Eckero Line

We just took the ferry to visit Tallinn for 1 day and Eckero Line made it very convenient for us - we took 9am ferry there and 6:30 ferry back. The ship is quite large with 3 levels shops and cafes, including one karaoke and 1 with a stage and live performers sometimes. You could also go up on the deck for a nice view but we were here in December so was too cold to stay outside long. On the way there we purchased lounge tickets and it was a smart move as they have a bunch of snacks and drinks there including beer and wine. And in general plenty of quiet space to sit. I'd certainly advice to do so. On the way back we got a Christmas dinner at the restaurant which was nice but the buffet was quite expensive and wasn't too great for this price though. After dinner we just found a space to sit in a cafe. If you travel with a luggage and don't stick with a lounge there are also lockers to put the luggage and clothes in so you could walk around pretty freely. There is also a small casino on-board if you'd like to play on the machines. I did enjoy hassle free way to board the ship and 2.5 hours max travel makes this super easy.

We took the ferry from Tallinn, Estonia to Helsinki, Finland. We have limited experience with ferries, so I cannot assess the ship and/or our journey as a habitual traveler could. However, here is our experience. We arrived at the gate early and found the waiting area quite crowded. I was surprised to see inebriated passengers, who could barely walk. The next surprise was the actual boarding process, which seemed pretty chaotic. My husband, who was fascinated by the arrival of the vessel and the disembarkment of the vehicles from its bowels, stood watching it. In the meantime, we missed our opportunity to get into line early on. It was pointless to try to edge our way into the chaotic mass that was trying to all get onto the ship at once. I was quite dismayed at the brutish manner of people I expected to be more civilized. Since I am prone to seasickness, I wanted to be on the upper deck for the fresh air. I wore all my seasickness paraphernalia, and because of the chill in the air, eventually ventured downstairs to explore the ship. A supermarket, other stores, and live music was playing in a bar. It was barely noontime. Our journey was pleasant enough. My husband was happy, I enjoyed the views, and we arrived at our final destination of our itinerary without my getting sick. All good.

We couldn’t fault the experience from our trip from Helsinki to Tallin, we booked direct and had the tickets sent to our phone with no problems boarding or checking in. The crossing was just over 2hrs with the return on the Same day, not over crowded but it was midweek in November so can understand how it could get overcrowded in the summer months. Only had coffees & beer onboard which was reasonably priced, there was also entertainment on our evening return with 2 groups/ bands in different bar areas. For what we paid €12 return we couldn’t fault it.

We booked Tallinn-Helsinki trip online. We arrived 20 minutes before departure time and the gate was already closed. We got no assistance and were told we should had been there 40 minutes before departure. This was not indicated anywhere on the e-tickets but we were told that it is "written somewhere in the terms". Obviously we weren't the only ones who had not read several pages of terms in all details as there were at least 6 people who arrived minutes after us and were also declined boarding. Also, the clerk at the counter said this happens every day. Seriously?!? So, maybe there is something wrong in the way you disclose information about boarding.The ship stood there for at least 20 more minutes but they were unwilling to allow us with to board. They also rejected a refund as this was "no show" as per their terms. Yet, we were there 20 minutes before departure and they could have assisted us but it seems they don't care sbout customer satisfaction. They only oferred us to change the tickets for a ship departing in 6 and a half hours and arriving very late in Helsinki which was not an option for us and we have to buy tickets from another company. I would NOT recommend to anyone who expects proper and effective customer service.

We booked with our friends a 6-hour picnic cruise that included a buffet lunch. The price was 39 euros per person. The departure time was 15:15.

Luckily we booked a cabin for an extra 39 euros. The ship was full on return and it was not possible to find a place to sit down except in your cabin. People were sitting and lying on the floors everywhere.

The buffet experience was not to my taste. Usually, I eat only warm dishes and there were many different available but everything I took tasted not good. Even the meatballs. Nearly all had some kind of Korean and Indian flavors. When they are staying long in the buffet and not even warm anymore, the end result is horrible.

This ship has also bad timetables for a hotel trip to Tallinn. It leaves at 9:00 or 15:15. Usually, we take Viking XPRS or Silja Europa. The latter one is better. There you can find seats in the bars and restaurants because most passengers have a cabin.

9 to 9 is the most common choice for Tallinn if you take a day cruise, but a bit too long. Perhaps, more options could be nice, for examples, getting back a little earlier.

not enough trams for the ferry departure and arrival, the city of Helsinki was notified but not changed anything yet.

We wanted whole day to explore in Talinn traveling from Helsinki and this line offered a good one. We took the 9am one and returned back around 6pm. Around 15 minutes taxi ride from the Helsinki city center to port. Our onward travel was okay, but seats gets filled-up fast and need to search to find one. It was initially a boring one till a magician came and started entertaining kids. Best price compared to other lines running in the route. Our onward travel was quiet tough - too many people, not even sure whether they are only onboarding what the ship can take. Literally no seats and we got a bar stool. However could see people sitting all around the floors, staircases etc. We again took a taxi back but could see the Trams overcrowded. I am not sure if it is a problem with this ship or that day.

Nice way to hope over to see Tallinn for the day. The boats are nice, clean and spacious. It is a long ride, so get comfortable. They do have live entertainment on board such as a live band which is pretty cool.

I actually went on this back in Dec 2019. The ferry point in Helsinki is very nice, I picked up my ticket with no dramas. Remember your passport!

Although, it took ages getting to Tallinn, I felt the time spent on this day trip in Tallinn, for me was too long as I got bored in my short time there.

On the way back, tip, head back to the ferry early as it gets very crowded and busy on yhe boat back. Glad I got this tip too as it was terribly busy and people were getting rowdy and pushy on the way back onto the boat. Which was silly as it doesn't make the boat leave any faster. Guess they just wanted on the boat so they didn't need to stand?

I'm not sure! anyway, still a good mode of transport!

Leaving Helsinki at 9 am and returning at 9 pm is the best schedule for a day trip to Tallinn. It is still cheap at 15 euros for a return journey but the prices for food and drink have risen onboard. This isn't a problem for many Finns who are mainly interested in drinking and eating on the boat, not visiting another country. You can now print yourself the boarding cards at the harbour which is quicker than using the QR-code on the phone.

To celebrate my brother's birthday, we booked a picnic cruise to Tallinn. Eckerö Line's m/s Finlandia has a special private place called Captain's Lounge that was suitable for that. You can preorder drinks and snacks to be ready when you arrive.

There are two options for the picnic cruise: 09:00-14:15 or 15:15-21:00. We chose the later one. It was Friday and on the way to Tallinn, there were a lot of passengers, Estonian workers returning home.

Because of the pandemic, many public spaces were closed. From the open ones, it was impossible to find a safe place to sit down. They were so crowded.

We had luckily our own space. Outside our cabin door, there were three men sleeping on the floor of the cabin hallway. Hopefully, we didn't disturb them too much while celebrating.