Viking Line will place larger, faster vessel in service on Kapellskär route

Viking Line is moving the M/S Rosella to the Mariehamn (Åland Islands, Finland) – Kapellskär (Sweden) route, replacing the M/S Ålandsfärjan. The vessel will begin service in late May or early June. Before this, the Rosella will undergo an extensive dry-docking, including a freshening up of its public spaces. The change of vessel on this route represents an improvement for all customer categories as well as for Åland Islands tourism, given the Rosella’s larger capacity and the improved timetable on the route.

Larger vessel with faster crossing

The M/S Rosella can accommodate 1,700 passengers and has larger, more versatile public spaces than the M/S Ålandsfärjan. Thanks to the Rosella’s higher cruising speed, crossing time can be shortened to two hours, meaning that the trip from Mariehamn to the Swedish capital, Stockholm, will take just over three hours. By virtue of its size, the Rosella will offer a calmer and more stable crossing, year round and under all weather conditions. The Rosella can accommodate 340 cars, which represents a near-doubling of car capacity.

More restaurant concepts and expanded entertainment

The Rosella is a pleasant ship that offers several different restaurant alternatives. Among the dining choices on board is a traditional Viking Buffet restaurant with a separate department that serves à la carte dishes during off season, a Sea Side Café that specializes in Scandinavian home cooking and salads and a Street Café that serves salads and sandwiches, aside from a traditional pub selection. In the Fun Club dance restaurant, passengers will be able to dance to live music. The vessel’s cruise directors, dance bands and troubadours will make sure that passengers enjoy their stay on board. Entertainment will include dance music, various theme sailings, bingo and other games and shows featuring well-known performers. For the smallest family members, various children’s activities will be organised.

Conference space and wireless Internet

The Rosella has a number of conference rooms, all equipped with modern technological aids. There is a wireless Internet connection in the conference department and in both the Sea Side Café and the Street Café.

Spacious sundeck with food and entertainment

During the summer season, passengers can sit outside on the sundeck and enjoy both good food and pleasant entertainment. Barbecue dishes will be served in the grill bar, and cruise directors and dance bands will provide entertainment.

The Rosella – familiar Viking Line vessel for many

The Rosella, which in recent years has served the Helsinki (Finland) – Tallinn (Estonia) route, is a familiar vessel to many Viking Line passengers. As recently as 2003 she made cruises from Stockholm to Mariehamn. The Rosella will provide service on the Mariehamn – Kapellskär route until Viking Line’s newbuilding, the Viking ADCC, is delivered during the summer of 2009. “The Rosella is well-preserved and in excellent shape. On behalf of the entire crew, we would like to wish all customers a heartfelt welcome aboard,” says Bosse Limnell, purser on board the Rosella.

For further information, please contact:

Nils-Erik Eklund, Managing Director and Chief Executive,
Viking Line Abp, tel +358 18 270 00.