Silja Europa

Silja Europa is a cruise ferry built at Meyer Werft in Germany and launched in January 1993. She made her maiden voyage on 14 March 1993 and carries around 3,644 guests, making her the largest ship to operate for Tallink Silja and one of the largest cruise ferries in the world. She is owned by Tallink and operated under the Silja Line brand.

Her arrival into service came about by chance. Originally ordered for Viking Line's Swedish operator Rederi AB Slite, the ship was kept by the Meyer Werft shipyard when Slite ran into economic difficulties and could no longer afford her, and she was chartered to Silja Line instead. The ship holds a notable place in maritime history. On 28 September 1994, Silja Europa was the first vessel to receive the Mayday message from the sinking ferry Estonia, and became the second vessel to arrive on scene following the tragedy. Her captain at the time, Esa Mäkelä, was appointed On-Scene Commander for the rescue operation.

Aboard, the ship holds 1,152 cabins with a total of 3,644 berths, spread across decks 5, 9, 10 and 11. All staterooms are air-conditioned, feature en-suite bathrooms, and are available as both inside and outside cabins. Silja Line was sold to Estonian shipping company Tallink in May 2006, and most of its ships, including Silja Europa, now sail in Tallink livery. The ship has served across a range of Baltic crossings over the years, continuing a long tradition of overnight ferry travel in the region.

Silja Europa suits ferry passengers seeking a large, well-appointed ship for overnight crossings in the Baltic, with plenty of cabins, dining options and onboard entertainment.

Have you already sailed aboard this historic cruise ferry? Log your Silja Europa voyage on The Cruise Globe to trace the exact route your cruise took!