Experienced traveller Ella Kanninen travels with Finnlines for the first time

Journalist and presenter Ella Kanninen is a frequent traveller for both professional and personal reasons, regularly commuting between her two home countries, Finland and Italy.

This summer, Ella experienced the Finnlines’ freight-passenger concept on the Helsinki–Travemünde route for the first time, when she travelled with her son and mother to her family’s home in Tuscany, Italy. After departing from Travemünde, the family drove an electric car through Germany towards southern Europe.

Ella is no stranger to traveling in Europe, but her other home country, Italy, is an exceptionally significant source of inspiration in many ways. In addition to her work as a journalist and presenter, she has written three books about Italy, focusing on Italian food and culture. Ella is also well known for her travel documentary series Ellan matkassa (Travel With Ella) on YLE (Finnish Broadcasting Company), in which she first followed in the footsteps of the Normans in southern Italy and then in the footsteps of the Romans in Italy, Germany, and France. Currently, she hosts the program Puoli seitsemän (Half Past Six) on YLE.

Sailing with Finnlines towards the Italian summer

We met Ella at Vuosaari Harbour, after she returned from her family’s home in Italy in early August. Ella told us about her experiences on the journey and how she ended up choosing the Finnlines’ German route.

“I’ve heard a lot of good things about Finnlines’ ships and the Helsinki–Travemünde route from friends and acquaintances. I wanted to experience for myself what it’s like to travel for many hours at sea and then drive home to Tuscany through Germany. The ferry trip takes about 30 hours, during which time you can enjoy the peace and quiet of the sea, but also spend time enjoying the ship’s services,” Ella says.

This time, three generations of the family went on the trip together. According to Ella, the experience was positive in every way:

“Our whole group enjoyed the smooth journey across the Baltic Sea and had a great time on the ship. My 14-year-old son enjoyed the sauna and jacuzzi and also worked out in the ship’s gym. We enjoyed the diverse food selection, and everything was fresh and delicious. Our cabin was spacious enough and we slept well.”

Making responsible choices when living between two countries

The discussion also touched on responsible travel and consumption habits in general. This is an important topic for Ella as well: “Our family travels a lot between our two homes, which is why we try to be mindful of our consumption habits. Three years ago, we switched to electric cars, and one of the reasons for this was specifically
responsibility.”

First time on a ferry with a car

As an experienced traveller, Ella has been on countless trips, but this time was the first time driving her own car onto a ferry. The experience was a completely new and positive experience. “Driving onto the ferry was easier than I had imagined, both in Helsinki and Travemünde. Getting on board was well organised in both ports,
with precise and clear guidance. The check-in process is designed so that there is no unnecessary waiting or queuing. We received friendly, attentive and professional service throughout the entire ferry journey.”

Accommodations were easily found even at short notice

When asked about their driving experience through Continental Europe in the summer and how they planned the trip in advance, Ella sums up: “We hadn’t booked any accommodation in advance, but we found rooms for three people quite easily. Not all of the cities we stayed in had hotels with charging stations, but we were able to charge the car in nearby parking lots or parking garages. I had looked up charging stations in advance, but I followed the route planned by the car. We also made stops off the route, so the number of charges increased due to the extra kilometres.”

Finally, we asked Ella who she would recommend Finnlines’ German route to. Her conclusion was clear:

“I would recommend the route to everyone. I don’t know why I waited so long to try the route and the ferry trip! Slow travel is also suitable for fast-paced people like me. It is possible to work on the ferry, and you can make use of all your time.”

Facts about the Helsinki–Travemünde route

• Travel time: approx. 30 hours
• Departures per week: 7
• Ships: Finnstar, Finnlady & Finnmaid

Connections from the ports

• Travemünde is part of Lübeck and offers fast motorway and railway connections to Hamburg, Berlin, and other destinations across Europe.
• Vuosaari Harbour, located in eastern Helsinki, provides fast and convenient connections by road and rail to destinations such as Tampere, Turku, Lahti, and other key cities in Southern and Central Finland.