Thursday 1 March 2012

Silja Symphony


A trip to Stockholm and back on the Silja Symphony of Silja Line - quite possibly the world's greatest cruise ferry of all time. We begin in Central Helsinki with a visit to Stockmann's Academic Bookshop - probably the finest bookshop in the world and housed in a superb building purpose-designed by Alvar Aalto. There, I was delighted to find a range of superior books about ships for sale:




But just look at the price they're charging for 'The Ferry: A Drive-Through History':


The atrium in Stockmann's Academic Bookshop:


Me and some national romantic architectural sculptures:


Art Deco shop facade:


Former Enso-Gutzeit headquarters building, again by Alvar Aalto:



A large crowd waiting to board Silja Symphony in the Olympia Terminal in Helsinki:



The ferry's internal promenade, empty and awaiting the onslaught of saturday night passengers:


Lift lobby:


The cabin:



Crowds embarking:


Empty Maxim Restaurant, subsequently where I had dinner:


Oriental Cafe:


Shopping trolleys at the taxfree supermarket:



Warp-around teak promenade deck with lovely detailing:


Empty Atlantis Palace Lounge:




String quartet on the promenade:


Speciality restaurants on the promenade:




Me with Moomin characters; Silja Symphony is a very 'family friendly' ship:



View from the topmost outside passenger deck:




We set sail for Stockholm:






Passing Tallink's Superstar off Helsinki:






By the time that photo session was over, I had lost all feeling in my hands and feet and so it was time for a brand new cultural experience for me - the sauna. This proved to be exceedingly pleasant and relaxing and effectively succeeded in warming me up again.


The Cocktail Bar, overlooking the bow:


Dinner time in the Maxim Restaurant:


Beef followed by Arctic char - mmmmm!






The Silja Symphony's spa, after closing to the public for the evening:



The new nightclub, at the base of the funnel:




Snow shower on deck:


The Atlantis Palace show lounge in full swing:


Also swinging in the nightclub:


On our waythrough the Swedish archipelago the next morning:




Passing Silja Europa and Isabella:





Breakfast porridge:



Victoria I and silja Festival follow us into Stockholm:




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