In particular, the Intendant is responsible for passenger services-related areas. Märtin has participated in the design of the new Megastar vessel, providing feedback on the Superstar design solutions and offering ideas on how to make the Megastar even better.
A Tour of the Vessel
A tour in the company of the Intendant is a marvellous experience. We climb from the Superstar’s engine room to the bridge. Everyone here knows Üllar. In the crew area, corridors are simplified and maze-like. Alone, I would probably be lost, since unlike passenger corridors, there are no signs.
Nevertheless, the tour proves that a lot of attention is paid to the safety of passengers and employees alike.
There is Magic in the Air
The fast shuttle ferries of Tallink only stay at the port for about an hour. In that time, the passengers and vehicles are unloaded – and loaded again. At the same time, the vessel is refuelled, store stocks are replenished, laundry and garbage unloaded, etc.
– The car deck operation while in port has been thought through very carefully indeed, in order to keep up with the schedule. If all employees know their procedures and tasks, you can follow the schedule minute-by-minute.
Many Kinds of Passengers
Tallink annually transports some 4,700,000 passengers between Helsinki and Tallinn. This number includes businesspersons, students, shoppers, fun-lovers, holidaymakers, and conference participants.
We try to take into account all target groups. The feeling on board the vessel on weekday mornings is very different from that on weekend nights. We have a variety of cabins for those who want to make sure their trip is peaceful. There are also many different conference and lounge room options. We have all kinds of restaurants, from a la carte to fast food and cafes, Märtin says.
Shopping is an Essential Part of Even the Shortest Cruises
The areas and product ranges of on-board stores have increased considerably. In addition to the traditional alcoholic products, cosmetics, sweets, foodstuffs, and souvenirs, the range of fashion products and other luxury goods is being extended as well.
We have diversified our range increasingly more in the direction of airport shopping. We offer high-quality products and brands not necessarily available ashore, Märtin says.
During the interview, Mr. Märtin picks up some trash he noticed on the floor. He has the magnificent ability of being present in the situation while keeping the senses open for what is going on around him. Until a colleague whispers something in his ear. Üllar Märtin politely excuses and tells that he needs to leave. Duty calls, but we agree to return to the matter later, in particular with regard to the future Megastar.
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