Silja Serenade, the ferry operating between Helsinki and Stockholm, sailed to the Rauma Shipyard for two weeks on 9 November 2015. Several modifications visible to passengers will be carried out on the ship in connection with the technical dry docking that is part of its maintenance programme. The previous round of extensive renovation work on Silja Serenade took place in early 2014.
As with its sister vessel Silja Symphony in the previous round of renovation work, the children’s playground Silja Land will be moved to the bow area of deck five. This change, carried out as a response to the wishes of families with young children, will elevate the cruising experience of young passengers to a totally new level. In addition, interesting changes to cabins will be implemented for families with children during December.
Designed by architect Heikki Mattila, the new Silja Land will have 290 m² space to play; based on the children’s own ideas, it will have a climbing tree, painting wall, playhouse and a Lego workshop, as well as a separate PlayStation gaming area, without forgetting the ever-popular ball pool! In addition Spice Ice will open an ice cream bar with a sitting area.
Coffee & Co., a new type of cafeteria also designed by Mattila, will open on the Promenade, deck 7, in place of the former Silja Land. It will serve fresh, high-quality coffee as well as refreshing drinks and delicious baked products. A unique brand clothes store will open next to the cafeteria. In addition, the cafeteria-restaurant Mundo will be totally reformed, including its new name Fast Lane. There you can have a luscious hamburger prepared by the chef on the spot or a fresh salad, for example. The Fast Lane restaurant will also provide high-quality late night dishes.
Luxury for DeLuxe cabins and the conference lobby
All 60 DeLuxe cabins will be renovated, and new textiles and furniture will bring about a change of atmosphere. “The new appearance is graphic, maritime, even surprising. The wall-to-wall carpet will be replaced with dark vinyl boards. Unique graphics, custom-designed for the ship, will be decorating the walls. Since the stylish interior has a light appearance, the cabins will also have an ample sense of space,” says interior architect Marjut Nousiainen who designed the DeLuxe cabins. The basic furnishings of DeLuxe cabins include a double bed, flat-screen TV and fridge with refreshments, and all bookings for these cabins also include a diverse premium breakfast.
During the two-week dry docking operation, the lobby of the conference facilities on deck 6 will get a fresh appearance, also designed by Nousiainen. “The space is designed to be easily convertible for different types of events and conferences. Lighting and spacious feeling were the main criteria in its design, and the blue floor will capture people’s attention. Different atmospheres can be created in the otherwise white surroundings using modern and surprising lighting solutions.” The conference lobby also has a bar which serves as an “after work” facility.
The renovated Silja Serenade will return to traffic on 23 November 2015. She will then have the updated image of a smiling seal on its funnel, just like in the Silja Line logo. Silja Symphony, the sister vessel of Silja Serenade, will undergo refit work in January 2016.
Charity sale on 22 November
Items removed from Silja Serenade in connection with the renovation work will be sold in the Olympia terminal on 22 November 2015 from noon to 3 p.m. Lamps, pictures, decorative items and plates will be for sale. The profit of the event will be donated to Lastenklinikoiden kummit ry
(The Association of Friends of the University Children’s Hospitals).
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