Ferry Review: M/S Victoria I by Tallink
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In July, we had the pleasure of having a cruise from Helsinki, Finland to Visby, Sweden onboard Tallink's m/s Victoria I. In this article, we share our experiences with the ferry's services, rate the ferry and give useful tips to travellers planning to sail with the same vessel. While the ferry was not the most comfortable one, we still had a nice journey. Read more from our ferry review.
Covered in the Article
M/S Victoria I
Tallink's m/s Victoria I is a ferry constructed in 2003 at the Rauma shipyard in Finland. It can transport wheeled cargo and up to 2,500 passengers.
Sailing a long time on the Tallinn-Stockholm route, Victoria I was relocated to Helsinki this year. It now operates daily cruises to Tallinn and occasional special trips to other destinations. We experienced one of these in July, enjoying time in Visby, Gotland, and staying two nights on the ferry.
Our Cruise on m/s Victoria
While Visby was a captivating city that we wholeheartedly can recommend, this article focuses on the m/s Victoria I ferry and its services. Drawing on our travel experience, we provide a rating of the ferry and share practical tips for passengers who plan to sail onboard this lady.
First Impression
M/S Victoria I is a modern but traditional ferry. We've experienced a few times the thrill of boarding a brand-new ferry, such as our recent journey on the m/s Finncanopus or m/s MyStar last year. Unfortunately, our introduction to the m/s Victoria I was not at the same level.
Immediately upon boarding, the ferry's age was evident. While the premises were clean, the ambience lacked the luxury. The crowded conditions intensified this impression. The ferry feels nicer when the evenings get darker, there is nice LED lighting and fewer travellers onboard.
Cabin
We had booked a Class A cabin, about an eight-square-meter room with an en-suite bathroom. While it was smaller than typical hotel rooms, it was better than the windowless Class B and C cabins, which are usually also in less desirable locations. Victoria had also suites but they represent a minority of accommodations.
Our cabin itself was pleasant but showed signs of wear. Suboptimal cleaning left remnants from previous occupants, though this minor inconvenience was understandable given the ferry's tight cleaning schedule.
However, a significant issue arose: incessant vibration and noise emanating from the cabin walls and bathroom door. The cabin's location above the ferry's engines generated a constant, disruptive hum, unlike anything we've encountered on previous cruises. Because of requesting a cabin change from the unhelpful and dismissive information desk, no resolution was offered.
Avoid cabins in the stern of m/s Victoria I to minimize vibration.
Basic Services
Victoria I offered a 24-hour information desk, which is a valuable resource for passengers seeking assistance throughout the journey. This small service is one of the most important on any cruise.
The ship's conference centre had been transformed into a summer information centre, providing details about the destinations. This seemed a practical decision as the summer season typically sees fewer business travellers requiring meeting rooms.
A reliable Wi-Fi connection was available throughout the ferry, including cabins. This is a notable feature as not all ferries offer such consistent Wi-Fi service, making the m/s Victoria I stand out in this regard.
Almost all amenities and services were concentrated on two decks, while the remaining decks accommodated cargo and passenger cabins.
In addition, the ferry offered other essential services such as information, luggage storage, safety deposit boxes, soft drink vending machines, and smooth embarkation procedures.
Restaurants
Dining is a crucial aspect of the cruise experience, and passengers often prioritise onboard culinary options. Due to elevated summer prices, we opted to minimise our restaurant spending, limiting our onboard meals to breakfast buffets.
The ferry boasted a variety of dining choices. A fast-food outlet Fast Food 25h on Deck 6 provided the most affordable option. For a more leisurely atmosphere, guests could choose between the à la carte restaurant The Chef's Kitchen or the grill Grill House, both located also on Deck 6. A small café Coffee & Co. catered to those seeking lighter fare and refreshments.
The Grande Buffet on Deck 6 was the largest dining venue, offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This all-you-can-eat option included salads, beverages, hot dishes, and desserts. While the buffet is ideal for satisfying hunger, the bustling atmosphere may not suit those seeking a romantic dining experience.
Entertainment
Beyond dining, entertainment is a key component of a cruise experience. Victoria I offered a vibrant nightlife scene centred around the Starlight nightclub at the ship's stern. This 2-deck spacious venue on Decks 6 and 7 featured a stage, multiple bars, and complimentary entertainment suitable for all ages. We felt that the evening program was more suitable for children than adults.
For those seeking for more active atmosphere, a disco was also available, operating during the late evening hours.
Outer Decks
Like other ferries, m/s Victoria I boasted outdoor decks. However, due to its design for mild Nordic climates, these spaces are relatively compact. Still, if you are sailing in the summer, we recommend enjoying your cruise experience outside always when it's sunny.
The ship’s rear areas of Deck 9 housed a sundeck bar completed with seating. The bar provided good views of the sea shielded from the wind. Passengers could also stroll along the ferry’s side on open-air walkways. Beyond these areas, there were no dedicated outdoor spaces.
Shopping
Victoria I featured a large duty-free shop offering a standard selection of spirits, beverages, sweets, souvenirs, and similar items. Additionally, a separate Fashion & Perfume store was available for passengers. The prices were not anymore as cheap as they used to be but the stores were still good places to buy simple souvenirs. Be informed that you should not drink onboard alcoholic products that you have bought from the stores but you should buy them from the ship's bars.
All big ferries sailing from Helsinki have similar tax-free stores.
Sauna
Even the most luxurious cruise ferries do not always offer the Finnish speciality: a sauna. As a Finnish ferry, Victoria is naturally an exception, featuring a small sauna department.
In the sauna department, you can unwind and rejuvenate. It is possible to relax in the traditional sauna or pamper in the steam sauna before taking a refreshing dip in the bubble pool.
Where to Book?
We recommend booking ferry tickets on Ferryscanner. This practical platform not only compares prices but it clearly shows information about different ferry companies with a single search. Booking tickets is fast and simple.
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Rating
We rate m/s Victoria I only as a 3-star ferry. While the vessel was modern, it showed signs of wear and tear. The ferry provided standard amenities with good quality. However, there's much potential for enhancing overall comfort, particularly in the cabins.
How to Book a Ferry Ticket
Browsing between the offerings of various ferry operators on a single route can be a daunting task. 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 to Visby with m/s Victoria I was pleasant. The ferry took us safely to the destination and back. Victoria itself was comfortable but the cabin was a disappointment. We would never have expected such a noisy cabin and the crew was unable to do anything to fix it.
We recommend a cruise in Victoria if you get a good deal. If you are looking for the best quality, you should stick to newer ferries, like MyStar or Finncanopus. When booking a cruise for Victoria, it is important to avoid the cabins at the stern of the ship because they seem to be noisy. Despite this drawback, we are sure that you will find many nice things on board too.
Have you sailed on Victoria I? Did you like it? Comment below.
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