Art Sindlinger: Day Trip to Tallinn - Taking the ferry from Helsinki

The ferry between Helsinki and Tallinn is no secret. It takes 2 hours each way. Runs multiple times per day. Costs about 40euro each way (basic passage, surely you can pay more for business class seating or even a private cabin). Having heard great things about both the ferry and Tallinn, I planned to spend a full day experiencing the whole shebang.

I got tickets for the 10:30 ferry over and 7:30 ferry back. This would give me ~6.5 hours of exploring in Tallinn and 4 hours of comfy Baltic cruising. First order of business was getting myself to the terminal in Helsinki. Boarding for the Tallink MyStar starts 45 minutes before departure. I didn't know what to expect, if the doors close X minutes before departure, etc. I wanted to make sure I was there on time, so rather than take the tram I opted for a Bolt ride. Saved a few minutes and gave myself peace of mind.

Everything looks nice and orderly upon arrival. Scan the QR code boarding pass and you're on your way.

Upstairs in the lounge I saw maybe 100 - 200 people already assembled. To my knowledge there are no 'boarding groups' per se (unless you're taking your car over, and then that's a whole other area). Nor are there assigned seats, unless maybe you go for one of their 'lounges'. I expected to wander / explore most of this ride so I was not particularly concerned with being the first one on the boat to claim my seat.

There is a little cafe here while you wait. If you haven't had your coffee yet then, sure, get something here. But there are literally 10+ options on the boat that will be equally pleasant or better, so no need to panic buy any kind of snack here.

Time for final pre-voyage pics and getting on the boat.

First thing you notice -- and I'm sure it's not an accident -- is the shopping. Kinda like how the first thing you see once you clear security at international airports is the duty free area, first thing you see on the ferry is the 'mall' (or, the Traveller Superstore, in their marketing language). I knew this would be part of the experience, but was still surprised to see the scale, scope, and nature of it. Like an upscale department store. With carts for those who really wanted to load up.

(Honestly, my pics don't do it justice. For a fuller effect see the pro, 360-degree images at their virtual tour.)

Next thing you'll see are the multiple and varied dining options. Everything from grab-n-go prepared sandwiches to a full table service restaurant at The Chef's Kitchen.

Grab a coffee

Grab a lot of stuff

Get your drink on

Enjoy the buffet like you're staying at a coastal 4* hotel

Splurge at the Chef's Kitchen

... or get yourself some BK

I enjoyed that crispy chicken sandwich for 5-6 euros. Got a comfy little seat with a view and an outlet to charge my phone while I chomped it down, too.

As I looped around the various levels of the vessel I took note of some seating areas that probably do merit being early to the boarding process. Like these loungy areas with nice views.

But you also have some comfortable, standard seating areas, which I'm pretty sure are fair game for anyone with a 'Star Class' ticket (aka, general admission).

Or these rear-view, windowside seats. I can imagine some tense confrontations as people scramble for the handful of these. I can also imagine that the idea of sitting there for 2 hours is better than the reality of sitting there for 2 hours.

Not sure you 'need' a private cabin for 2 hours. And honestly don't know if these were occupied. But they exist. Probably more relevant for the longer haul rides to Sweden and whatnot. (If you want to see the interiors of the cabins, I refer you again to the virtual tour.)

You can also roam about the outer area somewhat if you like the idea of some fresh air. Few spots for your selfies. Or, in my case, the obligatory flag shot. I'm a sucker for the flag shot.