Viking Gabriella spent the past few weeks in a shipyard in southern Sweden and sailed home to Finland on 21 April. The fully renovated boat will now offer luxurious cruises between Helsinki and Stockholm and, in the summer, also day cruises to Tallinn.
Gabriella underwent an extensive renovation. Practically the whole restaurant world was modernised. Around 100 cabins were updated with a new fresh design, and the shopping world received new brands and a pop-up store.
The renovated, spacious Comfort cabins offer relaxing accommodation for passengers. Approximately 100 cabins received an extra-comfortable double bed and a fresh, modern colour scheme. There are also cabins for four persons with a double bed and two single beds.
- A good cabin is becoming even more important for passengers who are searching for comfort and luxury, emphasises Lauri Orpana, Viking Line's product manager. - Cruise customers want to invest in experiences, which is what we offer them. All the boats of Viking Line have undergone renovations during the past year. The most recent and extensive one was Gabriella's.
The renovation of the tax free shopping world takes into account the favourites and requests of passengers. The offering of fashion has been improved with a larger selection and new brands. The seventh deck currently has a Calvin Klein pop-up store, which will be replaced with a new surprise shop in the autumn.
Food is an important part of the marine experience. Gabriella's eight new restaurants serve both groups and single travellers. The buffet and the Food Garden, as perennial favourites, received only some surface renovation. The popular concepts were left intact. For those who want variety, there is now a modern tasting menu at the No Name restaurant; versatile seafood in the Bistrotek; burgers at the open kitchen of the Grill; and a wine bar with comfortable lounging, quality drinks and personal services at the Living Room.
Some of the restaurants, including the quiet and modern Living Room, can be reserved beforehand for groups, which can hold meetings or enjoy an aperitif there. Meeting space is also available elsewhere on the boat. The largest of them seats 180 people.
Stockholm is increasing in popularity as a travel destination. - Stockholm is now hip and in. It is much more than just the old town, enthuses Lauri Orpana. - The destination offers a versatile selection of exhibitions and evening entertainment, where groups too are sure to find a programme suitable for them. From Viking Line's terminal in the heart of Södermalm, there is only a short distance to the Fotografiska museum with the restaurant of Paul Svensson, familiar from the TV series Strömsö. Personally, I would take my group to the ABBA Museum and some nice burger bar in SoFo, Sodermalm, hints Lauri.
Want to come along? The autumn cruises and Christmas parties are booking now. In cooperation with Viking Line, SMT's experts help you to create an inspiring team day or a luxurious Christmas cruise. Ask for more information: groups@smt.fi or tel. +358 10 826 2620.