Friday, October 31, 2025

Sailing Toward the Sunset: A Summer Evening Voyage Across the Gulf of Finland

A sailboat with a blue spinnaker gliding across the Gulf of Finland, Baltic Sea, at sunset
A sailboat with a blue spinnaker gliding across the Gulf of Finland, Baltic Sea, at sunset

A Golden Finnish Evening at Sea

The evening sun hovered low above the horizon, bathing the Gulf of Finland in molten gold. The sea shimmered like liquid glass, reflecting shades of rose, amber, and deep blue. Our sailboat rocked gently in the calm July breeze, her white hull slicing silently through the water. Above us, the blue spinnaker billowed proudly—our summer flag against the fading light.

It was one of those Nordic evenings that never truly end. The sun lingered stubbornly at the edge of the world, stretching time itself. We had cast off from Helsinki earlier that afternoon, bound for Tallinn. The idea had been simple: to follow the wind, chase the light, and sail into the summer night.

Under the Blue Spinnaker

When the spinnaker unfurled, it caught the wind like a secret whispered between the sea and the sky. Its deep sapphire color mirrored the Baltic waters below and the endless heavens above. The sail filled gracefully, pulling us forward with effortless strength.

The rhythm of the journey became hypnotic—waves lapping, rigging humming softly, and the occasional laughter carried away by the wind. We sat on the deck barefoot, the teak still warm from the day’s sun. A thermos of coffee and a small basket of strawberries passed between us. The scent of salt and summer berries mixed in the air—simple, perfect, and fleeting.

The Romance of the Horizon

As the Finnish coastline faded behind us, the world grew wide and open. The sea turned silver in the low light, and Tallinn appeared ahead like a faint promise—a silhouette of towers and spires waiting in the dusk.

The journey was more than a crossing; it was a quiet confession between two souls. Out there, in the hush of the open sea, every look carried meaning, and every touch felt infinite. Words seemed unnecessary. The sails spoke for us, whispering stories of freedom, trust, and love unbound.

Arrival at Twilight

When we finally reached the harbor lights of Tallinn, the first stars began to appear. The city glowed softly at the edge of the sea, its reflections rippling like candlelight on the darkening water. We lowered the spinnaker—our blue wing of the night—and let the boat drift quietly into the marina.

The day had melted into night, but the warmth of that sail remained—an eternal July memory etched into the rhythm of the sea.

Tuesday, October 28, 2025

MSC Meraviglia Departs from the Port of Helsinki – A Majestic Cruise Ship Journey Begins

 

MSC Meraviglia cruise ship departing from the Port of Helsinki.
    MSC Meraviglia cruise ship departing from the Port of Helsinki

 

Departing from the Port of Helsinki

On a calm August afternoon, under a partly cloudy Nordic sky, the MSC Meraviglia slowly departed from the Port of Helsinki, marking another grand beginning of her northern voyage. The air was filled with excitement as passengers gathered on deck, waving towards the harbor while the ship’s deep horn echoed across the Baltic Sea.

Built to impress, MSC Meraviglia is one of the most modern and elegant vessels in the MSC Cruises fleet. With a length of 315 meters and capacity for over 5,000 guests, she combines innovative design, sustainable technology, and Italian style. From the waterfront of Helsinki’s South Harbor, spectators admired the ship’s graceful lines as it glided past the islands towards the open sea.

The partly cloudy sky created a perfect scene for photographers and cruise enthusiasts. The sunlight occasionally broke through the clouds, reflecting off the white hull and glass balconies, making the Meraviglia shimmer as she passed by island of Pihlajasaari and the iconic Helsinki skyline. Many locals and tourists stopped along the piers and observation decks to capture the moment.

Departures like this have become small celebrations in the Finnish capital. Helsinki’s port is an increasingly popular stop for major cruise lines, connecting Northern Europe’s most scenic destinations — from Stockholm to Tallinn, and onwards to Copenhagen or Hamburg. The sight of a ship like the MSC Meraviglia leaving the harbor is not only a reminder of summer travel but also a symbol of connection between nations across the Baltic Sea.

For travelers onboard, this journey promises unforgettable experiences: elegant dining, world-class entertainment, and serene views of the Northern European coastline. For those watching from ashore, it is a glimpse of adventure and the timeless beauty of maritime travel.

As the ship’s lights faded into the horizon and the sound of the engines softened, the August evening settled over Helsinki. The partly cloudy sky glowed with hues of gold and blue — a fitting farewell for the MSC Meraviglia, sailing once again towards her next destination.

The photo was taken in August 2009, on a partly cloudy afternoon when MSC Meraviglia departed from Helsinki.

Have you been on board MSC Meraviglia? How was your experience? Share your story in the comments below!

Saturday, August 14, 2021

SS Stockholm sailing in the straits of Stockholm, Sweden | Summer of 2021

SS Stockholm

 

SS Stockholm sailing in the straits of Stockholm, Sweden in August 2021.

Steam Ship Stockholm

IMO number: 5193890
Call Sign: SGLD
MMSI: 265514680
Gross tonnage: 658 (before 2001)
Type of ship: Passenger Ship (during 1931)
Builder: Oskarshamns Varv
Year of build: 1931
Flag: Sweden
Port of registry: Stockholm
History: Launched 2th on Janunary 1931, delivered 28th of September 1931, in Service since 1th of November 1931.