Viking Gabriella ferry

MS Viking Gabriella is a Ro-Ro passenger ferry operated by the Finland-based company VIKING LINE. The vessel has a maximum capacity of 2,420 passengers and 400 cars. Launched in 1992, she currently operates on the Sweden–Finland route Stockholm-Helsinki (crossing time approximately 17 hours) via Aland (Mariehamn). During summer, the itinerary may also include Riga Latvia and Visby Gotland.

Cabins

As a cruise ferry, Viking Gabriella offers 2,402 berths. All staterooms are air-conditioned and feature en-suite bathrooms (WC, shower, washbasin), flat-screen TV, radio, and telephone. Suites and Premium cabins additionally include a hairdryer, refrigerator, double bed, and double sofa bed. The ferry company provides bed linens, towels, and toiletries. Some staterooms are wheelchair-accessible (adapted for passengers with reduced mobility). Allergy cabins are furnished with hypoallergenic materials.

Cabins cannot be shared—if two passengers are booked in a 4-bed cabin, the remaining beds cannot be assigned to other travelers.

Staff and crew cabins are located on Decks 7, 9, 10, and 11. Passenger cabins are categorized as follows:

• (Deck 2) C4 (Economy)
• (Deck 5) A4 (Seaside Standard), A4R (Seaside Standard Allergy), B4 (Inside Standard), B2P (Inside Piccolo), HA3 (Seaside Accessible), HB3 (Inside Accessible)
• (Deck 6) B4L (Inside Large), B2L (Inside Large), A4 (Seaside Standard), B4 (Inside Standard)
• (Deck 7) Suite, LXA (Seaside Premium Large), LYX (Seaside Premium), B2T (Inside Comfort Plus), B4F (Inside Comfort Family), B4 (Inside Standard), B2P (Inside Piccolo)
• (Deck 9) Suite, LXA (Seaside Premium Large), LYX (Seaside Premium), B2T (Inside Comfort Plus), B4F (Inside Comfort Family)
• (Deck 11) SUM (Junior Suite), LUX (Seaside Premium), B2X (Inside Premium)
• Family cabins are fitted with 6 beds (2+4 configuration).
• Standard cabin door width is 64 cm; Suite and accessible cabin doors are 89 cm wide.
• On overnight crossings, breakfast is included in the ferry ticket price for Suite cabins (excluding Mini-Suites). Breakfast can be served via room service or in onboard restaurants. For in-cabin dining, a room service form must be completed and submitted to the Reception (Information Desk) the evening before. For restaurant dining, Suite passengers must present their cabin key.

Seaside (oceanview) cabins have large windows, while Inside and Economy cabins have no windows. Economy cabins are located on lower decks. Suites and Premium cabins are more spacious and better equipped. Only Budget cabins do not have private bathrooms.

Suites and Seaside Premium staterooms offer additional amenities and services, including complimentary Wi-Fi, exclusive VIP lounge access, and early check-in and boarding (excluding passengers with car parking) in Stockholm. VIP lounge amenities include complimentary coffee, tea, bottled water, newspapers, and flat-screen TV with satellite channels.

All cabins are non-smoking, and in-cabin alcohol consumption is prohibited. Cabin cleaning and linen changes are completed prior to arrival in port. Staterooms remain accessible throughout the entire crossing (including during cleaning).

Baby cots (for toddlers up to 1 year old and weighing under 10 kg) and bed rails for children are available free of charge upon request.

All passengers must vacate their staterooms 30 minutes prior to arrival at the homeport.

Shipboard dining and entertainment options

As onboard facilities, Viking Gabriella offers:

• (Spa Deck 6) steam sauna, swimming pool, hot tubs, and a separate kids’ pool
• (Lobby and Shopping Deck 7) Coffee & Joy Cafe (with Internet access), Reception (Information Desk, ATM/cash machine), children’s playroom, game room (arcade machines, air hockey tables, claw machine), tax-free shop, pop-up shop, and seating lounge (Air Seats)
• (Restaurant Deck 8) Viking Buffet Restaurant, Bistrotek (wine bar), Food Garden Restaurant, No Name a la carte Restaurant, BBQ House (grill restaurant), Upstairs Pub, and casino
• (Deck 9) disco nightclub (lower level), crew accommodations, and Sun Deck (outdoor area)
• (Deck 10) Upstairs Pub, disco nightclub (upper level), and conference rooms
• (Deck 11) lounge
• (Deck 12) Navigation Bridge and Sun Deck (outdoor area)
• Top deck (Heli Deck) with a helipad used for emergency landings
• Complimentary Wi-Fi and Internet (“Viking Public” and “Public Internet”) are available in designated areas, including public spaces and cabins, but not on car decks. The connection is satellite-based and may be slower than land-based Wi-Fi, depending on weather conditions.
• Onboard tax-free shops offer a wide range of products, including perfumes, cosmetics, designer clothing and accessories, watches, sunglasses, sportswear, children’s clothing, confectionery, beverages (beer, spirits, wine), gourmet sweets, toys, electronics, and Viking Line-branded merchandise. Premium brands include Dior, Tiffany, Sensai, Hugo Boss, Marc Jacobs, Lancome, Efva Attling, Calvin Klein, Paco Rabanne, Yves Saint Laurent, Armani, Biotherm, Clinique, Clarins, Elizabeth Arden, Norr, Bjorn Axen, Bjorn Borg, and LEGO.
• Onboard entertainment is complimentary and includes themed shows with live performances by guest artists, including bands, singers, magicians, and international performers. On themed cruises, guests can enjoy international cuisine, holiday festivals, and tribute shows to renowned artists.
• All Viking Line ships feature a casino with Blackjack and Roulette tables, as well as slot machines throughout the vessel. Bingo games are also available, with schedules listed in the onboard program.
• The nightclub spans two decks and features modern lighting, a large dance floor, LED screens, and a stage for live entertainment. VIP tables (for 4 guests) are available in a dedicated area and can be reserved after departure. VIP packages include a bottle of Champagne, strawberries, 20 drink coupons, snacks, olives, and nuts.
• The a la carte restaurant serves premium breakfast, lunch, and dinner prepared with seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. The menu includes seafood, steaks, vegetarian dishes, and a children’s menu, complemented by a premium wine list.
• The casual dining restaurant offers lunch and dinner, including pizzas, pasta, steaks, burgers, fresh salads, desserts, and beverages. Children under 12 dine at half portions (half price).
• The buffet restaurant serves breakfast and a traditional Scandinavian smorgasbord with a variety of hot and cold dishes and international cuisine. Buffet pricing includes wine, beer, soft drinks, coffee, and tea; premium alcoholic beverages are extra.
• The cafe serves breakfast, lunch, snacks, and light dinners, with multiple stations offering salads, sandwiches, baked goods, hot meals, desserts, and beverages, as well as takeaway options.
• The bar and dance lounge hosts nightly entertainment, including trivia quizzes, live music, karaoke, and offers drinks and light snacks.
• The coffee shop serves specialty coffees, premium teas, and freshly baked goods, and transforms into a wine bar in the evenings, hosting tastings.

All onboard emergency instructions are displayed in staterooms, on TV screens, and at assembly (muster) stations. Life jackets are issued at these stations. In case of emergency, elevators must not be used.

Viking Line ferry and cruise deals

Viking Line cruise deals are available on the following Baltic Sea routes: Helsinki-Stockholm, Helsinki-Tallinn, Turku-Stockholm, Turku-Aland, Aland-Stockholm, and Aland-Kapellskar. These are typically 1-night/2-day cruises, including approximately 24 hours of ferry travel and (optionally) two evenings onboard with one full day at the destination port.

• Youth group travel is limited to 100 passengers per cruise (Sunday–Wednesday departures) and 40 passengers per cruise (Thursday–Saturday departures). Groups must be organized by a school or association and include an adult leader (minimum age 30) with a ratio of at least one adult per 10 participants.
• Mini cruises (without disembarkation) are not available for youth group bookings.
• The onboard Conference Center offers packages including Inside Cabin (double occupancy), buffet dinner and lunch (with beverages), breakfast, and coffee breaks with fruit. Group discounts are available. Additional conference time can be booked hourly. Packages require a minimum of 10 participants (supplements apply for smaller groups), and groups of 250+ receive additional discounts. Rates vary by route and ship and apply to roundtrip itineraries only.
• Spa packages (2 hours) include bathrobe and towel. Treatments (30–50 minutes) must be booked in advance. High-quality organic products by Comfort Zone Group (Italy) are used. Spa entry is complimentary with a 50-minute treatment. The Spa Bar offers wine, smoothies, and snacks. VIP spa rooms (with private whirlpool and sauna) are available for booking.
• Each ship has a Luggage Room (locked 30 minutes after departure and reopened 30 minutes before arrival). Storage lockers are available at the Information Desk (for a fee), as well as small storage boxes operated by prepaid cards.
• Accepted payment methods include major bank and debit cards (American Express, Diners Club, Eurocard, Mastercard, VISA, VISA Electron, Maestro) and cash (banknotes only via ATM or cashier service). Traveler’s checks are not accepted.

Pets on the ship

Guide and assistance dogs travel free of charge and are allowed throughout the ship, including lounges and restaurants.

• Pets are permitted on regular ferry crossings but not on cruise-only itineraries.
• Animals are allowed in passenger cabins (not on beds) only if the entire cabin is booked by the owner. Pets are not allowed in restaurants (except service animals).
• Dogs must be kept on a leash outside the cabin and can be walked only on the Sun Deck.
• A fee applies per pet, depending on the ship and route.
• On short crossings, animals may remain on car decks but must not be left inside vehicles. These animals travel free of charge.

Car decks

The engine room and most crew areas (cabins, mess, lounge, dining room, brig) are located on Decks 1-2. Garage decks (for cars, buses, and trucks) are Decks 3, 4, and 5. Car Deck 4 features a hydraulic platform that can be lowered to create two levels, increasing vehicle capacity.

Car decks are closed during the voyage. Access is permitted only with the Captain’s authorization. Safety procedures include:

• Passengers requiring assistance should contact the Information Desk (open 24 hours).
• Apply the handbrake, leave the vehicle in park or first gear, and switch off ignition, alarms, and electrical equipment. Gas cylinders must be turned off. Lock the vehicle.
• Take all valuables and essential items when leaving the vehicle.
• Note your vehicle’s location and deck/stairway number.
• Access to vehicle decks during the crossing is prohibited.
• Smoking is prohibited on vehicle decks, as well as in cabins and public lounges.
• Return to your vehicle only after the onboard announcement.

To reduce emissions, do not start the engine until instructed.

The shipowner Viking Line (fleet, founded in 1959 and headquartered in Mariehamn, Aland Finland) operates passenger and cargo ferry services between Sweden, Finland (via the Aland Islands), Estonia, and Poland.