The Birka Paradise is a popular floating resort. The waters are crowded with sea-worthy vessels, so to make planning easier, we've done all the prep work for a cruise vacation. As part of a Huffington Post Travel series on cruise ships, here is a tip sheet offering all the key information one could ever need to know about the Birka Paradise.
Destination
According to
, the
operates daily round-trip cruises from Stockholm, Sweden, to Mariehamn, Aland, a Finnish territory. These trips take 20 to 22 hours.
Traditional Cruiser
The Birka Paradise is a 580-foot-long, 92-foot-wide vessel in the style of a Caribbean luxury cruiser, according to the Maritime Reporter. It is a traditional cruiser in that it lacks car decks.
Special Features
The Birka Paradise features a covered sun deck, complete with artificial suns, according to
. Because of the far-north climate, sun decks are rare on Scandinavian cruise lines. Birka Paradise avoids this problem with a retractable glass roof, artificial palm trees and artificial suns.
Accommodations
All cabins on the Birka Paradise have two beds, a shower, TV, telephone and hair dryer, according to the official English-language website of Birka Cruises. There are options for interior cabins and cabins with sea views. The Quality option adds an in-cabin refrigerator and safe, while the Deluxe option adds a double bed, mini bar and breakfast included in the price. Highest-priced options include the Paradise Suites, which feature separate living and bedrooms, whirlpool baths and room service. The Paradise Suite Etage features two stories, two living areas and all the amenities of regular Paradise Suites.
Cost
Prices for the Birka Paradise vary greatly, depending on number of occupants in a cabin, cabin level, amenities and itinerary prices on
are listed in Swedish kroner.) Sundays through Wednesdays offer the most affordable rates, with Thursdays more expensive and Fridays and Saturdays considerably more. The least expensive options cost less than $20 (not including food), while the most expensive options reach almost $1,150 under current exchange rates. Children between the ages of 6 and 15 pay half-priced fares. Children five and under are free if they share a bed with a paying adult. The median ticket price across all options is about $92. Luxury cruises range from about $200 to $1,150. Use of pools and saunas incurs a per-hour fee.
Artificial Sun
Although the Birka Paradise does not have excursions, as it undertakes very short cruises, passengers such as those in
praise its most unusual feature, the large artificial suns hanging above the pool. This artificial sun allows the Birka to make a "sunshine guarantee" even during the Scandinavian winters.
Dining Experience
There are several dining options available to passengers aboard the Birka Paradise, according to
. There are five restaurants, in addition to 24-hour room service availability for some cruise packages. Choices include more casual a la carte dining in French and Italian styles at Le Bistro and Cafe Brazil, and a buffet with a traditional Swedish smorgasbord. Luxury dining is available at the Four Seasons.
Maiden Voyage
According to the
, the Birka Paradise undertook her maiden voyage from Stockholm to Mariehamn on Nov. 10, 2004. Its principle construction was finished the previous year under an order from owner Birka Lines, with the keel being laid on Oct. 20, 2003.
In The News
Our research revealed no notable news stories or safety concerns regarding the Birka Paradise.
In this charming, high-definition video shot by a passenger, the Birka Paradise is explored, from the cabins to the food courts to the game room to the pool to the exterior decks.
What's your favorite cruise destination?
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
It's Another Trump-Biden Showdown — And We Need Your Help
The Future Of Democracy Is At Stake
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
The 2024 election is heating up, and women's rights, health care, voting rights, and the very future of democracy are all at stake. Donald Trump will face Joe Biden in the most consequential vote of our time. And HuffPost will be there, covering every twist and turn. America's future hangs in the balance. Would you consider contributing to support our journalism and keep it free for all during this critical season?
HuffPost believes news should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay for it. We rely on readers like you to help fund our work. Any contribution you can make — even as little as $2 — goes directly toward supporting the impactful journalism that we will continue to produce this year. Thank you for being part of our story.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
It's official: Donald Trump will face Joe Biden this fall in the presidential election. As we face the most consequential presidential election of our time, HuffPost is committed to bringing you up-to-date, accurate news about the 2024 race. While other outlets have retreated behind paywalls, you can trust our news will stay free.
But we can't do it without your help. Reader funding is one of the key ways we support our newsroom. Would you consider making a donation to help fund our news during this critical time? Your contributions are vital to supporting a free press.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you'll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Already contributed? Log in to hide these messages.
