Monday, February 9, 2015

Stockholm to Riga // Tallink Silja Line Isabelle Review

As I stated yesterday, Nick and I are home from a whirlwind trip to Riga! With just a short two days off for him, we knew we wanted to explore a new city, and weren't sure of the best means to do so. After some research, we decided to take a cruise trip with Tallink Silja Line on the Isabelle to Riga Latvia. All in all, it was a 40 hour trip, offering us 6 hours in the city of Riga to explore. This was the perfect weekend getaway for us, and I am sure in the future we will be using Tallink Silja for more cruises to explore new places in a short amount of time!

Tallink Silja line review
The Isabelle, our cruise ship to Riga
Our trip started around 2 PM. Through Tallink Silja, we had booked a bus to take us from Västerås to the port. This made our travels much easier, as we wouldn't have to worry about transfers on trains or parking. Once we boarded the bus, it was relaxation & vacation mode! The bus took us directly to the port, where we got our first views of the Isabelle. As I've never been on a cruise before, I was quite impressed with the size of the boat and the efficiency of the check-in process. After an attendant checked our passports, we were each handed a key card that would grant us access to our room, as well as any meals we had booked for the duration of the trip.

Tallink Silja Line review
our cabin onboard the Isabelle
Nick and I were quite pleased with our Deluxe cabin on board the Isabelle. The room included a double bed, TV, hair dryer, air conditioning, breakfast platter, private restroom with shower, and mini bar. Personally, one of the highlights of the Deluxe cabin was the complimentary champagne and chilled glasses.
stockholm to riga boat review
champagne in our cabin!
The first thing I did when entering our cabin - after grabbing a few pictures of course- was to crack a glass of champagne and check out the Stockholm harbor. As the sun was setting, it was a beautiful sight!
stockholm to riga boat review
our minibar, breakfast plate, and my champagne!
As Nick had been on the go all day, the fruit plate was perfect to have something healthy to snack on while we waited for our dinner reservation time. He had a phone call to make, so I left him with the fruit and headed to explore some of the ship! 

isabelle review
sky bar of the Isabelle
 The first place I headed to was the sky bar. As it was still light out and the sun was just beginning to set, I wanted to check out the sky bar and see the views of the harbor. I was not at all disappointed- the bar was only half full or so, and I was easily able to grab a table. Throughout the remainder of our trip, the sky bar remained one of my favorite locations- the service from the bartenders was great, the room was never too crowded or loud, and it was overall an incredibly enjoyable atmosphere. A special mention to the bartender Alfreds for his terrific service and conversations aboard the Isabelle.

tallink silja line riga review
more champagne in the sky bar!
Each night, there are also several entertainment options on board the Isabelle. When we were on board, we were able to enjoy live music in the sky bar, and a dance show in the pub. Also available is a party club that pumps the latest hits. For relaxation, I would recommend a trip to the sauna.  If you have children, there is also a kids club available. Finally, beyond the entertainment, another highlight of these cruises is the shopping! Onboard, there is duty free shopping available on clothes, perfumes, luxury goods, food, and alcoholic beverages. 

Isabelle Buffet
After a cocktail in the sky bar, Nick and I decided we were hungry already. We had reservations at the buffet at 7:30, but decided to see if we could try get in a little bit early. We arrived to the buffet around 6, and they had no problem getting us in right away. We were told that we would only have an hour to eat, but as it is a buffet this did not concern us. 

The buffet had a large selection of food, although it was definitely catered towards Baltic and Eastern European tastes. Much of the food was cold appetizers or chilled fish. While we would have liked to see a larger selection of warm dishes, those that were available were tasty, despite not being piping hot. 

tallink silja line riga review
beer from Riga
The service at the buffet was very attentive. Our server greeted us immediately and gave us drink menus. Both Nick and I tried the tap beer and decided it was not for us, so rather had a bottle of beer from Riga. Overall, I think the service of the buffet was the highlight.

on the way to Riga from Stockholm
sunset in Stockholm
Overall, Nick and I greatly enjoyed our stay on the Isabelle. In the future, we are definitely interested in doing more of the cruises offered by the Tallink & Silja Line. Ports include Stockholm, Riga, Tallinn, Helsinki, Turku, and Åland Islands, so there is definitely a destination for wherever you would like to head! Have you ever taken a cruise similar to this one, and what was your experience with it?

**disclosure: I received a complimentary or upgraded stay for this trip in exchange for this review. As always, this did not affect my review in any way, and all opinions are my own. **

27 comments:

  1. So cool, can't wait to go on a cruise myself :)

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    1. Thanks Ana! It was tons of fun- I'm (secretly!) hoping we can even do another one before we head back to the U.S.!

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  2. Awesome! Jeff is planning on visiting a friend in Helsinki at the end of the season, he may as well cruise over! Not sure how fun it would be by himself, but it wold def be a good experience.

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    1. Annessa, he should definitely look into it! If he is bringing a car you can drive the cars on as well (just a bit more expensive). We had booked a roundtrip cruise, but I have also had friends that did a one-way and then flew back- so that could be an option for him as well! Hope everything out west is going well for you and you aren't missing him too much!

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  3. Cruises are one of my favorite ways to travel! Even though you don't get much time in each place, they are so relaxing! Everything is planned for you and you hardly have to think. You just sit back and get pampered :D Beautiful pictures! Glad you enjoyed your stay! xLauren

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    1. Lauren, I definitely agree- it was so great to have just a little bit of time in Riga, and the trip was definitely relaxing. Thanks for commenting!

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  4. Grabbing a glass of champs would be the first thing I'd do as well ;) Cruises are so easy, aren't they? Very little planning to be don--I love that. Your trip looks like it was absolutely lovely! I love the picture of the sunset in Stockholm.

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    1. Looks like we are two peas in a pod then Kelley! It was definitely wonderful to not have to plan too much for this trip!

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  5. I have never been on a cruise before, but the more and more I see people’s trips when they go on them – the more I want to go! This looks like so much fun. Beautiful photos, too!

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    1. You should definitely check out doing a cruise, even a short two day one like this!

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  6. This ship sounds amazing and looks like a great time!! It can be hard to get out with schedules you squeezed a lot into your two day trip!! I love the scenery in your pictures very relaxing!

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  7. Wow. What an amazing way to explore a city. The ship sounds incredible as does the sights. I have always wanted to travel, including go on a cruise. I hope to one day. This looks amazing. Would love to one day myself head to Stockholm... Never heard of Riga before I need to go google, I'm intrigued now! Looks like a wonderful time!

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    1. Jeanine, it was such a great trip! You will have to let me know when you head to Stockholm if you need tips!

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  8. That cruise ship looks absolutely amazing! I had no idea they were so nice inside! I've never been on a cruise, but it's definitely on my bucket list!

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    1. Lauren, the cruise ship and trip to Riga made for the perfect little vacation!

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  9. What a wonderful looking vacation! My husband and I used to think we didn't want to go on a cruise. We have definitely been changing our minds of late. It's posts like these that really get our curiosity piqued. It looks like an amazing ship to set sail upon.

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    1. Thanks, Rosey! I had never thought I would really go on a cruise, but a two-day one was perfect. Who knows if I will ever do a longer one!

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  10. I love your pictures of Stockholm. I love reading your blog and seeing what adventures you are up to in Sweden. Thanks so much for the review. I love your honesty about being disappointed that there were not too many hot dishes. That made me laugh. I'll be back.

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    1. Thanks, Margarita! I've always enjoyed reviews that are honest as well. Too often people only highlight the terrific things, which can definitely be a bit misleading!

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  11. Cruising has quickly became our way of travel? Although you do visit each destination for a short time, I feel you get a crash course of each country. Also the sunset in Stockholm is gorgeous!

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    1. Like you said, Geanine, you definitely get a crash course of each country! I am excited to try out more cruises in the future.

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  12. Can I just say Samantha you look absolutely stunning in the pictures above! I would love to do a cruise from Stockholm to Riga one day, it looks like such an amazing experience. I've never actually been on a cruise but my other half has and he's been wanting to go on another. That sunset looks breathtaking, so romantic!

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    1. Thank you so much, Fiona! This was both my husband and I's first cruise, and I think a short two-day one was perfect to get our feet wet. We are excited to do more cruises in the future!

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  13. Well this looks like it was a fun relaxing and enjoyable weekend getaway. First, you are absolutely beautiful as well as the harbor. I have never been on a cruise myself either and don't know why I ever will but it really looks like it was a great weekend. Thank you for sharing your experience and beautiful photos with us!

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    1. Amanda, it was the perfect weekend getaway. Thank you so much for the wonderful compliment!

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  14. Wow! I have never tried joining a cruise but your post makes me want to join one soon!

    Your cabin looks really nice I actually thought it's a hotel room. If not for the ship photo I would really believe it's a room from a hotel! :)

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