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Viking Grace ferry

Viking Grace ferry cruise ship
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Cruise line
VIKING LINE (Ferries)

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Viking Grace ferry current position

The current location of Viking Grace ferry is in Baltic Sea cruising at speed of 17.7 kn (33 km/h | 20 mph) en route to FITKU-FILAN/FIMHQ-SE. The AIS position was last reported 3 minutes ago.

Current Position

Specifications of Viking Grace ferry

Year of build2013  /  Age: 13
Flag state Finland
BuilderSTX Europe (Turku, Finland)
Classcruiseferry (Ro-Pax ship)
Ferry route / homeportsStockholm-Aland (Mariehamn)-Turku
Building costEUR 240 million
Engines (power)Wartsila (30.4 MW / 40767 hp)
Speed22 kn / 41 km/h / 25 mph
Length (LOA)213 m / 699 ft
Beam (width)32 m / 105 ft
Gross Tonnage57565 gt
Passengers2800
Crew200
Cars500
Freight vehicles75
Decks12
Cabins880
Decks with cabins5
Last Refurbishment2023
OwnerVIKING LINE
OperatorVIKING LINE

Viking Grace ferry Review

Review of Viking Grace ferry

MS Viking Grace ferry is a Ro-Ro passenger vessel operated by the Finland-based company VIKING LINE. The ship has a maximum capacity of 2,800 passengers and 500 cars plus 75 trucks (trailers). The vessel was launched in 2013 and currently operates on the Sweden–Finland ferry route Stockholm-Turku (crossing time 10 hours) via Åland (Mariehamn).

Cabins

As a cruise ferry, Viking Grace has 880 cabins. All staterooms are air-conditioned and feature en suite bathrooms (WC, shower, washbasin), HDTV, radio, and phone. Suites and Premium cabins additionally offer 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 occupied by other travelers.

Staff and crew cabins are located on Decks 1 and 2. Passenger cabins are categorized as follows:

  • (Deck 5) S4 (Seaside 4), I4 (Inside 4), IP2 (Inside Piccolo 2), Driver
  • (Deck 6) SD2 (Seaside Double), ID2 (Inside Double), S4 (Seaside 4), I4 (Inside 4), IH4 (Inside HC 4), DH4 (Double HC 4), SH4 (Seaside HC 4), SF6 (Seaside Family 6), IF6 (Inside Family 6)
  • (Deck 7) SU3 (Suite Ocean), SU4 (Suite Flow), SD2 (Seaside Double), ID3 (Inside Double 3), S4 (Seaside 4), I4 (Inside 4), I2 (Inside 2), IH4 (Inside HC 4), S4R (Seaside 4 R / Allergy), I4R (Inside 4 R / Allergy), PRM (Premium)
  • (Deck 8) SU1 (Suite Romantic), SU2 (Suite Organic), SD2 (Seaside Double), ID2 (Inside Double), S4 (Seaside 4), I4 (Inside 4), I2, IH4 (Inside HC 4), IP2 (Inside Piccolo 2), PRM (Premium)
  • (Deck 9) ID2 (Inside Double), SH3 (Seaside HC 3), IP2 (Inside Piccolo 2), PRM (Premium)
  • Family cabins are fitted with 6 beds (2+4).
  • Standard cabin door width is 64 cm; suites and accessible cabins have a door width of 89 cm.
  • On overnight crossings, breakfast is included in the ticket price for Suite cabins (excluding Mini-Suites). Breakfast (for both adults and children) can be delivered via room service (in-cabin dining) or taken in onboard restaurants. For in-cabin dining, a room service order form must be completed and submitted to Reception (Information Desk) the evening before. For restaurant dining, Suite passengers must present their cabin key.

Seaside (oceanview) cabins feature large windows, while Inside and Economy cabins have no windows. Economy cabins are located on lower decks. Suites and Premium cabins are larger and better equipped. Only Budget cabins lack private bathrooms.

Suites and Seaside Premium staterooms offer additional amenities and services, including complimentary Wi-Fi, exclusive VIP lounge access, early check-in, and priority boarding (excluding passengers with cars) in Stockholm. The VIP lounge offers complimentary coffee, tea, bottled water, newspapers, and satellite TV.

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

Cot beds (for infants up to 1 year old and 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.

Viking Grace ferry ship (VIKING LINE)

Shipboard dining and entertainment options

As facilities, Viking Grace offers:

  • (Lobby Deck 9) Reception (Information Desk, ATM/cash machine), Conference Center, Teens Lounge, Game Room (arcade machines, air hockey, claw machines), Shopping World (retail shops and general store), Victoria’s Secret shop, Seating Lounge (Air Seats), Navigation Bridge
  • (Deck 10) Buffet Aurora Restaurant, Club Vogue (disco nightclub, lower level), Sweet and Salty Cafe (Internet cafe), Rockmore Bar, Retro Bar and Dancing, Children’s Playroom, Video Games Arcade, Casino, Sun Deck (outdoor area)
  • (Deck 11) A la carte Oscar Restaurant, Frank’s Casual Dining, Seamore (wine bar/champagne lounge), Wine Shop, Children’s Playroom, Club Vogue (upper level), Spa and Wellness Center (two large seaview whirlpools, saunas, steam room, herbal steam sauna, snow cavern at 2°C, massage rooms, Spa Bar, two VIP rooms with private whirlpool and sauna), Sun Deck (outdoor area)
  • (Deck 12) Sun Deck (outdoor area)
  • The helipad is located on the top deck and is used for emergency helicopter operations
  • Free Wi-Fi ("Viking Public" and "Public Internet") is available in public areas and cabins (not on car decks), with speeds dependent on satellite connectivity and weather conditions
  • Onboard tax-free shops offer perfumes, cosmetics, clothing, accessories, electronics, beverages, sweets, and branded merchandise, including premium brands such as Dior, Tiffany, Hugo Boss, Calvin Klein, Armani, and LEGO
  • Complimentary entertainment includes themed shows, live performances, and cultural events
  • The casino features Blackjack, Roulette, and slot machines; bingo is also offered on most sailings
  • The nightclub spans two decks, with live performances, DJs, and a VIP area with reserved tables and inclusive beverage packages
  • The a la carte restaurant serves premium meals prepared with seasonal and locally sourced ingredients
  • The Wine Bar offers cocktails, champagne, and wines by the glass
  • The Casual Dining restaurant serves pizzas, pasta, burgers, and more; children under 12 receive half portions
  • The Buffet restaurant offers Scandinavian and international cuisine, with beverages included (premium drinks extra)
  • The Cafe serves breakfast, snacks, and quick meals, with takeaway options
  • The Bar and Dancing lounge hosts live music, karaoke, and quizzes
  • The Coffee Shop serves specialty coffees, teas, and pastries, and transforms into a wine bar in the evening
 

All onboard emergency instructions are displayed in staterooms, on TV screens, and at muster stations. Life jackets are issued at assembly points. Elevators must not be used during emergencies.

Viking Line ferry and cruise deals

Viking Line operates Baltic Sea routes including Helsinki–Stockholm, Helsinki–Tallinn, Turku–Stockholm, Turku–Åland, Åland–Stockholm, and Åland–Kapellskär. These are typically 1-night/2-day cruises including 24-hour ferry travel and optional port stays.

  • Youth group travel is limited to 100 passengers (Sunday–Wednesday) and 40 passengers (Thursday–Saturday), with required adult supervision
  • Mini cruises (without disembarkation) are not available for youth groups
  • Conference packages include accommodation, meals, and meeting facilities, with discounts for larger groups
  • Spa packages (2 hours) include bathrobe and towel; treatments range from 30 to 50 minutes
  • Each ship has a dedicated luggage room (locked 30 minutes after departure and opened 30 minutes before arrival); additional storage lockers are available at a fee
  • Accepted payment methods include major credit/debit cards and cash (banknotes only); traveler’s checks are not accepted

Viking Grace ferry ship (VIKING LINE)

Pets on the ship

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

  • Pets are allowed on regular ferry crossings (not on cruise-only voyages)
  • Pets are permitted in cabins only if the entire cabin is booked; they are not allowed on beds or in restaurants (except service animals)
  • Dogs must be leashed outside cabins and may be walked only on the Sun Deck
  • A fee applies per pet, depending on route and vessel
  • On short crossings, pets may stay on car decks but must not remain inside vehicles

Car decks

The engine room and most crew areas (cabins, mess rooms, lounge, dining room, brig) are located on Decks 1–2. Garage decks (for cars, buses, and trucks) are Decks 3–5. Car Deck 4 has 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, place the vehicle in gear/park, switch off ignition and electrical systems, and lock the vehicle
  • Take valuables and essential luggage when leaving the vehicle
  • Note the vehicle’s location and deck number
  • Access to vehicle decks during the voyage is prohibited
  • Smoking is strictly prohibited on vehicle decks and in cabins and lounges
  • Return to the vehicle only after official announcements

To reduce emissions, engines must not be started until instructed.

ferry company VIKING LINE logo - CruiseMapper

The shipowner Viking Line (fleet, founded in 1959, headquartered in Mariehamn, Aland Finland) operates passenger and cargo services between Sweden and Finland (via Åland Islands), as well as routes to Estonia and Poland.

Photos of Viking Grace ferry

Viking Grace ferry ship related cruise news

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Viking Grace ferry Wiki

The vessel was ordered in October 2010, with construction beginning on November 28, 2011 (keel-laying). Her name was revealed on February 17, 2012. The ship was launched (floated out from drydock) on August 10, 2012, delivered to VIKING LINE on January 10, 2013, and entered service with her maiden crossing on January 13.

In January–February 2018, Viking Grace and fleetmate Amorella (both deployed on the Turku–Stockholm route) were taken out of service for extensive drydock refurbishments. In response to customer demand, the ships’ shopping areas were redesigned, with more space allocated to fashion items, wines, and champagne. Onboard restaurants were also upgraded with new furnishings, and all conference facilities were renovated.

The shipowner VIKING LINE schedules its cruise ferries for drydock approximately every two years for refurbishments, technical maintenance, and equipment upgrades.

 

Drydock refurbishment 2023

Following a 3-week drydock refurbishment in 2023 (January 20–February 10, conducted at Odense Steel Shipyard in Lindo/Odense, Denmark), the 10-year-old Viking Grace resumed service on the Turku–Stockholm route on February 12, departing from Turku.

  • Maintenance work included upgrades to the engine room, propulsion system (propellers, rudder/gear, thruster motors), and high-voltage equipment. The hull was cleaned and repainted.
  • The ship’s interior was fully refurbished, including approximately 5,000 m² (53,820 ft²) of new carpeting.
  • Cabin amenities were upgraded with new duvets, sheets, and pillows.
  • Restaurants, wellness/spa facilities, and the tax-free shop were renovated.
  • The Kids’ Playrooms were completely remodeled.
  • Old carpets were recycled at Tarkett’s factory, while cabin textiles and crew uniforms were recycled at Rester’s facility.

During the 2023 drydock, an Elogrid system was installed to reduce fuel consumption. Positioned at the tunnel thrusters’ inlets, the system reduces resistance, improving performance and lowering fuel use. The technology (developed by Elomatic) achieves approximately 3% fuel savings, reduces CO emissions by about 3 tonnes per 24 hours, and lowers noise and vibration levels.

Viking Grace ship technology

On April 12, 2018, the ferry became the world’s first passenger ship equipped with a rotor sail utilizing wind power, making her also the first hybrid vessel to combine wind propulsion with dual-fuel (diesel and gas) engines.

 

"Rotor Sail Solution" is an innovative technology developed by Norsepower Oy Ltd (Finland) over five years. It reduces fuel consumption and COx emissions by up to 900 tonnes annually, depending on wind conditions.

The cylindrical rotor sail measures 24 m (79 ft) in height and 4 m (13 ft) in diameter. The system is based on the Flettner rotor principle (patented by Anton Flettner in 1922) and utilizes the Magnus effect. The rotating cylinder accelerates airflow on one side, creating a pressure differential that generates thrust perpendicular to the wind direction, propelling the vessel forward. Unlike traditional sails, the rotor requires no furling or manual handling and operates automatically, shutting down when wind conditions are unfavorable.

Combined with dual-fuel engines, this technology makes Viking Grace one of the world’s most environmentally advanced passenger ships, with significantly reduced emissions and noise levels.

Norsepower’s wind propulsion system has also been installed on VIKING LINE’s newer vessels, further enhancing energy efficiency.

The ferry’s hydrodynamic hull is ice-strengthened (class "1A Super"), allowing operations in icy waters without icebreaker assistance.

The ship’s powerplant includes 4x Wartsila marine diesel engines (model 8L50DF, total output 30.4 MW), operating alongside LNG systems installed in 2013. Propulsion is diesel-electric (two shaft lines with fixed-pitch propellers, supported by bow and stern thrusters) and wind-assisted (via one rotor sail). The engines are dual-fuel, using both MDO (Marine Diesel Oil) and LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas). Due to the larger volume required for LNG storage, the vessel’s two vacuum-insulated Type C LNG tanks (each 200 m³ capacity, weighing 140 tonnes including 85 tonnes of LNG) are located on the open deck to optimize hull space.

Viking Grace is also the first ship equipped with the "Ocean Marine" energy recycling system developed by Climeon AB (Stockholm, Sweden). This system converts excess heat from engines and exhaust gases into emission-free electricity, with an annual capacity of approximately 700 MWh. The generated power supports onboard systems such as heating, hot water, and lighting. The system uses heat exchangers to vaporize a working fluid, which drives a turbine connected to a 100 kW generator. The vapor is then cooled, condensed, and recirculated in a closed-loop system.

Viking Grace uses an automated vacuum mooring system in her homeport Turku, enabling safer and faster docking operations while reducing fuel consumption.

In 2017, Wartsila signed an “Optimised Maintenance” agreement with VIKING LINE for the LNGPac system onboard Viking Grace. This included condition-based monitoring (tracking gas flow, temperatures, energy use, and pump pressure) and continuous remote support.

Independent tests in 2019 showed that the Norsepower rotor sail reduces LNG consumption by approximately 230–315 tonnes annually, equivalent to propulsion power savings of 207–282 kW. The same technology has also been installed on vessels such as MV Estraden (Ro-Ro cargo ship) and Maersk Pelican (crude oil tanker owned by Maersk).

Viking Grace ferry ship (VIKING LINE)

For the Viking Grace retrofit project, ALMACO Group was also contracted to install the GEM 2.0 (Galley Energy Management) system, which reduces electricity consumption in galley operations by approximately 20%.