises. The Helsinki-Stockholm route, for instance, is an overnight cruise that leaves once a day in the late afternoon.

Here's a breakdown of the routes and their corresponding frequencies:

The ferry company's focus on providing a convenient schedule is evident in its operations, making it a great option for travelers looking for a hassle-free experience.

You can enjoy a wide range of food options, from buffet meals to cafes and restaurants, catering to different tastes.

The seating areas are designed for comfort, with options for both standard seating and upgraded seating for a more luxurious experience.

Passengers can stay connected with WiFi services provided throughout the ferry.

If you're planning a ferry trip, you'll be happy to know that some ferries offer cabins for a more comfortable journey. Tallink Silja provides cabins on multiple routes.

You can visit the deal finder for details on which routes offer cabins and what options are available.

Tallink Silja's ferries offer a wide range of amenities to enhance passengers' journey experiences.

You can enjoy various food options, including buffet meals, cafes, and restaurants serving a selection of dishes catering to different tastes.

Beverage options are also available, including bars and lounges serving refreshing drinks.

Seating areas are designed for comfort, with options for both standard seating and upgraded seating for a more luxurious experience.

Passengers can stay connected with WiFi services provided throughout the ferry.

Facilities for passengers with reduced mobility are a priority, ensuring accessibility for all.

Entertainment options abound, with activities like shopping, live music, and even spas to make the voyage enjoyable.

Special services such as duty-free shopping and childcare facilities are also available to meet passengers' needs.

On Tallink Silja Line vessels, you'll find specially equipped cabins for people with disabilities.

Pets are welcome on board, with specially designed cabins and an onboard kennel available.

However, pets are not allowed in public areas of the ferries, so be sure to keep them on a leash or in a carrier.

A pet passport is compulsory for all passengers traveling with pets, so don't forget to bring it along.

Silja Line offers special discounts for specific passenger categories, including children, infants, and large groups of travelers.

If you're traveling with kids, you'll be happy to know that children under 5 years travel for free, making it a great option for families.

To make the most of these discounts, be sure to plan your trip on Ferryhopper, where you can find all available offers and book cheap ferry tickets with Silja Line quickly and easily.

Here are the passenger categories that qualify for discounts:

Tallink Silja Line offers special discounts for specific passenger categories, including children, infants, and large groups of travelers.

Children under 5 years travel for free, making it a great option for families.

You can find all available offers and discounts by planning your trip on Ferryhopper.

Discounts for passengers under 17 years old are currently available, making it a great time to book a trip.

Tallink Silja Lines also offers discounts for infants (0-5), children (6-11), and teenagers (12-17), with the discount applied automatically on their online booking system.

Here are the current offers with Tallink Silja Line:

Tallink Silja allows pets on certain routes, including Helsinki, Mariehamn, Stockholm, Tallinn, Langnas, and Turku.

If you're planning to travel with your pet, you'll need to keep them on a leash or in a carrier at all times while on board.

Dogs and cats are permitted in designated pet-friendly cabins and areas of the ship.

Other types of pets, such as birds or reptiles, are not allowed on the ferry.

Passengers traveling with pets must adhere to these rules to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey for all.

Foot passengers are permitted on some ferries, although policies may vary depending on the route.

If you're planning to travel with Tallink Silja, you can check their deal finder to compare ticket options and prices.

Silja Line operates a fleet of 14 vessels, with some of the most advanced cruise ferries on the Baltic Sea. These ships offer a wide range of facilities for passengers, including shops, children's play areas, conference facilities, saunas, jacuzzis, and restaurants.

Some of the key vessels in the fleet include the Baltic Princess, Baltic Queen, Megastar, MyStar, Silja Serenade, Silja Symphony, and Victoria I. These ships are known for their luxurious amenities, such as restaurants, bars, shops, entertainment options, and luxurious cabins.

You can reach a variety of destinations with Silja Line, including Helsinki, Kapellskär, Langnäs, Mariehamn, Stockholm, Tallinn, Turku, and Visby. Here are the destinations you can reach with Silja Line:

Tallink Silja Line has a fleet of 14 vessels, operating routes under the Tallink Silja Line and Tallink Shuttle brands.

The company deploys some of the most advanced cruise ferries on the Baltic Sea, with a wide range of facilities for passengers, such as shops, children's play areas, conference facilities, saunas, jacuzzis, and restaurants.

Some of the key vessels in Tallink's fleet include the M/S Silja Symphony, M/S Silja Serenade, M/S Star and M/S Megastar, M/S Victoria I, and M/S Baltic Princess.

Here are some of the key ships in Tallink's fleet:

The fleet includes modern and well-equipped vessels, such as the MS Silja Serenade, built in 1990, and the MS Baltic Princess, built in 2008.

Here's a list of some of the key ships in Tallink's fleet:

The MS Baltic Princess, for example, has a gross tonnage of 48,915 GT and can carry up to 2,800 passengers.

Tallink Silja Line operates ferry services to multiple destinations across the Baltic Sea. They have a vast network of routes connecting major cities in Finland, Sweden, Estonia, and Latvia.

Tallink Silja Line's routes include Helsinki to Tallinn, a 2-hour crossing, and Tallinn to Stockholm, an overnight journey lasting about 17 hours. These routes offer a range of facilities for passengers, from staterooms to shows and restaurants.

The company deploys a fleet of 14 vessels, some of which are among the most advanced cruise ferries on the Baltic Sea. These ships feature amenities like shops, children's play areas, and saunas.

Here are some of the key routes and ports operated by Tallink Silja Line:

Tallink Silja Line depart from various ports, including Tallinn, Mariehamn, Stockholm, Langnäs, Turku, Kapellskär, Helsinki, and Visby.