Vartiovene55: Experience a warship charter cruise in the safety of Finnish waters

If you’ve ever wanted to try a cruise on a warship, Vartiovene 55, or Patrol Boat 55, offers visitors the chance to experience a unique journey across the waters of Finland. Built in Turku in 1959, Vartiovene 55 served in the Finnish navy for 40 years before being decommissioned in 2005. Since then, the ship has been renovated for corporate and private charter use. While its original naval exterior and machinery still exists, Vartiovene 55 boasts comfortable, modern interiors with delicious food and an excellent sauna.

Aki Karihtala, owner of Vartiovene 55, has had the ship for over ten years via his company, Wave and Soul Cruises in Helsinki. Karihtala explains that Vartiovene 55 has played an important role in Finnish military history. “This was one of five vessels in the squadron that was responsible for mine sweeping and submarine defence in the coastal regions of the country,“ he says. The ship is a great example of the Finnish know-how in shipbuilding.

The luxurious sauna on board Vartiovene 55.

Today, experienced maritime professionals, whose goal is to offer guests an exciting, safe and comfortable expedition, operate Vartiovene 55. The ship can comfortably carry up to 58 passengers at a time. “Around 90 per cent of our clients come from domestic and international businesses,” says Karihtala. “A typical event is a five to six hour cruise. On board, we have large cabins with meeting facilities, a large sauna, a Jacuzzi, karaoke and all the water activities guests might enjoy taking part in, like paddleboards, RIB boats and swimming. We operate all year round, but in winter we offer dockside activities and don’t sail when the sea is frozen.”

Aki Karihtala, owner of Vartiovene 55.

By now, there have been numerous corporate events, Christmas parties and work conferences that have taken place on board Vartiovene 55. The ship has also acted as a meeting place for the defence forces. “It’s a natural place to hold strategic planning meetings,” confirms Karihtala. The ship has even had school groups on board. “The kids love it and find it a real thrill.”

Vartiovene 55 hosts between 100-150 events annually. Karihtala believes the incomparable setting makes Vartiovene 55 such a popular venue. “There seems to be an ongoing need for an experience like this in such an unusual and special environment. We’re different from more traditional charter-cruise providers and people find their time on board quite memorable.”

Vartiovene 55 is equipped with modern conference rooms.

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