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There’s so much to discover in Helsinki, the “daughter of the Baltic” —  and the best way to do it is from the water on a Northern Europe cruise with Holland America Line. Finland’s capital is guarded by Suomenlinna, a UNESCO-designated fortress that straddles a series of bridge-linked islets. You can pedal along the waterfront to Sibelius Park, visit the unique Temppeliaukio Rock Church, taste reindeer sausage in the restored market hall, or head out to the quaint wooden town of Porvoo. 

Mariehamn, Aland, Finland

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Finland Cruises & Tours

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• Ponant  - is   the benchmark for a new style of luxury cruises. The 184 guest  Le Champlain  sails to   Helsinki,   located on a peninsula surrounded by almost 300 islands. The vibrant capital of Finland charms you with its Art Nouveau architecture.
• Sea Cloud Cruises  -  has always preserved windjammers, where the beat of the wind and waves determines the rhythm and direction of life on board. Sail Finland on the Baltic Sea aboard  Sea Cloud Spirit . 
• Quark Expeditions   - has an Arctic adventure that begins in Helsinki, renowned for its extraordinary architecture. From Helsinki, join your fellow passengers on the charter flight to Murmansk, Russia, where you’ll embark on your voyage to the North Pole and get acquainted with  50 Years of Victory , a nuclear icebreaker.

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Cruise to Helsinki, Finland

Helsinki shore excursions, amazing experiences coming soon., sorry, there are no excursions for this port at this moment., things to do in helsinki.

Back in Time

A grass covered building in Suomenlinna Fortress in Helsinki, Finland

Take the ferry 15 minutes to the fortress of Suomenlinna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Finland's most popular sights. Visit the museums, bunkers and fortress walls, built by the Swedes in the 18th century. Then, enjoy a picnic and hike along the cluster of car-free islands that are all connected by walking bridges.

Innovative Designs

View of the front of the Finish Design Museum in Helsinki, Finland

The Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art in the city center, with its quirky metallic design by Steven Holl, is a symbol of Helsinki's modernization. Inside is an eclectic collection of Finnish and international contemporary art. There are excellent facilities for kids and a popular glass-sided cafe and terrace. Check out more of Helsinki's aesthetic history at the Finnish Design Museum.

Sweat It Out

Saunas are immensely popular in Finland — the nation claims to have about 3.5 million of them. In Helsinki, you can go to Kotiharjun, the city's only original public wood-fired sauna, dating from 1928. Cruise to Finland and try Loyly Sauna, a traditional smoke sauna set in a charming art deco complex.

Local Cuisine

Helsinki has a wide choice of restaurants, from chic Michelin-starred spots to creative bistros and even food trucks. Fresh, seasonal and locally sourced ingredients are the norm here. Famous Finnish dishes you should try during your Finland cruise include salmon stew, forest mushrooms, and reindeer. Smorgasbord is a popular buffet, with hot and cold dishes featuring plenty of seafood. Enjoy a piece of lingonberry pie or some cloudberries for dessert.

Helsinki is a design mecca. Head to the Stockmann department store in the art nouveau building at Esplanade Park, and stop by Finnish designers like Markimekko, Iittala and Artek. Head to the Helsinki Design District or Toriquarters for unique pieces of clothing, design objects, art, antiques, books and homeware.

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Cruises to Helsinki, Finland

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Helsinki feels like a mix of colorful St. Petersburg, Russia with sleek, Scandinavian design. On a Scandinavian cruise , perhaps there’s no city more enigmatic than Helsinki, with its cultural Baltic warmth and deeply cold Finnish winters. As the capital of Finland, Helsinki holds up as an art and culture hub thanks to museums like the Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma, the Design Museum, or the National Museum of Finland. Many Finnish citizens go to the sauna several times a week, and if it’s rejuvenation you’re after, spas like Kotiharjun Sauna or Löyly are a must-try experience.

Helsinki packs in fun for all ages, like at the local amusement part Linnanmaki, or the zoo at Korkeasaari. The Baltic Sea is well within reach on multiple sides of the archipelago, making it easy to dip into the water at Hietaniemi Beach or just feel a sea breeze on your face on a summer evening as you enjoy dinner on the waterfront. Before you go, check out the concert schedule at the Musiikkitalo, a music center that often features classical performances that will amaze you. When it comes to cruises to Helsinki, you’ll have to make up your own mind about this quirky city.

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Top sights & attractions for cruises to helsinki, suomenlinna.

Built in the 18th century, the island fortress of Suomenlinna is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes some fun things to do like museums, a brewery, restaurants, and walking trails. More than just an old fort, Suomenlinna is a short ferry ride away and a great spot for a picnic while stopped on your Helsinki cruise.

Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma

Beautifully and unexpectedly designed—because what else would you come to expect in Helsinki?—the Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma is a must-see during your time in the city if you like contemporary art and risk-taking design. Hundreds of thousands of visitors flock to it every year to see works by over 8,000 contemporary artists.

Design Museum

Because Finnish design is so recognizable all over the world, it makes sense that Helsinki would pay a stunning tribute to the role of design in Finland and other parts of the world at the Design Museum. It’s a primer on Finnish culture and a great way to dip your toes into truly beautiful international design, even if you know nothing about it.

Sibelius Park

This urban park and monument to Finnish composer Jean Sibelius offers a peaceful retreat from the noise and activity of the city. Built in the 1960s, the monument was meant to reflect a musicality through its pipe shapes. Walk for a while, sit on one of the benches, and take a moment of quiet here.

Learn More About Helsinki Shore Excursions

Top things to do in helsinki, tour helsinki cathedral.

The Helsinki Cathedral is hard to miss. It commands attention due to its massive size and white, neoclassical architecture. The cathedral looks down over Helsinki with a calm and watchful eye. Head inside for a tour, and you may be surprised to find that the interior is far more reverent and minimal than the opulent exterior.

Shop at Market Square

Helsinki’s best-known shopping experience is Market Square, which has been open and operating for over 100 years now. More than just sellers with booths, there are stores selling souvenirs and handmade Finnish goods, and restaurants preparing regional delicacies like salmon soup and cabbage rolls.

Play at Hietaniemi Beach

Hietaniemi Beach is one of the most popular in all of Helsinki and is commonly crowded in the summertime. Play a round of beach volleyball, then take a dip in the water to cool off.

Top Food and Drink Spots Near the Helsinki Cruise Port

Gastro Cafe Kallio

Address: Fleminginkatu 7, 00530 Helsinki, Finland

At the laid-back Gastro Cafe, coffee is a staple on the menu. You’ll also find regional Finnish delicacies, including cooked snail, baked fish, and a rotating, seasonal menu.

Helsinki Coffee Roastery Coffee Bar

Address: Päijänteentie 29, 00510 Helsinki, Finland

Coffee is taken very seriously in Finland, and the locals often structure their day around coffee breaks. What’s unique about Helsinki Coffee Roastery is that there’s no salesperson in between the roaster and roastery when buying coffee. Grab a hot cup of coffee and a book and settle in.

Address: Pohjoisesplanadi 5, 00170 Helsinki, Finland

For a truly upscale dining experience in Helsinki, make a reservation at Olo, a Michelin-starred Finnish restaurant where the multi-course menu takes a minimum of two hours for the experience to fully unfold. The menu changes seasonally.

Culture & History of the Helsinki Cruise Port

Originally, Finland was part of Sweden, and stayed under Swedish rule for hundreds of years. During the Middle Ages and beyond, Helsinki slowly became known as a port and trade city. By 1812, Helsinki was named the capital of Finland, which attracted universities, arts institutions, and affluent benefactors who invested in the capital and began building many of its signature architectural marvels. Today, the population of Helsinki is over a half a million, and the city is growing. Locals primarily speak Finnish, but some speak Swedish. Many of the road signs are in Finnish, but luckily many locals know basic English and are more than happy to help out those visiting the city on a Helsinki cruise.

Helsinki Port Facilities & Location

There are two harbors where cruise ships dock. Larger Helsinki cruise ships will arrive at West Harbor, either at Melkki Quay or Katajanokka Quay, where you’ll find ATMs, a currency exchange counter, trolley stops, and areas to hail a taxi from. Free wifi is offered within the city center of Helsinki.

Transportation in Helsinki

There’s pretty much every form of transportation imaginable in Helsinki, whether you want to tackle the city center on your own two feet, rent bicycles to go off-the-beaten path, or hop in a taxi. Make sure your taxi driver turns on the meter to ensure you get the proper fare. There are hop-on/hop off tour buses catering specifically to cruise passengers and travelers, so keep an eye out for those as well. The city is walkable once you arrive in downtown, and there are a couple of shuttle buses that can bring you back to the West Harbor as needed.

Shopping Near the Helsinki Cruise Port

There’s more shopping at the smaller cruise port at South Harbor than West Harbor, particularly boutiques that are focused on Finnish design. Close to the center of town, Kamppi Shopping Mall has over 100 shops and dozens of restaurants where you can sample traditional Finnish foods. Near the cruise port at the iconic Market Square, you’ll find standard souvenirs and trinkets to take home.

Local Currency & Tipping Customs

The official currency used in Finland is the euro, and you’ll find that credit and debit cards are generally accepted most places when you arrive on a Helsinki cruise. Tipping isn’t a big thing in Finland, and most restaurants include a service charge on your bill.

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Cruises on the Baltic Sea

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Cruises on the Archipelago Sea

Cruise the Archipelago Sea on the brand-new ships . A quality dining scene , a luxurious spa , and plenty of shopping opportunities will keep you entertained while you enjoy the enchanting archipelago view.

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• Ferry trips Kapellskär–Naantali–Kapellskär or v.v.
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• Return to Kapellskär the next day 06:15 or 18:35/17:45

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Cruises from Germany to Helsinki

The ferry trip from Travemünde, Germany to Helsinki, Finland takes about 30 hours. On board, you’ll experience a real sea voyage on the waves of the Baltic Sea and many delicious buffet meals.

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Things to see and do in Helsinki

Would you like to experience the Finnish sauna culture and dip yourself in the Baltic Sea at Allas Sea Pool? Or perhaps visit the Unesco World Heritage site Suomenlinna Sea Fortress?

Explore myhelsinki.fi and find out more things to do and see in Helsinki for one day.

For the time being, it is only possible to travel without your vehicle on the Naantali-Långnäs-Kapellskär cruises. However, it is possible to travel with your vehicle on the Helsinki-Travemünde cruises.

Check-in for your cruise is done at the harbour terminal, either at a Finnlines service point or at a check-in machine.

On arrival at Långnäs, go to the information desk on deck 11 for the changing of ships. From the information desk, proceed via the car deck along the passenger bridge to the Långnäs terminal (250 metres walk). After about 20 minutes, walk back for the returning ship along the same route.

Cruise passengers can’t disembark when the ship stops in other harbours during an overnight cruise.

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Helsinki, Finland

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Admire the city's stunning modern architecture, visit its lovely parks and bustling open-air market. Take a harbor cruise past forests, beaches, villas and a ruined Suomenlinna fortress that spans five islands. Or visit historic, colorful Porvoo, Finland's second oldest town.

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Nordic Cruises | Your Northern Tour Operator

Travel scandinavia and visit stockholm, helsinki and tallinn with nordic cruises, northern europe, scandinavian and baltic region tour operator.

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The Nordic Cruises make it easy for you to visit the most spectacular sites in North Europe, Scandinavia, and the Baltic region.

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Baltic cruises 2024, norwegian fjords, winter lapland tours, summer lapland tours.

Together, we’ll explore the coastal islands, medieval towns, museums and palaces of Sweden . We’ll cross over the massive network of bridges in Stockholm, the capital city.

In Norway , another Scandinavian country, we’ll expose you to the striking beauty of fjords and glaciers. You can ski, fish or hike, as well as investigate antiques of maritime history at Oslo’s Viking Ship Museum.

During your stay in Finland , we’ll show you Helsinki, situated along the shores of the Baltic Sea. 

In addition to glorious nature, there are many famed museums and the Design District.

Journey with us to Lapland in northern Finland, home to subarctic wilds, ski slopes, the Sami people, and the Northern Lights – the most fabulous natural art exhibit in the world.

Estonia displays a wonderfully diverse landscape composed of rocky islands, ancient forests and rippling lakes. Castles, fortresses, and churches can be visited throughout this country, with many impressive examples in the Old Town of Tallinn, the capital city.

Nordic Cruises | Finnish Tour Operator

Located: Fredrikinkatu, 61, 00100 Helsinki, Finland

Destination Management Company for: Finland Sweden Norway Estonia

Oasis of the Seas

Oasis of the Seas is the lead ship in the Oasis Class. It was constructed by MEYER TURKU in Finland and delivered to Royal Caribbean in October 2009. The luxury liner is still considered one of the largest cruise ships in the world alongside its sister ship, Allure of the Seas.

When Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas were completed, they became the largest and most expensive cruise ships ever built, measuring around 360 metres in length, rising 16 decks into the skies and accommodating almost 6,300 passengers. Apart from their impressive size, the ocean liners also stood out with a huge selection of highlights, such as the Royal Promenade for expansive shopping experiences, an ice rink, three-dimensional climbing walls and a zip wire. They also feature the “Flowrider” surfing simulator and a water park designed in the style of a beach. The luxury liners in the Oasis Class also became the first ever cruise ships with an on-board carousel and park – the “Central Park” on the top deck even features real plants and trees.

The Oasis Class was followed by the Quantum Class, which was constructed by MEYER WERFT in Papenburg from 2014 onwards.

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Cruise to Vaasa (Vasa)

Our focus is on exploring the world aboard different types of custom-built yachts with comfortable accommodations to 6-star exclusivity, where all the amenities of a luxury hotel can be found are. We work with selected cruise partners who are constantly looking for new itineraries of great interest and beauty. With their limited number of ships, they always discover unique and exciting places.

Visit Vaasa (Vasa) in Finland with a boutique cruise from Yacht Cruise Company.

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A company is turning former cruise ships into floating hotels — see inside its largest 'floatel'

• Bridgemans ServicesGroup operates a fleet of former cruise ships turned into hotels. 
• Its "floatels" are designed to house workers during long-term projects.
• See its largest 652-cabin floatel with a game room and buffet.

Some old and unwanted cruise ships meet their demise at ship-breaking yards , where they are disassembled and sold for scrap.

Other vessels find a more fortunate fate, receiving a second chance to do what they already do best: serve as floating hotels.

Canada-based Bridgemans Services Group buys and charters former cruise ships to turn into "floatels," outfitted with standard cruise amenities like daily housekeeping, buffets, and relaxing lounges.

But the ships aren't designed to transport tourists from one destination to another anymore. Instead, companies turn to Bridgeman when they need to house workers for a long-term project, whether it be the construction of an offshore wind farm in Europe or the shooting of a major film in a remote destination.

Floatels can accommodate workers in remote destinations where hotels might not be an option.

In more metropolitan areas, Bridgemans says its ships could lessen the stress an inundation of workers might have on the local housing market.

And once they are no longer needed, the vessels depart and "leave no trace behind," the company said.

Over the last decade, Bridgemans has deployed its ships for 15 projects on every continent, Brian Grange, the company's president, told Business Insider.

Grange said that its deployments — most often for liquified natural gas companies — last for an average of two years.

In the past, it has also provided accommodations for MSC Cruises at its Ocean Cay private island and housing for more than 1,000 workers in the Philippines' on a project for the Manila International Airport during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The company's three ships range from 150 to 652 cabins.

The floatel operator acquired its largest ship, the 561-foot-long MV Isabelle X, in 2023.

In its past life, the 35-year-old vessel sailed around the Baltic Sea as one of Estonia-based Tallink Gruipp's cruise ships.

But gone are its days of leisurely cruising. The 35,000 gross-ton ship is now on its first deployment in Howe Sound, just north of Vancouver, where it's housing more than 600 workers who are building Woodfibre LNG's "net zero" LNG export facility.

Isabelle X underwent a six-month retrofit before it was sent to Howe Sound.

The process included updating the ship's cabins and adding amenities like a game room and an 8,000-square-foot gym.

The latter two are especially important: "We need to make sure we delineate between work and home," Grange told BI. "We have to create a social environment on board these vessels that makes it attractive for workforces around the world."

During their free time, workers can play billiards, relax in the outdoor lounge, or use the ship’s WiFi to catch up on social media.

The sports lounge has large television screens, while the games lounge has darts, ping pong tables, and air hockey.

The 'quiet lounges' are the go-to space for people who need to unwind after a long work day.

Or, they could recharge and catch up on the latest shows in their cabins, which all come with desks, storage, and 32-inch televisions.

Like a typical cruise ship, Bridgemans' vessels have buffets with live cooking stations, a dessert bar, and the occasional themed night.

The ships' chefs tailor their menus to the demographic and dietary restrictions of the workers on board, the company's president told BI.

Residents can expect at least four protein options, plenty of veggies, and handmade bread and desserts.

Unlike most cruise lines, Bridgemans can pre-purchase all the food it needs before deployment.

Grange says this allows the ships to maintain food quality and consistency in remote locations.

Remember that deployment in the Philippines during COVID-19? He said the ship had packed almost 800 tons of food ahead of the project.

He wouldn’t disclose the cost to rent one of Bridgemans’ floatels.

But he did note that the cost of a cabin on the Woodfibre LNG project in Howe Sound is comparable to a hotel room in nearby Vancouver, as is the case with most of its projects near major cities.

The company’s most recent acquisition, the 150-cabin Diamond XI, is currently being retrofitted and would be ready for deployment this year.

According to the company's president, the vessel is small and high-end, likely to be used for sporting events and movie shoots.

It could also be the start of a greater expansion: He hopes to add two or three more vessels to its fleet in the next five years.

"The world has opened up to this as a valued alternative to housing," Grange told BI.

Who knows, the next time you see a cruise ship off the coast, there's a slim but possible chance it could be housing workers — not vacationers.

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P&O Cruises' Britannia sets sail after extensive refurbishment

P&O Cruises UK 's flagship Britannia left from Southampton on April 21st following an extensive multimillion drydock refurbishment .

The company recently announced that Britannia will be featured in its travel agent ship visit schedule, offering 3 opportunities for visits.

Completed earlier this month, the refurb prepares the vessel for its upcoming 10th-anniversary celebration cruise on June 6, 2025.

The upgrades encompass various areas of the ship, including public spaces, all staterooms, as well as an extension of the loyalty desk and cruise sales area. Additionally, enhancements have been made to the Market Cafe, and a substantial investment has been allocated for crew areas. The children's splash area has been revamped with interactive water features. Furthermore, the capacity of the Sunset Bar has been increased with extra seating, incorporating design elements from P&O UK's newest ships ( Iona and Arvia ).

Paul Ludlow (the company's President and CEO) said Britannia was their flagship, and with her 10th anniversary celebration cruise next summer they knew the importance of ensuring the vessel looked "its absolute best to deliver an elevated experience" for their new and loyal guests.

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Port Cruise Representative, DCL, Bench (Port Canaveral, FL) Part Time

Job summary:, responsibilities:.

• Deliver a flawless experience for all of our Guests to ensure the experience supports the Five Keys- Safety, Courtesy, Inclusion, Show and Efficiency
• Ability to work with minimal direction, proactively engaging and interacting with Guests to answer questions, give directions and other information
• Perform efficient automated check-in functions on tablets and/or handheld devices
• Maintain strong observation skills with high level of detail
• Prolong standing and walking to various areas of the terminal to perform and maintain crowd control during peak operational hours in both indoor and outdoor settings during different weather conditions
• Comfortable speaking in front of large groups or audiences
• Provide Guest Service and help find solutions when challenges arise with Guests and Cast Members
• Perform multiple tasks simultaneously
• Cast Members may be required to handle cleaning chemicals and supplies

Basic Qualifications:

• Knowledge of Disney Cruise Line and Walt Disney World products
• Navigate between multiple and concurrent computer applications
• Computer and technical proficiency
• Physical role requiring heavy lifting up to 40-50 lbs, pushing, pulling, bending, twisting, and kneeling. This would include using a broom/mop
• Verbal and interpersonal communication skills
• Full Availability including nights, early mornings, weekends and holidays

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous Cruise Line experience
• Hotel Guest Service Experience

Additional Information:

Disability accommodation for employment applications, about disney cruise line:.

A leader in the cruise industry, Disney Cruise Line provides a setting where families can reconnect, adults can recharge and children can experience all the magic that Disney has to offer. Guests can sail out of ports around the world on exciting itineraries to the Caribbean, Bahamas, Alaska and Europe, among others. Aboard the fleet of five ships – the Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy and Disney Wish – and Disney’s private island paradise in the Bahamas - Castaway Cay, crew members provide guests with unparalleled service, enchanting storytelling and immersive family entertainment that only Disney can deliver.

About The Walt Disney Company:

The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.

This position is with Magical Cruise Company, Limited , which is part of a business we call Disney Cruise Line .

Magical Cruise Company, Limited is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Disney fosters a business culture where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a rapidly changing world.

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Ford's Blue Cruise system is under investigation after fatal Mustang crashes

It's the third inquiry launched by u.s. safety regulators into the technology in recent months.

U.S. auto safety regulators have launched a new investigation into Ford Motor Co’s driver assistance technology after two electric Mustang SUVs crashed into stationary cars, resulting in at least two deaths.

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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said it would investigate the Detroit carmaker’s BlueCruise , a partially automated driver assistance software included in Ford’s Co-Pilot 360 Active package. BlueCruise, which was introduced in 2021, is only available on certain roadways and ensures drivers are paying attention to the road using cameras.

The NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation said it received two complaints of Mustang Mach-E vehicles colliding with stationary cars while BlueCruise was enabled. Regulators were able to verify that the technology was enabled in both vehicles directly prior to the crashes. Both collisions occurred during the night and each resulted in at least one fatality, regulators said.

The NHTSA has opened a preliminary investigation to evaluate BlueCruise’s driving and driver monitoring capabilities. About 130,000 2021-2024 model year Mustang Mach-E vehicles are equipped with the technology, according to the NHTSA’s report.

The investigation comes weeks after the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) opened an inquiry into a March 3 crash in Philadelphia in which two cars that were standing still on I-95 were struck from behind by a Mustang Mach-E. The NTSB has also opened an inquiry into a fatal crash in which a Mustang Mach-E drove into the back of a stationary Honda CR-V in San Antonio, Texas.

“We are working with NHTSA to support its investigation,” a Ford spokesperson said.

The NHTSA also recently opened a new inquiry into Tesla’s Autopilot , another driver assistance system, after ending a nearly three-year investigation. The regulator is probing the Austin, Texas-based company’s recall of more than 2 million electric vehicles — which make up nearly all of Tesla’s vehicles on the road in the U.S. — in December. The regulator said it had identified concerns with the software fix issued to those vehicles.

The NHTSA said Autopilot didn’t sufficiently require driver’s attention, even as it made drivers more confident. At least 13 crashes investigated by the NHTSA involved one or more deaths and “many more” serious injuries. The regulators added that “foreseeable driver misuse of the system played an apparent role” in those incidents.

The new Tesla recall investigation covers model years 2012 through 2024 Model Y, X, S, 3 and Cybertruck EVs in the U.S. equipped with Autopilot. Tesla last week recalled 3,878 Cybertruck electric pickups over faulty accelerators.

Both Ford’s BlueCruise and Tesla’s Autopilot flunked the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety safety tests for driver assistance systems earlier this year. Both systems — in addition to Ford’s Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go and Lane Centering Assist and Tesla’s Full Self-Driving — earned “poor” scores from the auto safety nonprofit.

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Cruising the Moskva River: A short guide to boat trips in Russia’s capital

There’s hardly a better way to absorb Moscow’s atmosphere than on a ship sailing up and down the Moskva River. While complicated ticketing, loud music and chilling winds might dampen the anticipated fun, this checklist will help you to enjoy the scenic views and not fall into common tourist traps.

How to find the right boat?

There are plenty of boats and selecting the right one might be challenging. The size of the boat should be your main criteria.

Plenty of small boats cruise the Moskva River, and the most vivid one is this yellow Lay’s-branded boat. Everyone who has ever visited Moscow probably has seen it.

This option might leave a passenger disembarking partially deaf as the merciless Russian pop music blasts onboard. A free spirit, however, will find partying on such a vessel to be an unforgettable and authentic experience that’s almost a metaphor for life in modern Russia: too loud, and sometimes too welcoming. Tickets start at $13 (800 rubles) per person.

Bigger boats offer smoother sailing and tend to attract foreign visitors because of their distinct Soviet aura. Indeed, many of the older vessels must have seen better days. They are still afloat, however, and getting aboard is a unique ‘cultural’ experience. Sometimes the crew might offer lunch or dinner to passengers, but this option must be purchased with the ticket. Here is one such  option  offering dinner for $24 (1,490 rubles).

If you want to travel in style, consider Flotilla Radisson. These large, modern vessels are quite posh, with a cozy restaurant and an attentive crew at your service. Even though the selection of wines and food is modest, these vessels are still much better than other boats.

Surprisingly, the luxurious boats are priced rather modestly, and a single ticket goes for $17-$32 (1,100-2,000 rubles); also expect a reasonable restaurant bill on top.

How to buy tickets?

Women holding photos of ships promise huge discounts to “the young and beautiful,” and give personal invitations for river tours. They sound and look nice, but there’s a small catch: their ticket prices are usually more than those purchased online.

“We bought tickets from street hawkers for 900 rubles each, only to later discover that the other passengers bought their tickets twice as cheap!”  wrote  (in Russian) a disappointed Rostislav on a travel company website.

Nevertheless, buying from street hawkers has one considerable advantage: they personally escort you to the vessel so that you don’t waste time looking for the boat on your own.

Prices start at $13 (800 rubles) for one ride, and for an additional $6.5 (400 rubles) you can purchase an unlimited number of tours on the same boat on any given day.

Flotilla Radisson has official ticket offices at Gorky Park and Hotel Ukraine, but they’re often sold out.

Buying online is an option that might save some cash. Websites such as  this   offer considerable discounts for tickets sold online. On a busy Friday night an online purchase might be the only chance to get a ticket on a Flotilla Radisson boat.

This  website  (in Russian) offers multiple options for short river cruises in and around the city center, including offbeat options such as ‘disco cruises’ and ‘children cruises.’ This other  website  sells tickets online, but doesn’t have an English version. The interface is intuitive, however.

Buying tickets online has its bad points, however. The most common is confusing which pier you should go to and missing your river tour.

“I once bought tickets online to save with the discount that the website offered,” said Igor Shvarkin from Moscow. “The pier was initially marked as ‘Park Kultury,’ but when I arrived it wasn’t easy to find my boat because there were too many there. My guests had to walk a considerable distance before I finally found the vessel that accepted my tickets purchased online,” said the man.

There are two main boarding piers in the city center:  Hotel Ukraine  and  Park Kultury . Always take note of your particular berth when buying tickets online.

Where to sit onboard?

Even on a warm day, the headwind might be chilly for passengers on deck. Make sure you have warm clothes, or that the crew has blankets ready upon request.

The glass-encased hold makes the tour much more comfortable, but not at the expense of having an enjoyable experience.

Getting off the boat requires preparation as well. Ideally, you should be able to disembark on any pier along the way. In reality, passengers never know where the boat’s captain will make the next stop. Street hawkers often tell passengers in advance where they’ll be able to disembark. If you buy tickets online then you’ll have to research it yourself.

There’s a chance that the captain won’t make any stops at all and will take you back to where the tour began, which is the case with Flotilla Radisson. The safest option is to automatically expect that you’ll return to the pier where you started.

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