Club Report: The Hook-up Boat

Everyone has heard of The Love Boat, the old Pacific Princess operated by Princess Cruises on the U.S. west coast that was the setting for a television show of the same name that ran from 1977 to 1986 and then well-beyond that in reruns.  Since today is Valentines Day it would seem to be timely to tell you about the "Hook-up Boat", a ship specializing in partying and thus nearly guaranteed hook-ups if that's what you're looking for!

The ship I call the "hook-up boat" is the Viking Cinderella operated by Viking Line.  Unfortunately, you'll have to travel to Stockholm, Sweden to sail her.  The ship operates 1-night cruises daily at 6pm year-round from Stockholm to Mariehamn, Åland, returning back to Stockholm the following day at 4pm. Swedes flock on board for the partying but also for duty free prices on cigarettes and liquor, items extremely expensive in their country.  Since the Åland Islands are technically not part of the EU, the ship can offer duty free pricing. Interestingly, nearly no one actually gets off in Mariehamn and it only docks there for 2 hours.

It is such a singles cruise.  Flocks of males and females come on board to get drunk and party!

The Fun Club has two live bands taking turns playing Top 40 hits, mostly songs in English you'd recognize.  The dance floor below inside the three-story club stays jammed into the wee hours!

Elsewhere onboard, Club 7EVEN is the ship's disco featuring a DJ and an all-House/Trance/Dance music format, cool lighting, fog, etc.  It's considerably smaller than the Fun Club but stays jammed too!

Since the ship does not return to its home port until 4pm the second day, people party (and whatnot) all night and still have the entire day to sleep-away (and whatnot)!  Check it out if you ever get the opportunity! Weekend sailings are more expensive than weekdays and prices include your choice of cabin-type.  Unlike U.S. cruises, prices do not include meals but you can pay extra when booking or purchase onboard. More details at Viking Line.