A cruise is a popular and easy way for families to enjoy the autumn half-term break. During the holiday weeks, the entertainment programme on Viking Line ships has been tailored to delight cruise passengers of all ages. Guests can look forward to performances by leading artists and the Starstruck influencer show featuring social media stars. For the first time, travellers on the Turku route will also experience three weeks of spooky Halloween fun on board.

Autumn half-term holidays take place across Finland during weeks 42 and 43. The holiday period clearly boosts passenger traffic on all Viking Line routes.

“Autumn half-term is a very important season for us between the summer holidays and the Christmas party season, and our ships are filled especially with families. Compared with last year, bookings for this autumn are slightly higher. When so many families are travelling, we want there to be more happening on board than usual. We have designed the programme with school-age children and teenagers particularly in mind,” says Minna Tuorila, Commercial Director at Viking Line.

Families appreciate the togetherness and convenience that a cruise offers. At the same time, there is plenty of choice both on board and at the destination.

“Life on board makes it easy to spend time together. Everything is close at hand, and there is no need to plan every detail of the day. Whether you want to enjoy a meal, do some shopping or attend a top-class concert, everything is just moments away, unlike ashore. Even on a Stockholm cruise, there is no need to rush off the ship. During the day, guests can enjoy the facilities in the spa area, for example. If there are services you would like to enjoy, they can be booked in advance.”

No fewer than three KUUMAA concerts on Viking Grace

The line-up on the ships during the autumn holiday weeks is exceptionally impressive. The hugely popular Finnish band Kuumaa will perform on board Viking Grace from 15 to 17 October. When the first KUUMAA cruise sold out in a single day, Viking Line booked the band for two additional cruises. Other star performers appearing on Viking Grace during the holiday period include Minttu, Isaac Sene, Hugo and Costi.

Passengers on the Helsinki–Stockholm route can also enjoy performances by some of Finland’s biggest artists, including Mirella, Pete Parkkonen, Mikael Gabriel and Minttu.

The Starstruck influencer show will entertain young travellers on the Stockholm route from both Helsinki and Turku. During the show, Nettaeleonoora, Leevi Lehtonen and Suhamatti invite the audience to take part in challenges and a dance workshop.

Halloweeks takes over the Turku route vessels for three weeks

The Turku route vessels Viking Grace and Viking Glory will be transformed into a Halloween wonderland for three weeks from the start of the autumn holiday season.

During the daytime, children can enjoy activities including a Halloween disco, face painting and games. Adults can put their skills to the test in themed karaoke sessions and quizzes.

On board Viking Glory, StepUp Crew will perform their new show, Twisted Carnival, taking audiences into a bizarre and mysterious carnival world. The Halloweeks concept is available exclusively on the Turku route vessels.

Tallinn beckons for a mini-break

Passengers can travel from Helsinki to Tallinn with Viking Line twice daily and three times on Fridays. Visitors arriving from further afield can spend the day in Helsinki, board Viking XPRS in the evening and stay overnight on board while the ship is docked in Tallinn. By 6.30 am, they can continue their journey or head into the city for a full day of sightseeing and activities.

“An overnight stay on board gives city-break travellers even more time to enjoy their destination. Another option is to book a Tallinn hotel package. Even a single night in a hotel can make the trip feel like a proper holiday,” says Minna Tuorila.

On Viking XPRS autumn holiday departures, guests can enjoy performances by magician Kim Wist. Family-friendly attractions in Tallinn include the PROTO Invention Factory and the Estonian Maritime Museum, both located close to the harbour. A day trip also leaves plenty of time for visits to spas, beauty salons, art museums or even daytime opera and ballet performances.