Finncanopus by Finnlines - Modern and Stylish Ferry
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The article reviews our mini cruise on m/s Finncanopus by Finnlines, a Finnish ferry which sails between Naantali, Finland and Kapellskär, Sweden, with a stop in the Åland Islands. We were impressed by the ferry's modern design, friendly staff, and various restaurants and bars. We also enjoyed the beautiful views from the outer decks and the comfortable cabins. Please read the full story for more details about the ferry and our experience.
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A Mini Cruise on m/s Finncanopus
It was almost the summer in Finland when we boarded m/s Finncanopus by Finnlines. Finncanopus was the newest ferry sailing between Finland and Sweden. The ferry departed from Naantali, Finland to Kapellskär, Sweden via Långnäs in the Åland islands. Because we had booked a mini cruise, we did not exit in Sweden but had an immediate return.
The ferry departed from Naantali in the evening, so we spent the night and the next day onboard. The cruise took less than 24 hours together, but it was enough to get a good overview and enjoy the versatile ferry services. In this article, we describe our journey and rate the ferry.
Finnlines - Operator of Cargo and Passenger Ferries
Finnlines is a Finnish company that operates cargo ships and a few combined passenger and cargo ships. Finncanopus is one of their newest ferries.
Many Finnlines's vessels combine cargo and passenger ferries.
Finnlines was founded in 1947, but it was acquired by the Italian Grimaldi Group in 2007. Lately, Finnlines has purchased new ferries and is modernising its fleet.
M/s Finncanopus was designed in Finland but built at the CMI Jinling Yard, China. Finnlines has another similar ferry, m/s Finnsirius, sailing on the same route. The main difference is that Finnsirius departs from Naantali in the morning and Finncanopus in the evening. Otherwise, the ferries offer similar services.
Our Journey Onboard Finncanopus
We drove from Helsinki to the Port of Naantali in Western Finland in less than 2 hours. The port was easy to find with the aid of a navigator, and there was a moderately priced parking area. It is good to know that there is also a public bus route from Turku to the Port of Naantali via the Naantali centre so you can take a train to Turku and continue to the Port of Naantali by bus.
Passengers had to arrive at the port latest 1 hour before the departure. We were just on time, arriving 5 minutes to 10 pm. The modern but small terminal was almost empty because other passengers had already boarded.
The check-in on the counter was smooth, and in a few minutes, a friendly man took us from the terminal onto the ferry's car deck by a minibus. From the car deck, we took a lift to the ferry's passenger premises. The boarding process was unusual but pleasant.
There was no self check-in option in the terminal.
First Impression
The ferry looked super modern. We wanted to bring our bags to the cabin, but unfortunately, our RFID keys were not working. Since the ferry was new to us, it took a little time to find the information desk, but finally, we got our keys renewed by a friendly crew member.
Cabin
We had booked the Economy class cabin with an outside window. It had two beds, a bathroom and a small table. The cabin had wooden surfaces and LED lighting. A digital panel could control its temperature, and the cabin looked brand new and modern in every way.
There were many power sockets in the cabin.
The Economy class cabin we stayed in was just one of the cabin options onboard Finncanopus. To cater to different needs and budgets, Finncanopus offers a variety of cabin classes:
- Interior Cabins: Some of the cabin classes are available at a more economical price for those who don't mind a windowless space.
- Standard Cabins: For us, standard cabins look just like Economy cabins. Some small details are probably better.
- Comfort Cabins: Upgrading to a Comfort Cabin provides a step up in quality, offering more space and likely more comfortable bedding than the standard cabin.
- Junior Suites, Suites and LUX Cabins: Finncanopus offers luxurious Junior Suites and Suites for the ultimate comfort and space, perfect for those seeking the best travel experience.
- Family & Friends Cabins: Families and groups can find larger cabins that comfortably accommodate up to six people, providing a more relaxing and spacious environment during the journey.
As you might expect, the price increases with each upgrade in cabin class, offering a better balance between budget and comfort depending on your preferences.
All cabins have a bathroom.
We paid 110 euros for our Economy Cabin and tickets with dinner for two people, which was an excellent price for the cruise. By following Finnlines' offers, it is possible to find great deals.
In summer, we recommend travelling in a cabin with a window because the views of the Turku Archipelago are amazing.
Outer Decks
The outer decks of Finncanopus were one of the best things about the ferry. At the ship's top were open premises where it could relax under the sunshine while watching the archipelago. At the ship's rear on Deck 12, there was also an open-air bar called Under the Stars next to the inside cafe with soft and relaxing chairs. In our opinion, Finncanopus is the perfect ferry to take you in the summer.
The outer decks also included a designated play area for children and a dog relief station.
Restaurants
Like other ferries, Finncanopus offered a variety of restaurants for us and other passengers to enjoy.
The most prominent dining option was Fisherman’s Bistro at the front of the ferry on Deck 11. The name can be a little misleading since it was a combined cafe, beer garden, buffet, grill, and bar. The restaurant was spacious and stylish, with plenty of outlets to charge devices. This made it a great spot to unwind or get some work done on the laptop. However, it's important to note that the restaurant was also pricier.
Usually, we like eating breakfast buffets in ferries. This time, we enjoyed only a light breakfast in this cosy restaurant.
Micke's Wine & Dine was the ferry's à la carte restaurant. We did not try it ourselves, but it certainly looked inviting. The atmosphere seemed peaceful and elegant, and the menu boasted dishes created by a renowned Finnish chef, Henri Alén. This suggested a great choice for an onboard relaxing and upscale dining experience. The menu was inviting and surprisingly affordable since many meals were under 30 euros.
Finncanopus also had a self-service buffet with a few catering options. The buffet is perhaps travellers' favourite way to dine. The Cargo Buffet Restaurant offered an early and late breakfast. In the afternoon, they switched to Archipelago Buffet and Dinner. They offered Night Snacks at night. Unfortunately, finding out the exact serving times proved to be a challenge. For instance, we had pre-booked a dinner in the Cargo Buffet but weren't sure when we could eat. Luckily, we eventually learned that the cargo buffet started anytime after 5 pm.
Dinner in Cargo Buffet was cheaper than the Archipelago Buffet because it did not include alcoholic drinks, and the food was simpler. The food was still versatile and tasty.
Bars and Cafes
While Finnlines may advertise their ferries as primarily for transportation, we found a pleasant surprise on Deck 11: Bar Tapas offered live music, creating a peaceful and inviting atmosphere perfect for spending hours relaxing. The bar boasted an outdoor terrace, ideal for enjoying the sea breeze.
Also at the rear of the ferry on Deck 12, there was also a bar/cafe with a terrace called Under the Star. It had also a small shop attached to it.
Under the Star did not look like a typical bar but more like a stylish and relaxed cafe, making it suitable for whole families. It had plenty of natural light and an open-air terrace, too. Nex to it, there was the gym and entrance to Höyry Spa.
Duty-Free Store
Like on other ferries sailing between Finland and Sweden, passengers on Finncanopus could enjoy duty-free shopping. The ship's tax-free store was conveniently located on Deck 11.
The store offered typical tax-free products: alcoholic beverages, candies, snacks, souvenirs and some clothes. The clothing selection was somewhat more restricted than what other ferry lines, like Viking Line, offer, but the other selection was good.
Beyond the versatile product selection, the store was designed to create a pleasurable shopping experience. The layout was well-organised,d and the store did not feel crowded.
One of the minor things we liked was the availability of self-service checkouts. They were designed to be user-friendly and convenient, allowing passengers to quickly and easily pay for purchases. Additionally, traditional cashier lanes were available for those who prefer a more personal checkout experience. The staff in the store were friendly and helpful.
The prices were not the absolute lowest, but for example, we found a great deal meant for Star Club, members, Finnline's loyalty club. Signing up for the Star Club can be online in a few minutes.
Spa and Gym
Even though the ferry boasted a small and inviting spa with indoor pools, saunas, and outdoor jacuzzis, the beautiful weather kept us away from the sauna this time. The spa would have offered a relaxing atmosphere with the option to enjoy drinks, perfect for those seeking rejuvenation. The entrance fee for the spa was 30 euros plus drinks and other services.
The spa ticket included entrance to the ship's gym. It was possible to buy only the gym access with the spa.
Other Public Premises
The ferry's public premises were beautiful. The decoration was done with taste, and the premises featured tall glass windows, which made the sea views amazing. Sitting next to the windows and watching the archipelago was relaxing.
On Deck 11, a staffed info desk provided service 24 hours. The crew were able to solve all the problems we had.
On Deck 10, there was a vending machine called Grab & Sail to buy snacks, drinks and cold coffee. This is a nice service if you need something to eat at night.
Teens were not forgotten, and the ferry had a gaming room.
Good to Know
Wi-Fi
Finncaponus had free Wi-Fi on public premises and in cabins. We tried the Wi-Fi, and it worked well.
Stellar Lounge
The ferry had an exclusive area called Stellar Lounge. We tried it ourselves because there was an entrance fee of 45 euros one way.
According to Finnlines, the lounge offers breathtaking panoramic views. The access includes complimentary services. Visitors can enjoy seasonal snacks and refreshing beverages – coffee, tea, soft drinks, and a complimentary glass of wine. There is faster Wi-Fi and free luggage storage. The lounge boasts two reservable meeting rooms, perfect for small gatherings (additional charge applies).
The lounge is perfect for those who travel only in the daytime and do not want to book a cabin.
Travelling with a Car
Finncanopus is a cargo ferry with passenger premises. That is why travelling with your car is possible. If you have a mini cruise, like us, there is no point in taking a car with you.
Rating
M/s Finncanopus might be smaller than some ferries, but it makes up for it in style. It is the most modern and chic we've experienced so far. The staff was friendly and helpful, and everything we needed was on board – with excellent quality. Just be aware that reaching the Port of Naantali might be a bit trickier, and the Swedish port of Kapellskär isn't close to Stockholm. If you're looking for a comfortable and stylish mini cruise, these minor points won't affect you much.
Where to Book Ticket?
Ferryscanner is a practical website to compare ferry tickets and routes. You will also find m/s Finncanopus there. Another option is to use Finnlines' website.
How to Book a Ferry Ticket
Browsing between the offerings of various ferry operators on a single route can be daunting. Our suggestion is to use Ferryscanner for an overview of different fares available via one quick search. Remember to follow these crucial steps when booking:
- Search ferries for your intended route.
- Select the desired ferry service. Fill and double-check all booking information.
- Understand the terms for cancellation.
- Add any additional services you may require. The same service may cost more later.
- Finalize your booking using a payment card.
Head to Ferryscanner and book your sail.
Bottom Line
Our cruise on m/s Finncanopus was a pleasure. Sunny spring weather and calm sea made sailing even better. We soaked up the sun on the outer deck with drinks in hand, marvelling at the beautiful scenery. Back inside, the high-quality service impresses us. A comfortable cabin and friendly staff topped off the experience.
Finncanopus is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a cruise experience or even for one-way trips. It's especially perfect if you're travelling by car one way or another. Cruise passengers can skip bringing a car altogether, with bus access from Turku to the port of Naantali, which also has parking available.
Have you ever sailed on m/s Finncanopus? What did you enjoy the most? Let us know in the comments below!
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