Finnjet
later Da Vinci, later Kingdom, scrapped 2008
When entering service in 1977 Finnjet was not only the fastest but also the largest passenger ferry in service. Built by Wärtsilä shipyard in Helsinki Finnjet featured many innovations, like the vertical separation of public rooms and accommodation or the gas turbine propulsion. Until 2004 Finnjet was operated by Silja Line. In 2005 the vessel has been used for emergency housing during the hurricane Katrina relief effort in Baton Rouge, LA. An attempt by Club Cruise to convert Finnjet to a cruise ship failed, the vessel (renamed Kingdom) has been beached in Alang, India for scrapping in 2008.
More detailed information on this remarkable ship can be found on the webpage of the Finnjet Historical Society ry, www.finnjetweb.com, at Fakta om Fartyg, wikipedia or in the German book 'Kurs Finland vom Dampfer zum Finnjet' by Gert Uwe Detlefsen (ISBN 3-928473-02-9). The here presented video clips were recorded during a Travemuende-Helsinki roundtrip in February 1993. There is a fantastic documentary on Finnjet available at YouTube.
Leaving Travemünde aboard Finnjet
On deck aboard Finnjet
Arriving at Helsinki aboard Finnjet
Finnjet at the berth in Helsinki
Leaving Helsinki aboard Finnjet
Finnjet's observation lounge during stormy weather
'Stardust Lounge' aboard Finnjet
'Paradise Lounge' aboard Finnjet
Self service restaurant aboard Finnjet
'Boulevard Cafeteria' aboard Finnjet
'Adam and Eve' restaurant aboard Finnjet
