Cruising with M/S Kristina Brahe is a great way to enjoy the magnificent labyrinth of islands in Lake Saimaa. The ship has 57 cabins and five cabin classes on four decks. There are 128 beds, and most of the cabins are equipped with toilet and shower facilities. A fully licensed restaurant serves delicious local dishes, and the inviting music bar completes the cruise experience. Sun decks are perfect for admiring the great lakeland view on sunny days. Ship length: 56m, Beam 10m, Draught 3.3m Max. number of passengers: 200.
The story behind the ship is unique. M/s Kristina Brahe was built to serve as an escort vessel in 1943. She is known to have crossed the Atlantic Ocean under the flag of USA during the war. The vessel was called HMS Kilchernan when she served under the Union Jack as an anti-submarine corvette on the western coast of Africa and the Gibraltar area. The ship was sold to Norway in 1948 and rebuilt to a passenger ferry. As Sunnhordland, the vessel operated as a mail steamer between Bergen and Stavanger until 1973. The ship was sold to Finland in 1971, and was named Kristina Brahe after Ristiina, her home port at the time.
The ship was turned into a cruise vessel with extra cabins and restaurant facilities. Kristina Brahe's maiden voyage took place in May, 1975. At first, the ship made short cruises to Lake Saimaa, but soon it began to cruise to Vyborg and along the coast of the Gulf of Finland. First cruises from Helsinki to Tallinn were made in 1982, and in the following year to St. Petersburg. In 1985, Kotka became the vessel's new port after the sale of its shipping company. More cabins were built and the restaurant was modernised.
Even thought the ship has been modernised in 1987, 1997 and 2005, it has restored its style and genuine materials. M/s Kristina Brahe's charm is in the atmosphere of "the good old days". Since 2003, the ship has cruised Finnish routes under the Finnish flag and with Finnish staff.
Further information:
» See Kristina Brahe's cabins and maps
» Kristina Cruises
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