In the historic harbour of Turku, our crew welcomes you aboard. Boarding is at 7 p.m., and during the subsequent joint dinner, you'll get to know the crew members and your fellow travellers in a relaxed atmosphere. You'll soon feel at home in the cosy lounges and on the deck planks of the Eye of the Wind.
You can easily reach Turku via the city's airport or travel via Helsinki with a subsequent train or bus journey – your break begins as soon as you start travelling.
Our sailing area: through archipelagos and open sea to Helsinki
Soon after setting sail, the unique island world of the southwestern Finnish archipelago coast opens up before us. Countless small rocky islands, sandy bays and red-painted wooden houses on the shore form the backdrop for our first nautical miles. In the sheltered waters off Turku, we set sail, the scent of the sea is in the air, seabirds accompany the ship.
Further east, the landscape becomes more expansive, the shipping lanes widen – here the Baltic Sea reveals its maritime face between the tranquil coast and the open sea. The steady rolling of the ship, the rushing of the waves and the gentle creaking of the rigging are our constant companions. On deck, you have time to let your thoughts wander or to read a book from the ship's library as the vessel heads for the Gulf of Finland and the hustle and bustle of everyday life slowly disappears beyond the horizon.
Would you prefer to sail along comfortably or actively? – The choice is yours!
After a safety and sailing briefing by the ship's crew, you can actively participate in onboard operations yourself. Energetic assistance on deck is always voluntary, under expert guidance from the crew, and with great enjoyment of teamwork. Of course, you can also simply relax and watch the sailing manoeuvres and the traditional seamanship practised daily, while making yourself comfortable on deck or in the comfortable lounge.
Summer-fresh sea air is known to make you hungry – so look forward to our excellent onboard cuisine, which will surprise you every day with varied creations from the galley's recipe book.
Summer light, archipelago magic and a big city by the sea
On our way to Helsinki, we travel through one of the world's largest archipelagos. Small fishing harbours, isolated rocky islands and densely wooded shores alternate. Depending on the route and the weather, we dock in a typical archipelago harbour: time for a stroll over sun-warmed rocks, a swim in the clear Baltic Sea or a sauna visit – a piece of Finnish way of life that belongs to every summer trip.
On the islands, we'll find red wooden houses, small cafés, and perhaps a farm shop selling regional specialities: smoked fish, fresh berries or sweet cinnamon bread. Short walking trails lead to viewpoints from which we can survey the archipelago and our ship's route. With a bit of luck, we'll experience long, bright evenings, during which the sun sinks reluctantly and bathes the sea in pastel colours.
During the trip, it is expected to be possible to spend a night at anchor at sea, weather permitting. The night „at anchor“ is always a very special event of every sea voyage: weather and animal observations looking out at the evening sea surface, perhaps with a drink from the onboard bar... holiday relaxation comes all by itself now. And the subsequent breakfast "in the middle of the sea" tastes even better than in port.
Finally, Helsinki's silhouette appears on the horizon: modern architecture and historic buildings, framed by water and islands. We glide gently through the offshore archipelago, past lighthouses, villas and parks, until we reach the harbour of the Finnish capital. Helsinki combines Nordic serenity with urban life: the market hall and market square by the sea, design shops, museums, the cathedral and the fortress island of Suomenlinna await your discovery.
After disembarking, you will have the opportunity to extend your stay individually – perhaps with a stroll along the waterfront promenade, a visit to a café, or a walk through the leafy residential areas.
