The Cruise Vessel “Birka Paradise” was
delivered in November 2004 for Birka
Line Abp from the Rauma yard of Aker
Finnyards, part of Aker Yards.The vessel
worth EUR 155 million gave the yard
1,200 men years of work.
he contract for building the vessel was signed on 19 November
2002, the keel was laid on 20
October 2003 and the launching took place on 16 April 2004.The cruises between Stockholm and Mariehamn
started on the 10th of November 2004.
Birka Paradise is a full-blooded cruise
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34 SEATEC 2005
vessel without car decks.The concept is the
pattern of a Caribbean luxury cruiser. As
the climate in the Baltic is not the right one
for that throughout the year, the environment has been created: The glass covered
sun deck of Birka Paradise offers tropical
warmth under an artificial sun, which has
the nature of the original, only the UV radiation is decreased, ca. 90 per cent of the
UV rays have been filtered away. In the summer time when the weather is sunny the
glass roof can be opened.
“This newbuilding is an excellent example of our skill and expertise to build
demanding cruise vessels for demanding
markets” said Jyrki Heinimaa, President of
Aker Finnyards.
The exotic atmosphere refers to the
Southern latitudes: the sun deck is even
called Paradise Beach. There are exclusive
pool & spa compartments, bars and restaurants in the close vicinity.
There is an exotic touch also in the
nine restaurants, several bars and two night
clubs with dancing floors. On the sixth deck
you will find the Havanna Cigar Club, on
the fifth Cafè Brazil and Club Copacabana.
There is also a large conference area
for 400 people, a shopping centre, etc.
Birka Paradise is 177 m long and
28 m wide comprising eleven decks, five
of which are dedicated to passenger accommodation: there are cabins and suites
for in all 1,800 passengers. The vessel
Photo Aker Finnyards
Birka Paradise is a full-blooded
cruise vessel without car decks