Ferries to Helsinki

Hi all,

Coming to Tallinn on 4th March and hope to take in a day in Helsinki. Some previous postings seem to indicate that sailings are weather dependent. Is this the case, and if so what has the weather been like recently (and are there regular cancellations)?

Cheers,

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No worries - it%26#39;s the fast ferries (1½ hours) that are prone to cancellation, and they don%26#39;t run at all in the ice season, which covers your trip. It takes extremely rare conditions to cancel the hardy ships that sail in ice, so you can book anything you like with an easy mind.

Viking Line has a 2hr service, and you%26#39;ll probably find anything slower a bit boring unless you happen to fall in with a good party on the way back.

Enjoy!

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Thanks John,

Appreciate your advice. We%26#39;ll definitely be coming to Helsinki - any ideas for a warm, cosy bar with interesting locals and beers whilst we are there!?

Regards,

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There%26#39;s plenty of choice and various cost levels. Tell me your approximate age and interests and I%26#39;ll recommend a suitable hostelry. What sort of place do you frequent at home?

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We are late 40%26#39;s who try to enjoy the local culture, good food and rustic/cosy/traditional drinking places where the locals frequent and there%26#39;s a chance of trying local cuisine at reasonable prices (say €15-20 per head). Avoid uber trendy/loud modern type places.

Kind regards,

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I know just the place. Mind if I join you for a pint?

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No problem. We are planning to be in Helsinki either Friday or the Saturday, not definite yet, but will confirm once we get there, check ferry schedules and orientate ourselves in tallinn.

Cheers.

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OK. I%26#39;ll be in touch by PM. Weather%26#39;s perfect at the moment, by the way - a few degrees below freezing, sunny intervals.

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JtF, how early will the fast ferries start running again? I checked the websites but they all just seem to say %26quot;2008 season over%26quot; but doesn%26#39;t say when 2009 season will begin. Are they usually in action by late April/early May or is that too soon?

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Oh yes, they%26#39;ll be running by then for sure. The ice is thin this winter.

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Thanks JtF, that%26#39;s good news! Now that I%26#39;m going early, I hoped for a mild winter :)