Long relegated to the role of a simple means of transport, the ferry emerges today as a credible — and often seductive — alternative to traditional cruises. Sea air, landscapes inaccessible by road, a freer pace: the crossing becomes a experience in itself, a time suspended between two destinations. A quick overview of the most beautiful itineraries.
By Eric Vancleynenbreugel
While the classic cruise While remaining popular but sometimes expensive and restrictive, ferries offer a more flexible solution: shorter routes, more affordable fares, the possibility of bringing a vehicle aboard, and above all, an immediate immersion in the maritime landscape. All over the world, these crossings outline another way of traveling.
Sweden - Finland: Crossing the Baltic
On the Baltic Sea, the connection between Stockholm, Helsinki and Tallinn perfectly illustrates this evolution. The companies Viking Line and Tallink Silja offer overnight crossings that combine transport and comfort: cabins, restaurants, a sauna, shows, and more. On board, the atmosphere is often lively because Scandinavians also really know how to party. The route crosses the Stockholm archipelago, one of the largest in Europe, before sailing along the Finnish coast. Once in Helsinki, you can extend your journey by sea with a short crossing (a round trip is possible in a single day) to Tallinn, the Estonian capital.
www.vikingline.com, www.tallink.com.
Cadiz – Canaries: a ferry in the Atlantic
Departing from the south of Spain, two maritime options stand out. The first is a quick crossing to Morocco, where the European and African coasts remain visible throughout the journey. The second, even more unusual, is a 36-hour ocean voyage to the Canary Islands, with a night at sea and an arrival in Gran Canaria. Locally, a dense network of ferries connects the islands, facilitating the multi-stop itineraries. And the discovery of the eight main islands of the archipelago!
https://armastrasmediterranea.com.
Norway: spectacular coastal express and freight ferry
Originally, more than 120 years ago, «Hurtigruten» was a mailboat which connected the isolated populations of the North and the islands on a 12-day rotation. Today, that is still the case, with the ships making small and large port calls every day between Bergen and Kirkenes, near the Russian border. While it is true that Norwegians use the boat like a bus, a touristic dimension has gradually been added: comfortable cabins, restaurants, bars, and more are now featured on every ship. The stops are punctuated by excursions and of course also through the transshipment of goods.
Hurtigruten photos – Kay Fochtmann
United Kingdom - Spain: the Celtic line
The ferry connecting the UK (Plymouth and Portsmouth) to northern Spain (Santander, Bilbao) allows you to cross two nights at sea, traveling along the French Atlantic coast to the Bay of Biscay. From there, you can set off to explore Bilbao, then drive to San Sebastian (Spain's culinary capital), southern France, the Pyrenees, or even Portugal. Remember to plan your trip in advance, as there are only two crossings per week.
Brittany Ferries photos
Australia - Tasmania: Heading to the Far South
Taking the ‘Spirit of Tasmania’ from Melbourne (State of Victoria) to cross the Bass Strait and reach the island of Tasmania is a one-of-a-kind adventure. The ferry leaves Port Phillip Bay through a narrow strait, often accompanied by dolphins. You might even spot penguins, before heading south and crossing the Tasman Sea to reach Australia's only island state. The crossing takes about nine and a half hours, and you can choose between a day or night itinerary. Depending on the time of year, the sea can be a bit rough, especially in late autumn and during the southern winter.
Rome - Barcelona: The Blue Route
One of the longest direct ferry routes on the planet Connects the Italian capital to the Catalan capital. This Mediterranean crossing is operated by Grimaldi Lines and takes about 22 hours. And if, once you arrive in Barcelona, you want even more, why not take a ferry to the Balearic Islands, like Mallorca or Ibiza, and extend your trip like a multi-stop ferry cruise?
Denmark – Faroe Islands – Iceland: North Atlantic Odyssey
We leave Hirtshals, at the northern tip of Jutland, as if tearing ourselves away from the continent, then the ship glides towards the far North, between panoramic lounges, cafés facing the waves, and conversations of travelers in search of somewhere else. In the early morning, the Faroes emerge from the mist like an unreal setting, before the sea opens up again towards Iceland. The days on board set the rhythm of the adventure: northern light, sea birds, immense silence. And the arrival in the fjord of Seyðisfjörður, slow and majestic, gives the impression of having reached Iceland in the grandest possible style.
Photos Smyril Line
Washington State – Alaska: The Route of the American Fjords
This 2.5-day ferry cruise connecting Bellingham, Washington, to Skagway, Alaska, is not very different from the journey along the coast of Norway, with several stops along a 1,500 km itinerary. You can take your vehicle and, just like in Norway, get on and off as you please, keeping in mind that the trip takes place only once a week. Along the way, you will discover breathtaking landscapes, dotted with islands and mountains, and you will also enjoy a truly marine safari, with the possibility of spotting whales, sea lions, otters, dolphins, and many other wild animals.
https://dot.alaska.gov/amhs/index.shtml.
Hokkaido – Honshu: The Northern Japanese Passage
This ferry is different from the others and stands out with its hybrid approach. The Taiheiyo Ferry indeed features restaurants, a pool/jacuzzi, on the one hand karaoke room and propose shows every evening. In short, the atmosphere of a real cruise ship. There is a wide choice of cabins: first class, second class, shared family cabins, and high-end suites, in Western or Japanese style. But all with the schedules and stops typical of a ferry. This 40-hour itinerary is an excellent way to discover this island nation from another angle, while marveling at traditional Japanese entertainment and their way of traveling.
