The phrase "Baltic Elegance" is not an oxymoron, certainly not to discerning travelers who know how elegant the Swedescan be and just how scenic the Baltic is along its coastline and islands. To journey here is always a pleasure, but when faresare reduced 15% to 39%, as the Silja Line has done for trips between August 12 and next May, taking the trip is practicallyan obligation.
Though the rate discount applies from now through May 31, 2003, special decor, cuisine and entertainment highlight theautumn "Escape in Elegance" promotion on cruises from September 2 through November 21, on four ships crossing daily fromStockholm to either Helsinki or Turku, the charming former Finnish capital.
The more luxurious of the line's ships, the Silja Serenade and the Silja Symphony, ply the Stockholm-Helsinki route, sailing in the late afternoon on overnight cruises arriving into port the next morning. Cabins in eitherdirection range from $90 to $162 per person double for those in the Promenade and Seaside classes, 15% to 25% below lastyear's rates. Top fares apply on Friday, naturally, when the numbers of weekend travelers swell.
Along with the "Escape with Elegance" theme, both ships will be serving up the flavors of the Mediterranean, featuringspicy Catalonian, Spanish and Tuscan dishes. There will also be floorshows aboard with Finnish entertainers on the Europa and Swedish on the Festival.
The Silja Europa and the Silja Festival are less expensive and take a more scenic route, crossing theBaltic between Stockholm and Turku. These two ships depart in the morning and evening and sail through the thousand-islandarchipelago between the two countries. Seaside-class cabins run $41 per person on day cruises and $50 to $74 per person onovernight sailings, a reduction of 15% on day trips and 27% to 39% on night sailings. The rates are highest on weekends,again.
Meals cost extra, sample prices for breakfast is right around $6, and a buffet dinner goes for around $20. You can planon saving a little more you're your meals as tipping is not expected.
Contact Silja Line for additional information, brochures and bookings through their U.S. agency, Norwegian CoastalVoyages, at 800/323-7436 or 212/319-1300, Web site www.coastalvoyage.com.