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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