Luxury cruises – more services, but also more control

Traveling on luxury cruises is different. Often, separate drink package, wifi and service fees are added to the price of the trip, and tips for waiters are automatically charged. Cruises visit many ports, which can make the trip hectic – you want to explore each destination, but you may only have a few hours.

It would be nice if the ship stopped at the same destination for a couple of days, so you could have time to enjoy the atmosphere of the place in peace. The appeal of a Swedish ship cruise is that you can relax on board without schedule pressure and enjoy the journey at your own pace.

Swedish ship cruise vs. luxury cruise – what is the best way to enjoy a sea voyage?

When it comes to cruises, many people dream of the sun decks and exotic port destinations of luxury cruise ships. But is bigger and more expensive always better? Swedish ship cruises offer a straightforward and relaxed way to enjoy a sea voyage – without extra adjustments and hidden costs.

Cruising on a Swedish ship is easy and carefree

Boarding a Swedish ship is simple: buy a ticket, choose a cabin and set off. No complicated additional packages, no separate wifi or drink fees – all basic services are immediately available. The cabins are comfortable and come in different price ranges, so everyone can choose the way to travel that suits them.

The ships depart from Helsinki, Turku and Naantali and take passengers either to Stockholm (Silja Line & Viking Line) or Kapellskär (Finnlines). A one-way trip takes about 10–11 hours, but if you go on a round-trip cruise, you can enjoy the sea voyage and the ship's services for about 23 hours.

What's included in the cruise?

The price of a Swedish ship cruise covers the trip and cabin, but food and drinks are paid separately. This gives you the freedom to choose whether you want to enjoy a rich buffet dinner (about €40), with wines, beers and soft drinks included in the price, or order food from the à la carte restaurants.

In the evenings, the atmosphere on board is lively: live music, dancing, casino games and relaxed socializing. You can taste classic drinks at the bar, and sometimes famous artists take to the stage. This is exactly the famous Swedish ship atmosphere – carefree enjoyment without rushing!

Luxury cruises – luxury, but at what price?

Luxury cruises take passengers to amazing destinations around the world, but unlike the Swedish ship, the price of the trip does not always include everything. Most often, drink packages, wifi and even waiter tips are added to the bill separately. This can make the trip surprisingly expensive – and sometimes even stressful, when you have to think about each additional cost separately.

In addition, luxury cruises are often intensive: the ship stops in ports for only a few hours, so the passenger has to rush to explore the destination before continuing the journey. However, wouldn’t it be nicer to spend a couple of days at the destination without constant schedule pressure?

Which one is better for you?

If you are looking for relaxation, a carefree atmosphere and easy travel, the Swedish ship offers an entertaining and affordable way to enjoy a cruise. If, on the other hand, you are ready to invest in luxury and plan your trip more carefully, a luxury cruise may be the right choice – as long as you are willing to pay the extra fees and accept the tight schedules.

What do you think? Is a relaxed, fun Swedish cruise more your thing, or does the glamour of a luxury cruise tempt you? Citynator has already tested the Swedish cruise – maybe you should jump on board too!